Programme Policy Officer (Fortification/ SBN ) SC-9

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

26 November 2024-23:59-GMT+07:00 Indochina Time (Vientiane)

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

The objective of the assignment to support the implementation and management of ongoing food fortification interventions in country, support the SUN Business Network (SBN) as well as to ensure involvement of various stakeholders to the fortification initiatives.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Commencing in January 2022, WFP has been implementing a Country Strategic Plan 2022-2026, which is formulated around the achievement of four strategic outcomes. Through Strategic Outcome 2, WFP aims to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations throughout their life cycle, as well as increase their resilience to seasonal and long-term shocks and stresses, involving all actors, from government, to civil society and the private sector.

WFP initiatives on fortification in Lao PDR are focused on policy support, advocacy, technical support to food producers and providing the evidence base on acceptability of the fortified food by population. The ultimate goal is to promote the food fortification, particularly the large-scale rice fortification for the use of population of Lao PDR to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and related health issues.  Food Fortification Strategic Plan was developed with the technical support of WFP in collaboration with the National Technical Working Group and signed by the Minister of Health in 2018. This strategic document advises on the possibilities of fortifying of different foods, such as rice, oil, dairy products etc.  Given that the rice is considered as a main staple in country, WFP, in agreement with the Ministry of Health is promoting fortification of the rice using various methodologies and interventions.

Currently, WFP is providing the imported fortified rice to beneficiaries as well as first locally  blended fortified rice which will also be provided to students in the frame of the School Lunch Programme .

Given the above, WFP will continue to work closely with the relevant Government departments of Lao PDR and private sector, on the implementation of the Food Fortification Strategic Plan and other intervention under the National nutrition Strategy 2025.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership and Coordination:

• Serve as main interface with the government and non-government agencies, to ensure synergies with WFP’s efforts and to engage in joint or complementary initiatives where possible.

• Engage in advocacy with the government stakeholders, as such involve the key government officials from relevant agencies at the central level including Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, etc.  to the dialogs on the importance of the food fortification, particularly the rice fortification .

• Work closely with the communication, SBC and other CO team on the development and dissemination of advocacy programs targeting various segments including policy makers, private sector and consumers to promote rice fortification in Lao PDR

• Arrange  coordination meetings with Food Fortification Technical Working Group (FFTWG) and other development partners working in food fortification, to promote food fortification through strengthening coordination and operational support among FFTWG.

• Work closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies on the resource mobilisation for fortification activities in country.

• Organize the exchange visit with other countries in the frame of South-to-South Technical Cooperation including identification and involvement of the high-level officials, discussion with counterparts of the receiving country, development of the mission programme and etc.

Technical support to Fortification interventions:

• Support the Technical Working Group on Fortification on the development of the national standards on rice fortification with the involvement of the RBB and HQ experts.

• Work with the RBB technical team on the development of the roadmap for way forward of the fortification in country

• Contribute to the evidence-base and knowledge on fortified rice in Lao PDR by engaging in research, including the acceptability of locally blended fortified rice by school-age children and the school community, in consultation with partners.

SBN roles and responsibilities:  

• Explore opportunities for the strengthening of the SBN network in country in coordination with the other partners involved , obtaining RBB support. This include the review of the existing structure and involvement of the new members to revitalise of the SBN activities.

• Liaise with the AFN project team, particularly with the MAF SBN focal point in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to facilitate the coordination with the private sector actors working in the agriculture area regarding food storage, processing, and supply chain.

• Provide technical support to SBN members, farmer groups and/or MSME’s through training and coaching, as per needs.

• Arrange regular networking activities, coordination meetings and workshops, to facilitate business linkages between SBN members, development partners and entrepreneurs. 

• Support the National  Nutrition Centre and the private sector on the implementation and  the roll out of the Workforce Nutrition Programme (WNP) , dissemination of advocacy materials, etc.

• Develop and share relevant and up to date market information with SBN members.

• Identify potential fundraising opportunities to support SBN members to strengthen their engagement in nutrition. 

• Support other activities of the nutrition portfolio and provide backup support in absence of colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced University degree in Political Science, Social Science, Health, Agriculture, Marketing or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses

Experience:

• Minimum three or more years of relevant professional work experience in partnership and coordination roles.

• Has a understanding of government and corporate strategies and priorities and experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.

• Experience with private sector engagement and working in development setting would be an advantage.

• Has experience and provided inputs into developing solutions with private sector partners and explored new areas to scale-up existing activities

• Has supported creation of external communications and briefing materials.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, persuade, influence, and adapt communication styles to different situations and individuals. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, including cross-cultural teams.

• Demonstrated understanding of food supply chains and processing;

• Knowledge of nutrition issues in developing countries will be an added advantage.

• Advanced Microsoft Office package skills with proven experience.

Languages:

Excellent command of English and Lao language is required.

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at [email protected]. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.