Programme Policy Officer

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Description

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Job Purpose: 

As part of its efforts to strengthen social protection systems and make them more prepared to respond to shocks, WFP Caribbean has been supporting governments of the British Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Dominica on the development of information management systems. These experiences have shown the importance of documenting processes around registration, data flow, delivery and monitoring and underlying design features. As WFP Caribbean continues to support governments on strengthening their social protection systems and preparing them to respond to shocks, an in-depth understanding of system processes and programme design features is critical to enhancing these in the future. This role focuses on developing the processes and capacities for WFP to provide this support sustainably to governments and providing direct support to priority governments to assist them in strengthening social assistance programme and end-to-end implementation processes. The consultant will report to the Programme Policy Officer overseeing the MCO’s work on social protection.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to formulation of WFP-wide programme policies in line with both organisational strategy and the practical realities of operating in the field; or translate programme policy into Regional/Country level practices. Developing programme guidance and implementation modalities and operations, to ensure a clear and strong connection between HQ and field operations.
• Provide advice and support to cos on moderately complex issues to clarify ambiguities and ensure that policy and programme operations are consistent with WFP policies, Executive Board decisions, and other relevant guidance.
• Provide technical advice or mobilise technical expertise on 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.
• Assist counterparts in governments and other partners in identifying where food assistance can be usefully employed and provide support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of moderately complex food assistance programmes to strengthen government and community ownership and effectiveness of food security and nutrition programmes at national and sub-national levels.
• Establish and maintain operational partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance packages and support advocacy work.
• Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating to area of specialism, for example food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience or engagement in humanitarian, transition and development contexts through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials.
• Manage operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to food assistance.
• Manage the preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, publications, and a variety of information products or proposals for internal or external use.
• Contribute to resources mobilisations efforts for WFP projects, including clearly articulating the need for food assistance and related programme opportunities, and follow up on the resource situation of projects including commodity and cash availability, seeking advice from senior colleagues where necessary.
• Advice and support the development of functional training in areas of expertise to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partner to design and deliver effective food assistance programmes.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of staff to enable high performance.
• Ensure the best use of assigned financial resources for achievement of set objectives within a moderate budget.
• Contribute to Country Office Emergency Preparedness i.e. early warning, risk analysis, and contingency planning in order to respond to humanitarian crises and needs.
• Other as required.

OTHER POST REQUIREMENTS (details to be determined by Post Managers):

WFP provides emergency response support to the 22 English and Dutch-speaking countries in the Caribbean. In this role, the incumbent may be required to:

• Support the Unit’s emergency response activities.
• Deploy to affected countries to assist with operations as required.
• Work beyond regular working hours to support emergency response efforts.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Toolbox produced for mapping and strengthening of social protection services design and their implementation processes across the delivery chain, including shock-responsiveness aspects.
• Trainings held for team members on services mapping and implementation process mapping with links to programme design enhancement.
• Workplan developed and monitored of the assigned governments.
• Technical assistance through advice, workshops and/or working sessions provided to priority governments (e.g., British Virgin Islands, Dominica)
• Documentation provided as a result of technical assistance (workshops, trainings, etc).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Advanced University degree (e.g., Masters, Professional Degree) in Social Sciences, International Affairs, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, Public Policy, or other field relevant to international development assistance and financial assistance.

Experience:

• At least 5 years relevant experience. Operational experience with cash transfers and social protection systems, including experience working with governments in the Caribbean on the design/implementation of social protection programmes, policies, and instruments.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of project management, technology solutions, cash-based responses.

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in English both oral and written communication in English.

Source: https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Bridgetown-Barbados/Programme-Policy-Officer–Social-Protection–Consultant-II_JR107760

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