Programme Policy Officer (School Health and Nutrition Specialist)

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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 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

These jobs are found in Headquarters (HQ), Regional Bureaux (RBs) or Country Offices (COs) and job holders report to a more senior Programme Policy Officer. Job holders are likely to be working under the close support and guidance of a more experienced professional staff member receiving guidance and regular feedback on work performed. They are typically involved in programme or policy activities or similar nature and analytical work of limited complexity.

WFP has been supporting the Government of Nepal (GoN) to implement the school meals programme through food transfers since 1974 to improve education and nutritional outcomes in Nepal. In 2008 the GoN have scaled up the programme into 5 districts using its own resources through a cash transfer approach. Currently, the school meals programme is among the largest social safety net programs in Nepal, reaching almost 3.3 million school children enrolled in lower basic education all over the country.

As per the WFP Nepal current five years Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2019-2023 and new five years Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2024-2028, WFP Nepal will ensure that the targeted populations in food-insecure areas receive nutrition-sensitive, shock responsive and gender-transformative social services delivered through a strengthened national social protection framework. WFP’s School Feeding Strategy 2020–2030 emphasizes that WFP will change the way it works with governments, increasing the sustainability and institutionalization of its efforts through a better understanding of national priorities and challenges, and an approach to strengthening national systems and plans.

WFP received a grant from the McGovern Dole (McGD) International funds under the United States Department of Agriculture for the implementation of comprehensive school feeding programme in Nepal named “Food for Education and Child Nutrition Programme”. The Programme will be implemented in 3 districts viz Bajhang, Darchula and Bajura of Sudur Paschim Province over five years (2024-2028). Under this McGD cycle WFP will continue to support the Government in implementing a holistic education package consisting of food distribution through Local and Regional procurement (LRP), school health and nutrition and literacy activities. Additionally, capacity development for a smoothly transition from McGD to the government midday meals with a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach is planned.

JOB PURPOSE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

With the intent of strengthening the Federal, Provincial and Local Governments’ capacity to implement integrated school health and nutrition programs and transitioning to the midday meals programme at the graduation from McGovern-Dole assistance, WFP is seeking to fill the position of a Programme Policy Officer (School Health and Nutrition Specialist).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (School Health and Nutrition Specialist) Contract Type: Fixed Term (FT) Level: NOA Contract Duration:12 months (renewable) Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal Vacancy Number: 830555 Date of Publication: 29 Nov 2023 Deadline of Application: 12 Dec 2023

WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary plus a medical insurance (https://newgo.wfp.org/collection/medical-insurance-coverage-scheme-mics-cigna)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the leadership of Head of Programme and overall supervision and guidance of the Programme Policy Officer (School Meals Programme Manager), he/she will be responsible for the overall guidance and management of the School Health and Nutrition Component in alignment with the overall School Education Sector Plan (SESP) and the Activity 3 (School Meals) of the WFP Nepal’s Country Strategic Plan. Moreover, the incumbent will provide support to execute key activities of the technical and capacity strengthening support as per new national SHN Strategy and joint implementation Plan of Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST), Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP). Manage McGovern-Dole Program School Health and Nutrition and School Infrastructure activities;

• Contribute towards the overall guidance and supervision on all SHN and School Infrastructure related activities implemented by cooperating partner for the timely and professional management of their FLA;
• Provide support to Government in formulation of SHN related National /Sub National Plan, procedures, strategy, guidelines, packages;
• Ensure school infrastructure scheme designs are intact in close coordination with WFP engineering unit, cooperating partner and Local governments;
• Conduct periodic review of programme data to determine trends / gaps and inform relevant programme design and policy;
• Document best practices and prepare technical briefs and reports;
• Provide technical support for the Center of Education and Human Resource Development (CEHRD) in regular reporting, analysis, interpretation, sharing and use of program related data from Education Management Information System (EMIS) and other sources;
• Carry out trend analysis of the budget allocation at the federal government for ensuring sustainability of the SHN program in coordination/consultation with the MoEST
• Support Field Office to undertake negotiations with different actors in the provincial and local governments for smooth and timely implementation of the SHN and School Infrastructure activities;

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Strategic Engagement/Coordination:

• Represent WFP in different forums specifically in Government forums at appropriate levels, sharing information that enhance collaboration with Government agencies and build support for SHN activities;
• Support coordination with the relevant line ministries, WFP Field office, UN/bilateral/I/NGOs agencies on implementation and strategic direction of WFP’s role in enhancing SHN agenda at schools level;
• Contribute to establish strategic and effective partnerships with NGOs, donors and government agencies and advocate for national scale up of SHN programme in line with SESP;

Country Office Support:

• Contribute as programmatic focal point to provide technical support to the WFP M&E unit in conducting baselines, midlines, periodic surveys and final evaluation activities as per the need;
• Support supervisor to track budget implementation and expenditure plan by tracking regular budget versus expenses as per agreed annual Field Level Agreement (FLA);
• Support the implementation of WFP Nepal country strategic plan by ensuring cross cutting efforts such as gender and diversity inclusion, protection and accountability, nutrition integration and linkages with other activities into all aspects of work;
• Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Education, Public Health, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

• At least one year of post graduate professional experience in implementing technical programs (i.e. School WASH, School Health and Nutrition, School Meals, nutrition, etc.);
• More years of experience working directly with government on policies and programmes on school health and nutrition is desirable;
• Has experience working in partnership with UN, NGOs, government and civil society;
• Has provided input into policy discussions and decisions;
• Has gained experience in implementing technical programs (i.e. nutrition, etc.).
• Has implemented programmes and provided input into designing operations.

Languages: Excellent written and spoken English and Nepali.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Has expertise in school health and nutrition programme design, operations and policies;
• Has strong knowledge in child development and education desirable;
• Has strong analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Highly organized and professional;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to analyse and consolidate quantitative and qualitative information from different sources to inform programme strategies and development;

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Leads by example with Integrity Drives results and Delivers on commitments Fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork. Applies strategic thinking Builds and maintains 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.

Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:

It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to [email protected]. A member of the HR team responsible for reasonable accommodation will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.

This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements and not for sending the application itself. Due to the volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.

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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.