ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill the position of Programme Policy Officer (South-South Cooperation and Partnership) in support of the WFP Zimbabwe Office, based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
In April 2017, WFP Zimbabwe Office launched its 2017-2021 Country Strategic Plan (CSP). It specifies that for the attainment of Zero Hunger, WFP will increasingly focus on strengthening capacities of communities and government institutions through the facilitation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSC). In addition and in line with SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, WFP Zimbabwe engages in a range of new partnerships for capacity strengthening as well as for resource mobilization to support the implementation of the CSP.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the overall guidance of the Country Director and the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director/Head of Programme and in close collaboration with the Donor Relations, Communications and Reporting Officer, the Programme Policy Officer (South-South Cooperation and Partnership) will be responsible for the following duties:
Contribute to formulation of WFP-wide programme policies in line with both organisational strategy and the practical realities of operating in the field; or translate programme policy into Regional/Country level practices. Developing programme guidance and implementation modalities and operations, to ensure a clear and strong connection between Headquarters and field operations.
SSC Programme Management and Implementation:
Leads the design and management of the SSC and capacity strengthening programmes and activities of WFP Zimbabwe.
Leads the development and provides the thought leadership of the WFP Zimbabwe SSC and capacity strengthening strategy.
Leads the liaison and engagement with the Government of Zimbabwe and its SSC partner countries for the advancement of their SSC agenda with WFP Zimbabwe.
Manages and strengthens the cooperation between WFP Zimbabwe and its SSC partner countries (China, Russia and Brazil among others) within the South-South cooperation framework, and serve as the interlocutor.
Nurture and manage relations with a wide range of stakeholders including public institutions, private sector, academia, civil society organizations, in support of the SSC and capacity strengthening programmes of WFP Zimbabwe.
Represents WFP Zimbabwe in meetings with government officials, partners and donors in order to advocate for SSC and mobilize support for WFP Zimbabwe’s SSC and capacity strengthening programmes.
Partnership Development and Management:
Leads the strategic engagement with the representations of Asian countries in Harare, and foster relations with them in support of the resource mobilization efforts of the Office.
Leads the drafting of funding proposals/concept notes for Asian donors including China and the Republic of Korea among others.
Supports relevant Activity Managers in the identification of partners for the implementation of the programmes in the CSP.
People Management:
Involves in the recruitment and selection of programme-related experts and other staff, as required.
Supervises support staff and provides guidance as required.
Performs other related duties as required.
Expected Results:
WFP Zimbabwe is well positioned to facilitate SSC between Zimbabwe and other SSC partner countries in support of SDG2 and SDG17 targets and with a particular view to Asian countries including China and the Republic of Korea.
WFP Zimbabwe is a partner of choice for the government, donors and other partners for capacity strengthening and operational support for hunger and nutrition solutions in the context of SSC.
Relations with Asian donors are expanded contributing to additional financial, operational and/or strategic support.
Activity Managers are well supported in the identification of and engagement with SSC partners.
Well prepared operational and strategic analysis in the context of SSC.
Well managed SSC activities and projects.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Master’s degree or higher degree in International Affairs, Business Administration, Economics, Law, Agriculture, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or a Bachelor degree with additional relevant years of experience. A mix of studies at universities in different countries is considered an advantage.
Language:
Working knowledge (proficiency/Level C) of English and Chinese (Mandarin).
Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) desirable.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES, COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
Desired Experience:
At least five (5) years or more (of which one is international) of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience
Experience in South-South and triangular Cooperation and Capacity Strengthening of National Governments, ideally in several countries of the South particularly desireable
Experience in policy and strategy discussions and proven capacity with regards to provision of analysis for policy decisions making.
Policy and programme experience of working in the SSC partner countries (China and African countries preferably), and good understanding on the socio-economic background and development experience of these countries.
Substantial experience in building and managing relations with a wide range of partners including public institutions, private sector, academia, civil society organizations among others.
Experience in working and/or collaborating with WFP on SSC and related issues is considered an advantage.
Professional experience in donor relations in the UN system handling relations with Asian governments in particular with emerging donors desirable
Desired Competency and Skills
In-depth knowledge of South-South and Capacity Strengthening guidance and policy material of WFP, UN and other partner organisation as well as a demonstrated ability to apply those skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
Proven negotiation experience and skills as well as demonstrated diplomatic skill and tact, especially in the context of the diverse Asian culture.
Pro-activity and ability to openly and frankly dialogue with both supervisors and supervisees.
Broad knowledge of diverse humanitarian assistance and development practices;
Good understanding of project lifecycle and humanitarian principles and tools;
Familiarity with planning and implementing humanitarian assistance, development and capacity building programmes at local/project level;
Ability to explain strategies and projects to field counterparts and communicate with local governments and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to provide sound technical advice, or mobilise technical expertise, on a broad range of programmatic areas;
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance.
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Where we work” and “Our work” to learn more about WFP’s operations.
http://icsc.un.org Click on: Quick Links > Salary Scales > by date
http://www.unstaffmobility.org Learn more about countries where the UN operates
Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
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.
More Information
- Job City Harare
