Programme Associate SC6 – Vulnerability Assessment & Mapping (VAM) United Nations World Food Programme

ABOUT WFP
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.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of M&E and VAM, the incumbent will play a key role in strengthening WFP and the Government knowledge base and understanding of food security and vulnerability issues at the country level, contributing to a better preparedness and response capacity for Government, WFP and other stakeholders to protect the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities that are at risk.

JOB PURPOSE
To provide effective specialized support and technical analyses to policy and programme activities that effectively meet food assistance needs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a food and nutrition security, vulnerability analysis and monitoring, markets, resilience and early warning system to detect changes in the food security and vulnerability situation of populations at risk.
• Manage/conduct food security, nutrition, markets and resilience analysis and prepare 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.
• Participate in the annual vulnerability assessments providing required technical support to Government and other stakeholders as well as lead joint assessments with relevant stakeholders where necessary.
• Participate in the design and implementation of WFP programmes with particular emphasis on problem analysis, providing recommendations on targeting of such assistance along geographic, sectoral or socio-economic lines.
• Provide the WFP Country Office with the necessary GIS and mapping services including preparation of thematic (i.e., analytical) maps that support country-level operational functions of WFP such as logistics.
• Lead in the preparation of maps that provide an inventory of local resources and capacities (e.g., infrastructure, personnel, NGO services) that can complement WFP operations.
• Provide the WFP Country Office food security and vulnerability information management capacity by maintaining and updating databases of spatial and socio-economic data and developing mechanisms by which such data are shared with other programme units in the Country Office as well as with partners.
• Coordinate with government departments, UN, NGOs, and other relevant agencies on food security early warning information, contingency planning and response activities and provide synthesized information to WFP.
• Foster partnerships with government and civil society that build upon and strengthen existing capacities for vulnerability analysis, building effective collaboration between WFP units as well as other relevant agencies.
• Supervise market monitoring and updating of the market and other VAM related data in the Country Office and other corporate platforms.
• Transfer skills and develop sustainable capacity in food security analysis and information management systems in relevant government institutions and local partners.
• Build capacity of WFP staff, partners and national government to conduct analysis on food security, nutrition, markets, resilience, and related topics to effectively inform policies and programmes.
• Provide coaching and guidance to VAM staff as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
• Perform any other task as assigned by the supervisor.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced University degree in Research, Sociology, Social Development, Economics or Performance Management or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience: At least three years of progressively responsible professional post graduate experience in research, monitoring or programme management.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in analysis using statistical software, specifically SPSS and GIS software.
• Research experience using variety of analytical tools and methods for causality analysis, forecasting, and other data modeling needs.
• Performed research, monitoring, evaluations and assessments at multiple field locations
• Ability to analyze and translate numerical data to show WFP’s outcomes and impact against the objectives; ability to explain WFP projects and operations to counterparts and to communicate with
• Government and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with colleagues

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has worked with technical teams (i.e. nutrition, VAM, etc.).
• Has contributed to implementation of programmes.
• Has observed or assisted with policy discussions.