Programme and Policy Officer (Anticipatory Action), Limited Fixed Term P3

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WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance. Female Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world’s largest humanitarian organization, operates in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger. At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do, and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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The Regional Bureau Dakar (RBD) provides policy guidance, technical support, and oversight for operations in 19 countries west and central Africa where WFP’s efforts contribute towards the eradication of hunger and malnutrition. The region covered, extends from Mauritania to Chad and along the coast from Cameroon to Senegal. The West Africa Regional Bureau (RBD) is based in Dakar and provides strategic guidance, technical support, and direction to country operations in these countries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Climate and Resilience Service (PPGR) in WFP Headquarters and our Regional Bureau for Western and Central Africa (RBD) provide guidance and support to WFP Country Offices (COs) and governments on activities related to climate risk management, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. In Western Africa, the management of climate risk is a key entry point for reducing vulnerability to the climate shocks that disproportionately affect countries in the region, undermining development gains.

Complementing the larger climate-risk program efforts in the region, WFP is implementing and expanding the Anticipatory Action (AA) proramme in the region to strengthen government early warning systems, emergency response, and establish linkages with prearranged financing. Currently WFP’s AA portfolio in the region includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger, and together with national and local government partners, the aim is to operationalize and integrate AA systems into national disaster risk management plans for natural hazards such as droughts and floods. Collaboration and partnerships with regional and national government ministries, humanitarian and development organizations, as well as research and science-based institutions will be critical for the strengthening and implementation of AA at scale within the region.

WFP´s vision for the next five years is to mainstream AA systems within the humanitarian program cycle including in WFP’s systems and support the rolling out of a Regional strategy for enhancing AA in the region with partner governments for the scale-up of AA systems in key countries in the region. With this aim, WFP is seeking a regional AA Programmes Coordinator with skills in climate risk information and experience in anticipatory actions, early warning systems and provision of guidance and support to projects across multiple countries to coordinate and technically support WFP’s AA strategy in the West African Region. Based in WFP’s RBD office, the expert will coordinate strategic engagements, provide guidance, and technical support to WFP RBD and COs implementing the AA approach. The expert will liaise with partner agencies and institutions to strengthen coordination and advocacy efforts to scale up implementation of the AA approach in the region.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSABILITIES :

Under the supervision of the RBD Climate Advisor , the Programme And Policy Officer will:

1. Strengthen and coordinate strategic engagements on AAs in the region including with governments, UN agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent movement, international organisations, science and research institutions (CILSS, AGRHYMET, ACMAD) among others.
2. Lead conceptualization of an integrated WFP AA strategy in the western Africa region and provide guidance to COs on Country Strategic Plans integration.
3. Provide guidance and support (technical, operational and policy level) on integration and links of AA with other programs and initiatives: climate services, Disaster Risk Financing (macro and micro insurance), AA for essential needs, resilience, CBT, Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP).
4. Provide support to Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger (including in- country missions) for the implementation and scale up of AA programmes, specifically through:
   1. Support the implementation of work plans, recruitment of technical service providers and/or hiring of staff to develop skilful forecasts, triggers, thresholds and AA Plans (for climate hazards floods and/or droughts).
   2. Ensure the timely implementation of activities and delivery of project results according to the financial and narrative monitoring and reporting requirements agreed to within the project documents.
   3. Provide guidance on strengthening sustainability and ownership by governments, communities and other partners of AA mechanisms and tools.
5. Provide oversight and technical support to the CERF AA pilots in the region.
6. Coordinate and provide inputs to the global AA annual report, and oversight and inputs to Annual Country Reports for AA and climate services activities.
7. Develop communications and advocacy material and support country and regional fora to disseminate best practices and lessons learned on AA.
8. Support resource mobilization, with WFP country offices and governments to obtain financial and/or technical resources.
9. Other complimentary duties as required.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS:

• Finalized integrated AA strategy document in the western Africa Region
• Successful project management support (planning, budget, reporting) to the focus countries.
• Support to AA workshops, trainings, and complimentary events.
• Development of at least 2 advocacy documents such as case studies, fact sheets, AA brochure.

Education:

Advanced University degree preferably in meteorology, geography, agriculture, disaster risk management and environmental science or related disciplines, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience: At least five (5) years) or more of years of relevant professional level experience in in anticipatory action, climate risk information in humanitarian or adaptation settings, and provision of support to projects across multiple countries.

Languages: Fluency (Level C) in English and Intermediate knowledge (level B) in French

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of anticipatory action with proved field experience
• Integrated programming design and implementation
• Skills in project management and multi-stakeholder collaborations
• Ability to work independently in a timely and organized manner Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with multi- disciplinary teams

Deadline for application: 07 Jan 2025

WFP Value Proposition

• Meaningful and impactful careers – Our day-to-day work makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve.
• Continuous learning and training – We provide learning tools for our staff to continually develop their careers.
• Multicultural and stimulating working environment – We encourage gender and cultural diversity to make our teams stronger.

Special Notice on WFP RBD office relocation:

WFP and other UN Agencies will be moving to the new United Nations House, presently under construction in Diamniadio, 30 kilometres from downtown Dakar. The name of the duty station for this position will remain Dakar, Senegal.

Special recommendation:

Before you apply, please confirm that both (i) your on-line profile and CV are accurate and up to date, (ii) your CV should include your employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.