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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.
Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.
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.
VACANCY DETAILS
Type of Contract : Service Contract (SB-4)
Location : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Duration of Employment : Upto 31st December 2019 (Renewable)
Starting date of assignement : 1 July 2019
Reporting to : Head - Systems Reform Unit
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The World Food Programme (WFP), operating in India since 1963, aims to support the government’s food safety-nets by suggesting ways to improve their effectiveness in order to address high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity in the country. Over the past several years, WFP has been actively working on strengthening TPDS operations. In 2008, based on a diagnostic study, WFP in partnership with the Government of Odisha in Rayagada district of the state implemented a pilot project by. Based on the achievements and learnings of the project, in April 2012, WFP signed a MoU with the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, Government of India (DFPD) to conduct a study to identify the best practices in the TPDS throughout the country. This study was undertaken in several states and a comprehensive ‘Best Practice Model’ for end-to-end computerisation of the TPDS, was developed for sharing with state governments for potential implementation. The model recommends several approaches including process for beneficiary digitization supply chain automation, Fair Price Shop automation and Grievance redressal with a strong MIS. It advocates a reforms agenda including financial viability of FPS and other aspects of NFSO. This best practice model, developed based on the benchmarking, has been shared with Food Departments of all the states by DFPD as a useful model to adopt.
WFP is partnering with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to provide technical assistance on translating the best practices into actionable implementation strategies, provide the analytical support and facilitate cross learning and sharing of information.
JOB PURPOSE
The Programme Policy Officer (TPDS) will perform a strategic role in the Food and Civil Supplies Department in Lucknow by providing leadership on strategic, Food Security, cash-based transfers, ICT, project management and implementation related activities in line with the goals of NFSA. Key responsibilities include - providing core technical and project management inputs on implementation of TPDS reforms and coordination of all activities of WFP in Uttar Pradesh. The Programme Policy Officer (TPDS) would be responsible for providing ICT related inputs in the fields of database design/implementation, development and deployment of web applications, creation of technical requirements and supporting state wide rollouts.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director and under the technical supervision by Head of the Systems Reforms Unit, WFP New Delhi and in close coordination with Commissioner/Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Department (F&CS), Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Programme Policy Officer (TPDS) will be responsible to perform the following duties:
1. In close collaboration with the Secretary and the Commissioner, F&CS Department, he/she will provide inputs to the Technical Committee, e-Mission Team and Apex Committee on core technical and implementation related aspects regarding TPDS end-to-end computerization or Cash based transfers after consultation and approval from the WFP Head of System Reforms Unit :
- Contribute to the development of policies, guidelines, plans and budgets and manage the deployment of systems and solutions aligned with business needs and in accordance with global technical standards to ensure access to food in the state;
- Monitor and maintain ICT systems, solutions and networks, ensuring appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area network issues. Create Functional and technical requirements and Evaluate proposed technologies and specifications for their appropriateness/efficiency;
- Assist States/empanelled agencies in creation and review of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle (STLC);
- Creation and evaluation of RFPs, EoIs (Expression of Interest), Master Service Agreement (MSA), Work Orders, LoI (Letter of Intent) etc;
- Conduct inter-ministerial/stakeholder consultations with D/o IT, NIC, and UIDAI etc.
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2. Provide inputs to the technical Committee, e-mission Team and Apex Committee on core technical and implementation related aspects regarding TPDS end-to-end computerization after consultation and approval from WFP Head of System Reforms Unit:
- Identify, customize/modify, develop and deploy technical solutions for state specific requirements.
- Evaluate all technical (Hardware/Software) standards/technologies proposed by PMC/PIU/NIC/External vendors
- Review the SRS, Traceability matrix, Design documents, implementation plans etc. submitted by PIU/PMC or external vendors
- Assist in creation and review of Software Development Life Cycle(SDLC) and Software Testing Life Cycle(STLC)
- Create Functional and technical requirements. Perform code review and develop lightweight databases/web applications on need basis.
- Provide ongoing technical support and quality checks for the deliverables submitted by the Vendors/implementation teams
- Assist the state government in coordinating the vendor selection process for each process
3. Assist the Secretary and the Commissioner, F&CS Department with monitoring and regular progress reporting to the Technical Committee, e-Mission Team, Apex Committee and GoI.
