WFP: Programme Policy Officer – Food Systems – Damascus

Job Purpose

He/she will support the roll out of a wide range of interventions oriented towards enhancing the resilience of food systems, including the enhancement of main value chains in Syria. She/he will support the identification and analysis of potential bottlenecks along the system, and potential entry/intervention points. He/She will support the overall work of the unit including policy research and development and supporting various programme activities.

Contract Details

Contract Type: Fixed Term.
Duration: 12 Months.

Duty Station: Damascus.
Number of required employees: 1

Key Accountabilities

In line with the resilience/livelihood strategy, assessing current food systems and identifying key areas for improvement, in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide technical inputs on food systems, value chains and support the integration of food systems concepts within the framework of the Livelihoods Strategy and overall strategic plans of WFP Syria.
Contribute to the design and implementation of programmes and projects related to enhancing food systems, value chain development, and agricultural and rural development.
Design and implement value chain analyses of target food commodities, work on stakeholder engagement and provide detailed recommendations on how and what can be done (potential interventions) to address key value chain bottlenecks and imbalances. This might include performing different activities related to agribusiness, market access, nutrition, gender, climate, social protection/social safety, food value chain and food system development.
Contribute towards the development of bread value chain projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies at CO and corporate level.
Developing and reviewing information materials, technical papers and guidelines on topics, such as market and policy analysis, business enabling environment, institutional strengthening; inclusive business models, entrepreneurship; contract farming, digital solutions/technologies, marketing, value chain finance, business support services; public-private platforms and partnerships.
Provide support to coordination and implementation of projects, internally and externally.
Ensure a coordinated approach with wider programmes and liaise with other units: Engineering, Procurement, M&E, Finance etc.
Ensure regular data collections and monitoring activities are corresponding to rigorous quality standards and informing policy decisions.
Ensure extensive support and guidance to Area and Field Offices in the selection, design, implementation, and monitoring of resilience and livelihood projects, especially those related to value chain development.
Research and develop a range of programmes, policies and activities as needed.
Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
Liaise with internal/external counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects.
Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to improved food assistance packages.
Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government to prepare for and respond to needs
Other as required.
Standard Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experiences

With a master’s degree: At least one (1) year of postgraduate professional experience, or a bachelor’s degree with at least three (3) years in value chains analysis, programme/project management with focus on the following:

Has experience in food system pathways, value chain programming and livelihoods and resilience activities
Has Programme/Project management experience
Has expertise in technical analysis and food system and value chain assessments, market analysis and other related data collection and analysis
Has worked in the humanitarian-development nexus within government, NGOs, iNGOs or UN and is able to demonstrate required skills
Has experience in managing/dealing with people and teams
Has excellent conceptual and strategic thinking skills
Has very good English writing skills

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English language and Arabic

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements