Programme Policy Officer (Nature Based Solutions), Service Contract-L9, New Delhi

WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.

VACANCY DETAILS

Job Title: Programme Policy Officer (Nature Based Solutions)

Grade: Level 9

Type of Contract: Service Contract

Duration: 1 Year (with possible renewable)

Reporting To: Head of Unit

Duty Station: New Delhi

Date of Publication: 14 December 2023

Deadline of Application: 28 December 2023

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This vacancy is open to Indian National only This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted A Written test will be used for Screening Candidates Only recommended candidates will be retained on roaster for a period of two years and may be considered for similar positions from roaster The Base Salary for this position is INR 1,84,195/- per month + 8.33% of Base Salary towards Social Security also employee will be covered with medical benefits as per WFP 's Plan. All Tax liability for payments from this contract are to be borne by the subscriber.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Programme Policy Officer (Nature Based Solutions) will support WFP operations under CSP Outcome 4 in partnering with national and state government departments to support development and promotion of climate resilient agriculture strategies, nature-based solutions and development of climate resilient value chains for small holder farmers and marginalized communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit (Climate Change, Resilient Food Systems and DRR) and with overall supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical inputs and guidance to the initiatives under SO4 and implementation of Norway -WFP climate resilience project in Assam.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Not all inclusive)

As an integral part of the SO4 team, complimenting the capacities, the incumbent will perform following key functions:

Project Planning and Implementation

• Develop detailed project report. Co-ordinate, support and guide development of detailed project implementation plans in consultation with the internal team and with the respective stakeholders ensuring alignment with broader climate adaptation, resilience, NbS and gender inclusion approaches detailed in the projects
• Prepare bid documents for project procurements, and ToRs for experts/consultants working on the various aspects of the project and support the procurement and selection process.
• Be responsible for execution of project activities in accordance with the project implementation plans, and ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Monitor the Norway funded Assam project and other projects through establishing reporting mechanisms and conduct regular field visits
• Contribute to provide strategic recommendations and engage in knowledge sharing on field experiences and facilitate cross-sharing through various forums
• Liaise closely with the State Government of Assam and a range of Government partners and other stakeholders to build mechanisms of linkages with the existing schemes and ensure sustainability of the projects and results

Co-ordination and Partnerships

• Support the identification, development, strengthening and management of potential partnerships to collaborate with government and NGOs at state level to work in the areas of climate resilient agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate constitution of various Project implementation committees, and steering committees and organize their periodic meetings for facilitating coherent project implementation.
• Support constitution and organization Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting and ensure technical oversight to the project through regular consultation, preparation of guidelines and material.
• Liaise with various ministries to facilitate alignment and convergence of project activities with the key government schemes of line depts (Agriculture, IMD, Rural development, Rural Livelihoods Mission, Women and Child Development and Tribal affairs, Climate, water etc.) at state and national levels
• Identify partners for potential partnership and collaboration for project strategies such as Agriculture Universities, technology partners, financing institutions, IT solution providers, training partners through the Government schemes and others to support the project.
• Contribute to resource mobilization, developing proposals and programme for CRA/NbS projects in the country
• Support in organizing dissemination and advocacy events for cross-learning and sharing.

Technical Support and Capacity Strengthening

• Support development of technical program guides, training manuals and other resources for innovative approaches for climate resilient agriculture (CRA), value chains and pathways development, women empowerment, SHG livelihoods and resilient livelihoods. Undertake Training of Trainers.
• Based on evidence and latest research suggest most relevant climate resilient innovations, livelihoods solutions and best practices to inform the effectiveness of strategies
• Liaise with technical leads in WFP including gender lead and other technical expert/TAG to prepare strategies, plans for knowledge sharing, cross-learning, to increase effectiveness of the project.
• Support M&E team in undertaking necessary secondary and primary research and vulnerability studies and baseline and end-line assessments. Support conducting value chain assessment and market analysis for the project and analyze the results to ensure that alternate activities are consistent with the specific needs of the targeted households
• Support in the development and implementation of innovative CRA pilot activities with state government actors and encourage innovation and scale-up throughout the project lifecycle
• Evaluate environmental and social risks and effects throughout the project's life cycle, appropriate to the project's nature and size, as well as the possible risks and repercussions.