- Leverage MIS to monitor performance and identify key technical and operational issues being faced by the implementation teams – work with relevant stakeholder for resolution
- Flag any technical, policy or procedural issues & concerns.
- Collate and analyse data to contribute to the preparation of accurate reports on technical solution development/deployment activities, investments and costs, identifying ideas to increase cost-efficiencies where possible. Conduct in-depth analysis of the identified challenges and problem areas.
- Work closely with vendors and system integrators to ensure proper service quality and to monitor output.
- Preparation of model documents, financial feasibility analysis or any other materials
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4. Act as a Facilitator of the different WFP projects at state levels (Food Security, Nutrition, M&E) – under leadership of the concerned Country Office programme officer
- Liaise with project implementing authorities at state level, interact with local partners for the implementation of the projects, guide the project management unit, provide implementation support, training and technical advice (under explicit CO programme officer leadership)
- Follow up with government for allocation of funds
- Provide inputs to the CO programme officers for well informed decision making
- Monitor implementation progress and communicate issues with CO programme officers
- On request by the government provide support to specific government administrative processes
- Provide weekly status reports to the CO on the activities undertaken.
5. Prepare and compile relevant data and create detailed technical specifications for all components of the solution/implementation from various stakeholders and share with relevant CO Programme officers for analysis and representation.
6. Coordinate missions from CO/HQ. This would include arranging meetings, creating briefing documents, arranging hotels and transportation etc.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University degree with 5 years of relevant work experience in any of the following disciplines: Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Applications, or other field relevant or First University Degree with 7 years of relevant work experience and/or trainings/courses related to Information and Communication technologies, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering.
Experience:
At least 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in the related areas of e-governance, cash-based transfers, systems design and development, implementation of computer / IT systems, project planning, coordinating and implementing large scale technology/e-governance solutions with government or a development agency. Experience in working independently with minimum supervision, often in fluid and ambiguous situations will be required. The candidates should have experience in the below ICT fields:
- Experience in solution design, coding/testing, web/mobile application, handling multiple stakeholders and large-scale project implementation
- Experience in Database (Oracle/Sql etc.) design/implementation and one programming language (Java/.net/C/C++)
- Advanced skills in networking (TCP/IP, Layer 2/3), web design, cloud computing, server architecture.
- Experience in project planning, monitoring and execution while maintaining the required process and quality of deliverables.
Language: Fluent oral and written communication skills in English. Working knowledge of Hindi is essential.
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
The post holder should have strong technical, analytical and problems solving skills; ability to think through complex issues to conceptualize, design and execute actions plans. Demonstrate passion and motivation with the ability to manage complexities, multiple tasks with commitment to deliver against multiple, tight deadlines at work. Excellent team player with an ability to work collaboratively, share information and build strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds while focusing on impact and results. Excellent oral and written communication skills, presentation and documentation skills with a focus on effective procedural documentation. Maturity and presence required to effectively participate and contribute in meetings with senior government officials.
Knowledge:
Knowledge of the Indian Government bureaucracy and TPDS operations required. Sound Knowledge of project planning and management, preferably in the IT transformation or e-governance space.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted. A written test will be used as a form of screening. In the event your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide in advance a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/ certificate(s) required for this position.
The written test will be conducted on : 14-June-2019
Interview date : 20-June-2019
This is a national position therefore applicants who are not nationals of India will not be considered.
Mode of Engagement:
The salary range for this position is Minimum INR. 1,22,440/- per month to Maximum INR. 1,82,746/- per month plus medical benefits as per WFP's plan.
All tax liability for payments from this contract are to be borne by the subscriber.
WFP is committed to promoting diversity and gender balance. WFP adheres to “zero tolerance policies” in the workplace.
Applications for the positions are to be submitted online on the E-recruitment links as mentioned below: https://www1.wfp.org/careers/job-openings
Note: Candidates are requested to Create an account in the system before applying. Candidates curriculum and applications will be registered and allows them to update their profile and apply for a job through wfp careers website.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
Vacancy Closing Date : 11 June 2019
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Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.