Expression of Interest Call - Programme Policy Officer (VAM) for Latin America and the Caribbean

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

Selection is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

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.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is assisting 91.4 million people in around 83 countries each year, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, WFP supports national efforts to improve food and nutrition security and reduce the impact of emerging crises, natural disasters, and climate change among vulnerable populations. The Regional Bureau Panama (RBP) coordinates technical strategic support and guidance to Country Offices in the region, promotes strategic partnerships, and support resource mobilization efforts.

To contribute to the Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) evidence base that supports food security and nutrition policies and programmes (e.g. needs assessment and situation analyses, programme design, targeting, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency).

Depending on your experience level and expertise areas, you will be involved to a greater or lesser degree in work related, but not limited, to the following:

1. Development of VAM projects and activities, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider WFP policies and guidance.
2. Development of systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of food assistance needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.
3. Development of food security and vulnerability analysis and the preparation of timely reports on food assessment needs in line with wider VAM policies, processes and guidance to enable effective decision-making on the development of country strategy, policies and programmes.
4. Coordination of data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
5. Liaising with implementing partners (internal and external) to monitor ongoing projects, ensuring effective collaboration, timeliness and efficiency and highlight potential risks to project delivery.
6. Capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national government to conduct vulnerability analysis to effectively inform preparedness and response activities.

Education:

Advanced University degree in Economics, Food Security, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health/Nutrition, Geography or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Years of relevant professional experience:

• Junior Consultancy: One to three years of relevant professional experience.
• Level I Consultancy: Three to five years of relevant professional experience.
• Level II Consultancy: Six to ten years of relevant professional experience.

Languages: 

• Fluency (level C) in English language.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Spanish or French are highly desirable.

Professional experience, mastery, or knowledge is desired (but not required) in one or several of the following areas:

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of several statistical tools and methods for food security analysis.
• Developed practical expertise in food security analysis and mapping by participating in multiple assessments in countries, including the design, data collection and analysis.
• Humanitarian assistance and/or development work of the United Nations, or other international governmental or non-governmental organisations.

The World Food Programme (Panama Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean) is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified individuals for future consultancies in the region.

All applications received will be reviewed and go through a selection process to asses relevant experience and qualifications. Applicants who meet the selection criteria may be contacted for further interviews or assessments and to confirm their continued interest and availability.

Successful candidates will be placed in a roster for short-term opportunities. Rostered applicants may be contacted in the upcoming 12 months on an as-needed basis.

WFP offers a competitive compensation package determined on the basis of the Terms of Reference and the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. 

15 September 2020. 

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 race, sex, colour, ethnic group, age, sexual orientation, other affiliation or 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.