Project Management, Reporting and Communication

• Monitor the progress of project activities being implemented by the state Government, and implementing partners, provide feedback on their performance and coordinate with the project steering committees to take corrective measures as needed.
• Lead organization of workshops, trainings and technical consultations and ensure timely preparation of reports.
• Participate in programme review meetings under SO4 and support organization of regular project specific review meetings and support the project staff in performance management.
• Act as a representative of the project during review meetings, evaluations and in discussions and, hence, be responsible for preparation of minutes, drafts of review- technical, financial, and field investigation reports.
• Contribute to the periodic project reports in accordance with donor reporting requirements and quality standards of WFP.
• Supervise and support regular monitoring of project progress, the indicators, results and risks, including social and environmental risks, gender analysis included in the project results framework.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of awareness raising materials at the various levels in coordination with communication unit.
• Performing other duties as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (master's or higher level) in agriculture sciences, agricultural economics, agri-business, agronomy, climate sciences, environmental studies, environmental sciences, natural resource management, rural development, or closely related field from an institute of repute.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum 3 years of progressively responsible work experience with substantial experience in leading/implementing projects in climate resilient agriculture, community adaptation or Natural Resource Management projects with on ground implementation. In-depth understanding of Climate resilience and adaptive agriculture strategies, climate resilient cropping, agricultural and conservation practices, developing value chains, sustainable livelihood options and working at the national/ state level in partnership with the government/UN agency/INGO is required. Experience of working on rural financing, understanding community actions and providing training in the related field as well as working on climate change adaptation is desirable. Experience working in multi-stakeholder projects and gender inclusion is also desirable.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Excellent interpersonal skills required, including strong professional communication abilities.

• Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, civil society, academia and NGOs.

• An up-to date understanding climate issues and its impacts on agri-food systems, various relevant programmes, global frameworks and policies, climate adaptation and resilience strategies, potential use of renewable energy and other technological advances.
• Demonstrated understanding of food and nutrition security and learning ability and good knowledge about climate advisories & agriculture issues, and familiarity with government policies and data sets agriculture and climate.
• Knowledge of Global frameworks and updates in the field of climate change, sustainable agriculture and agronomic/agro-tech practices, and national priorities.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software analytical software.
• Knowledge of UN and the Government system would be an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of supply chain and food security, environment and climate resilience, livelihoods, gender and nutrition experts across India.
• Tact and diplomacy.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

• Solid technical capacity and relevant work experience
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of actors from government, private sector and civil society.
• Very strong communications skills, both in writing and speaking.
• Solid planning and problem-solving skills and action orientation.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage multiple tasks in an independent but consultative manner.
• Maturity, initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle any other additional tasks as requested by the supervisor.

LANGUAGE

Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi; ability to speak in Assamese or any other Indian Language is a plus.

WFP COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR: This is a Leading through others Level 2 role and following behaviours are expected:

• Leads by Example with Integrity
• Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments
• Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork
• Applies Strategic Thinking
• Builds & Maintain Sustainable Partnerships

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme 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 worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. WFP's policy on Climate Change commits it to preventing acute hunger and investing in climate action- at both government and community levels- aligned to the international frameworks including Paris Agreement and disaster risk reduction adopted in Sendai, Japan, in 2015.

WFP India's Country Strategic Plan (CSP, 2023-2027) outlines its commitments to contribute to the efforts of Indian government in achieving their targets under SDG 2 and connected SDGs 5, 13 and 17. WFP works with a variety of State and Central Ministries to take this agenda forward. Realizing India's growing willingness and potential to provide technical support in the area of building resilience for sustainable food and nutrition security, CSP’ Strategic Outcome 4 (SO4) focuses on strengthening adaptive capacities, climate resilient food systems and livelihoods with following two main outputs:

• Stakeholders at national and state levels have strengthened capacities to address food security and nutrition issues in disaster and climate-response mechanisms.
• National climate response mechanisms are strengthened to improve community-level resilience and adaptation to natural shocks and other climate events.

PRIORITES UNDER SO4

WFP under SO4 has developed a portfolio with various projects on climate adaptation, resilient agriculture and livelihoods and nature based solutions. Key ongoing projects are being implemented with small-holder farmers in Odisha based on effective use of tailored climate services for guiding decisions on alternate farming and livelihoods and using solar based enterprise for improved incomes. There are upcoming projects which are approved and preparatory activities are ongoing. A regional project between India and Sri Lanka for improved resilience of small-holder farmers (ADAPT4R) supported by Adaptation Fund is planned to be implemented in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. Scale-up of projects in Odisha is also being planned and another resilience project in Odisha.

Recently, a project is approved for ‘Enhancing climate adaptation of vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions and gender-transformative approaches in Assam, India’ supported by the Government of Norway.

The overall long-term goal of this project is to enhance the adaptive capacities of small holder farmers, with focus on women, against the impact of climate change. This will be achieved through promotion of adaptive farming practices, diversified and resilient livelihoods and establishing convergent institutional mechanisms. These projects will develop a scalable model that can be contextualized and rolled out at multiple similar agro-ecological zones across the country as well as facilitate south-south learning.

WFP also supports the national level advocacy through its activities to promote climate resilient approaches and practices that positively impact the sustainability of food systems including millets.

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.