Programme Policy Officer (Head of Enabling Unit) NOA - Baghdad, Iraq

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve zero hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women, children and people with disabilities, can access the nutritious food they need. For more information, see wfp.org/countries/iraq and ar.wfp.org/countries/iraq.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Under the supervision of the Head of programme, in coordination with the Activity Managers, the head of Enabling Unit will lead the programme services related to Cash Based Transfers (CBT), programme partnerships and budget including the administrative components of the programme cycle management according to WFP procedures.

JOB PURPOSE

The purpose of this role is to lead the programme support services to implement programmes in an effective and efficient manner, so that we can better serve those in need.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

1. Lead the Enabling Unit on CBT/Partnerships/COMET and programme budget related tasks. Manage, supervision and report the ongoing commitments on CBT, programme partnerships, and COMET related activities. Design operations by being inspired by the principle of cost-efficiency and effectiveness and consider innovative approaches such as integration of market interventions, financial inclusion, and link of delivery systems to existing and effective ones owned by local private sector or governments (Social Safety Nets/Social Protection Mechanisms to boost sustainability. Proactively identify and design transfer modalities to reach the most appropriate choice for a defined context.
2. Lead the formulation and implementation of WFP’s CBT (Cash-Based Transfers) and programme partnership strategies in line with the organisational strategy, WFP-wide programme policies and context, translate the strategy and WFP-wide programme policies into Country level practices.
3. Highlight strategic opportunities and issues to the Head of Programme, propose options for the best course of action to nurture trust and interest in the work of WFP; Gather and share partner intelligence (including forecasting), using key information systems.
4. Extend support on CBT/programme partnership, in line with corporate norms, processes and legal agreements, on quality proposal and report writing by engaging with other WFP entities and external stakeholders.
5. Facilitate programme partnerships growth, by exploring opportunities to expand existing partnerships and scope of new partners, guided by assessments, analysis, and due diligence; Present recommendations to senior management and ensure follow-up.
6. In coordination with activity managers and External Relations Unit, contribute to the preparation of partnership proposals, strategic agreements, joint strategies and/or MOU (or similar), taking into account corporate norms, processes and external regulations; Ensure quality control of content by engaging with relevant functional units, HQs, RBs and COs.
7. Use socio-political insights to support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis national governments, regional and international institutions with the aim to influence the policy agenda.
8. Consolidate inputs from other WFP entities that contribute to inter-governmental/inter-agency work to ensure that WFP positions are properly explained and considered in decision making.
9. Coordinate FLA managing and exchanges with CPs on operational agreements. Maintain close contact with key partners and advise on opportunities for strategic collaboration.
10. Coordinate and supervision the updating of WFP software for project implementation, such as COMET, MODA and SCOPE with regards to programme operations and liaise with relevant support units.
11. Coordinate and manage the CBT and Partnerships/COMET teams at Country Office level and providing coaching, training, and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
12. Represent WFP in external CBT and Partnerships coordination groups to ensure a closer coordination with other UN agencies and donors.
13. In coordination with RAM unit, support the project monitoring and reporting phases, identify lessons learnt and contribute for a better future planning.
14. Assure qualitative performance by defining specific risks and mitigation actions for every programme operation.
15. Take responsibility for incorporating gender in all areas of work, for inclusive, participatory, and equitable programming that delivers gender equality results.
16. Contribute to preparedness actions, providing technical recommendations and guidance; Monitor defined risks and make recommendations how to manage these effectively.
17. Undertake other assigned tasks, as required.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Leads by Example with Integrity

• Demonstrates and encourages others to uphold the WFP values, principles and standards.
• Values diversity using respectful and inclusive language and encourages others to do the same.
• Stays focused and calm when under pressure, encourages others to do the same, and offers guidance and support to manage difficult situations.
• Demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn and share knowledge, frequently seeking and acting on feedback, and pursuing opportunities to develop.

Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments

• Identifies and aligns objectives to the required outcomes, holding self and/or others accountable for the delivery of results for maximum impact.
• Delegates responsibly and provides appropriate support empowering others to deliver results.
• Responds readily to change in different contexts and adapts accordingly.

Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative

• Promotes inclusive teamwork and psychological safety by encouraging colleagues to collaborate by sharing ideas and openly raising issues.
• Supports development for others by giving timely and constructive feedback.
• Seeks out, trusts and listens attentively to diverse views to capture, learn, build and share new perspectives.

Applies Strategic Thinking

• Communicates and fulfils WFP’s vision and operational outcomes to deliver meaningful solutions.
• Demonstrates curiosity, designs and implements new ways of doing things when relevant.
• Gathers data and different perspectives, shares knowledge and uses evidence to inform decision making.
• Implements decisions, considering the risks and implications of actions for teams, projects and other initiatives.

Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships

• Initiates and builds partnerships by identifying and promoting opportunities for mutual areas of interest and benefit.
• Collaborates with partners to deliver common objectives by sharing information and cocreating innovative solutions with beneficiaries when appropriate.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

Capability Name Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level Programme Lifecycle & Food Assistance Demonstrates ability to identify key variables and contextual factors that affect food assistance problems and programmes throughout the lifecycle to inform quality programme design or re-design. Transfer Modalities (Food, Cash, Voucher) Demonstrates ability to analyse and consolidate quantitative and qualitative information from different sources (e.g., market studies) to inform transfer modality selection and programme development. Broad Knowledge of Specialized areas (i.e. Nutrition, VAM, etc.) Demonstrates the ability to interpret basic data in the context of WFP specialised fields to contribute to technical programme design, implementation and monitoring. Emergency Programming Displays capacity to provide inputs into the development, implementation and realignment of high quality emergency programmes. Strategic Policy Engagement w/ Government Develops thorough recommendations using multiple inputs (e.g., government counsel, research, own experience) to strengthen national or subnational entities and government owned food and nutrition security programmes.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master’s degree in political science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or first University Degree with additional years of post-graduation relevant experience in one of the aforementioned fields.

Experience

• A minimum of three (3) years of post-graduation and relevant work experience with progressive responsibility and active engagement with high-level counterparts in host governments, development partners, donor governments, civil society, private sector, and the United Nations (UN).

Languages

• Fluency in English and Arabic, both oral and written, is required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has deepened technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams.
• Has taken leadership of implementing capacity strengthening programmes.
• Has provided input into policy discussions and formulation.
• Has strong analytical, writing and communication skills.
• Has high level diplomacy skills and experience working with government.
• Has knowledge of UN system policies and functions pertaining to programme management of food assistance activities.
• Has strong capacity in establishing and sustaining relationships with diverse stakeholders.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Head of Enabling Unit) Grade: NOA Contract: Fixed Term Duty Station: Baghdad, Iraq Duration of contract: 12 months, with possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance Salary: Starting at USD 57,959.00 gross per annum Medical Plan: International valid medical plan for the staff member, spouse, and dependent children Annual leave: 30 working days per annum

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications close on 26 December 2023

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.