Programme Associate SC6 Suriname

Position description

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

WFP established a Multi-Country Office in Barbados to provide technical assistance and capacity- strengthening programming across 22 countries and territories in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. Across the Caribbean, WFP is applying its global expertise to a programme of cross- functional activities designed to improve regional and national preparedness and strengthen systems to deliver rapid and appropriate assistance to people impacted by shocks and disasters.

The WFP is involved in a range of activities, such as conducting food security surveys, providing technical assistance for social protection programs (such as data analysis/collection, digitalization, payments), performing vulnerability and risk analysis, managing an integrated supply chain, supporting food security/food systems, and offering disaster risk financing.

WFP initial engagement in Suriname started with the National Disaster Management Organization (NCCR) in support of the response to the floods. This engagement was further complemented by the interaction with various ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing. In 2023, Suriname joined School Meals Coalition and outlined specific commitments.

JOB PURPOSE

The position is based in Paramaribo, Suriname. This assignment is to ensure consistent engagement and follow-up with the government authorities on a number of initiatives leading to their operationalization and implementation.

Given that in February 2024, WFP undertook a school feeding mission, there is an urgent need to take the recommendations identified by the mission forward in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (MESC). The support is also required in supporting the government in delivering on the School Meals Commitments. At the same time the assignment is also to ensure continuity on the actions in the areas of disaster management and social protection.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the direct supervision of the head of Trinidad and Tobago Satellite Office, the candidate will perform the following duties:

1. Support in consolidating a new national school feeding initiative working in close coordination with the director of the School Feeding Unit at the MESC and under the guidance and technical support of the MCO of the World Food Programme.
2. Lead and coordinate a consultative process among sectors, including through the creation of a multisectoral task force, to consolidate available information, carry out assessments and surveys, mapping exercises, and identifying other needed analytical efforts.
3. Capitalize on the work established within the multisectoral task force, identify challenges to be addressed, vision, strategic goals, and objectives, defining a theory of change, a logical framework and strong conceptual background narrative of the desired school feeding initiative. The main outcome of this effort will be the development of a project design and operational model and the necessary operating procedures.
4. In coordination with the MESC and the school feeding director, support national advocacy efforts and dialogue with potential partners and donors.
5. In coordination with the MESC and the school feeding director, support the work necessary to comply with Suriname´s membership in the global school meals coalition.
6. Liaise with the NCCR and other national stakeholders to ensure the roll-out of activities in disaster management and social protection.
7. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area such as Public and Social Policy, Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Food Security, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Public Policy, and Communications.

Experience: Six years of experience in a related functional area. Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas is an asset for this role: social protection, capacity strengthening, food assistance, emergency preparedness and response, or project management.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in Dutch and English is required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

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

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Who Can Apply?

This position is open to nationals of Suriname and CARICOM member states and associate members. CARICOM Nationals applying for National position outside of their home country bear sole responsibility for required actions or expenses related to relocation, accommodation, repatriation and any other living expenses,etc. A CARICOM Skilled National Certificate is a pre-requisite of employment for successful candidates who are not from the country for which the position is advertised.

Employment Particulars

• Type of position: Short Term, Full Time
• Type of Contact: Service Contract Level 6 (SC 6)
• Duration on Contract: 12 months. This contract is eligible for extension. Extension of contracts will be based on satisfactory performance and operational requirements.
• Duty Station: Paramaribo, Suriname
• Travel Requirements: The WFP Caribbean Office cover the 22 English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries. The selected candidate may be required to travel from time to time, both regionally and internationally, to support missions, emergency responses, training etc. As such full medical clearance will be required. 

Benefits and Entitlements

• 30 Days of Annual Leave
• Pension Contribution 
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Health, Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Sick Leave and Compassionate Leave
• Parental Leave (birth and non-birth parents)
• Remuneration: The salary for this position starts at USD $1276.55 per month. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

To enhance the accessibility and inclusiveness of the recruitment process at the World Food Programme (WFP), we encourage individuals requiring disability-related accommodations or other accessibility assistance to reach out to us. Please email your requests to [email protected].  Upon receiving your email, a dedicated member of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team will contact you to discuss your needs in a confidential and supportive manner.  We are committed to providing a recruitment experience that respects and responds to the unique needs of every candidate.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on globalvacancies.org