Programme/Project Management Specialist

Details

Mission and objectives

Independent since 2002, Timor-Leste – an island nation situated between Indonesia and Australia – is one of the world’s newest countries. It has successfully managed to transition out of conflict and become one of the region’s most stable democracies, with opposing political forces maintaining a peaceful dialogue to resolve differences. Its economy is dependent on oil and gas revenues, but with aspirations to develop agriculture and tourism. Timor Leste is a young nation. 59 percent of the population is under 25 years of age and women bear children at very early ages: one in four gives birth before turning 20. The right investments in education, employment and the empowerment of women can accelerate development in the course of a generation. Improved nutrition must underpin these efforts. The Government of Timor-Leste is firmly committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which it was a staunch supporter during negotiations. However, serious obstacles to the achievement of SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and improved nutrition remain. WFP works in close collaboration and coordination with the Government of Timor-Leste, with a view to strengthening its capacities for delivering social safety programmes, and with other partners including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).

Context

WFP Timor-Leste, in consultation with the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste, has developed a project proposal for “Food Security Support to the Government of Timor Leste”. The project’s main elements include Provision of emergency food security support to the Government of Timor-Leste through Civil Protection and/or the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion; and Coordination, Distribution Planning and Supply chain capacity strengthening through augmentation and policy support. For the successful implementation of the project’s activities, WFP is looking for a UNV Programme Specialist to assist and strengthen the project.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Deputy Country Director and Strategic Object 1 Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Contribute to the Government of Japan supported Food Security Project, in line with both organisational strategy and the practical realities of operating in the field; 2. Support the Country Office in the development of strategies to support government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition. 3. Assist counterparts in governments and other partners in identifying where food assistance can be usefully employed and provide support for the planning, formulation and implementation of the government food assistance programmes. 4. Establish and maintain operational partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve government assistance packages and support advocacy work. 5. Support WFP’s leadership status in forums relating to food security and nutrition, through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials. 6. Support the preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, publications, and a variety of information products or proposals for internal or external use. 7. Support the development of functional training in areas of expertise to enhance the capacity of government staff to design and deliver effective food assistance programmes. 8. Contribute to Country Office and government Emergency Preparedness i.e. early warning, risk analysis, and contingency planning in order to respond to humanitarian crises and needs. 9. Other as required.