Programme Policy Officer (Special Projects)

External/Internal Vacancy Announcement

No. WFP/GHA/PROG/ACC/November/2023

Programme Policy Officer-Special Projects

Deadline for Application: 10 days from day of publication

The Office of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Accra invites applications from suitable candidates to fill the vacancy below.

Job Title : Programme Policy Officer- Special Projects

Duration : 12 Months (with a possibility of extension)

Post Grade : SC 8

Duty Station : Accra

ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT:

These jobs are found in Regional Bureaux (RBs), Country Offices (COs), Area/Field Offices (AOs/FOs). The job holders typically report to a Programme Policy Officer or Head of Field Office. At this level, job holders are responsible for technical work including the planning, implementation and co-ordination of activities that require thorough understanding of programme/project context, issues and ability to apply a range of guidelines/practices. They independently handle a wide range of specialized programme or policy support activities and may be involved in analytical work. Work performed typically has a substantial impact affecting other parts of the programme. Job holders demonstrate initiative in the identification and resolution of a wide range of issues/problems, and effectively handle unforeseen situations. They may act as technical focal points in the area of vulnerability assessment and analysis. Job holders set objectives, resolve wide-ranging issues and unforeseen problems, supervise and coach a team of support staff within an area of responsibility

JOB PURPOSE:

The incumbent will provide support to the Country Director in the development and roll-out of special innovative solutions and strategies, in coordination with technical units and activity managers.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Programme Policy Officer will be responsible for the following duties.

1. Formulate substantial parts of WFP-wide programme initiatives in line with country office strategy and the practical realities of operating in the field so as to demonstrate alignment between Country office and field operations.
2. Under the guidance of the Country Director, support the development and roll-out of country office initiatives, in coordination with Head of Programme/DCD, activity managers and sub offices.
3. Maintain up to date on lessons learned, evaluations, programme, studies and research from the region and elsewhere - and support dissemination of lessons/recommendations/best practices,
4. Provide technical advice or mobilise technical expertise, on a wide range of programme and policy issues including assessment and analysis, the choice of objectives, activities, transfer modalities and appropriate food products, the deployment and testing of innovative approaches

and the development of strategies to support government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.

5. Develop operational partnerships and maintain established strategic partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance packages and support advocacy work.
6. Enhance WFP’s leadership status in different forums on subjects related to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience, engagement in humanitarian, transition and development contexts and other related issues through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials.
7. Manage or oversee operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to Ghana CSP2.0.
8. Participate in field missions related to joint and integrated programming, research work, follow-up of complementary interventions and advocacy efforts.
9. Assist CO in developing specific WFP focused or joint research agendas linked to specific evidence-building demands from donors or partners. Such agendas would require identification of suitable institutions with CO staff, and with specific partners. The research areas of interest may include, albeit not exclusively, aspects such as social cohesion, youth and women empowerment, tenure aspects and land stewardship, reduction of hardships, etc.
10. Support Country Office in managing the preparation of documents, communication, strategic papers, and synthesis reports as required, etc.
11. Support Country Office in organizing meetings and/or materials (including talking points) required for relevant events.
12. Coordinate inputs and develop presentations for senior management ahead of high-level conferences, Executive Board and operational briefings,
13. Support CO external communications on high-profile interventions in coordination with reports, Donor Relations and Public Information Units (including review/development of external reports, high level strategic briefs, and talking points),
14. Provide support to Country Director in development of strategic papers and letters as required,
15. Provide support during travel missions with the Country Director through effective summary of meetings key points, actions to be taken and feedback to relevant internal stakeholders incl. Heads of Unit (HOUs).

Minimum Academic Qualifications

Master’s degree or higher degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Development and Social Science, Food Security, Nutrition, Agriculture, or other relevant disciplines.

Desired Experiences for entry into the role:

1. A minimum of six years or more years of relevant work experience in International Development, Rural Development, Social Protection, and Food Security and Nutrition.
2. Exposure to and experience with food security, nutrition programmes and safety nets desirable.
3. Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to risks and vulnerabilities, fragility, resilience related issues.
4. Knowledge of good and best practices related to coordination, management, and administration.

Knowledge and Skill:

1. Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement, tact, negotiating skills.
2. Ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds.
3. Ability to cope with situations which may threaten health or safety; flexibility in accepting field work missions/assignments outside normal desk description.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language both written and oral.

How to apply:

Applicants should submit their applications and CV stating 3 references online to: www1.wfp.org/careers/job.openings and follow the steps.

Qualified Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

People living with disability are also encouraged to apply

Only shortlisted candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.

Note:

1. 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.
2. WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
3. 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.