Head of Field Office – CST II, Kinshasa DRC

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

27 October 2024-23:59-GMT+01:00 West Africa Standard Time (Kinshasa)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

  • WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
  • WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
  • WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
  • A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
  • We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency dedicated to fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works globally 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.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing one of the largest hunger crises in the world. Hunger and conflict exacerbate each other, with armed conflict and widespread displacement prevailing for the past 25 years. Multiple other crises further compound DRC’s humanitarian challenges. North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are the provinces where war and unrest have been most protracted. Three out of every four internally displaced people live with host families, many of whom were already struggling before taking in strangers in need. The number of acutely food-insecure people stands at 27 million, making access to food a daily struggle for a significant part of the Congolese population. An estimated 3.4 million children are acutely malnourished.

Under its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2021-2025, the World Food Programme in the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to provide:

  • Unconditional food-resource transfers to crisis-affected and food-insecure populations.
  • Nutrition prevention activities against moderate acute malnutrition among children under age 2 and pregnant and lactating women.
  • Nutrition treatment activities for children under age 5 and pregnant and lactating women suffering from moderate acute malnutrition.
  • A school feeding program for children at school. Nutrition prevention activities against stunting.
  • Support for smallholder farmers and asset creation and livelihood interventions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

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This position is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo Country Office. The incumbent will work with the support and guidance of the Country Office Deputy Director, receiving regular advice and guidance on work performed. The incumbent will be involved in program or similar activities and analytical work of limited complexity.

JOB PURPOSE :

Lead and manage the WFP Kinshasa sub-office to ensure effective and efficient management of human and financial resources and implementation of WFP programs and activities. The incumbent will place great importance on building and maintaining relationships with local governments, UN agencies and other partners in the areas of coverage in order to strengthen WFP’s visibility.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES :

  • Manage and direct WFP field operations in area of assignment to ensure rapid and effective deployment of food assistance programs.
  • Assume responsibility for deployment of CO initiatives, policies and strategies.
  • Effectively manage the Sub-Office to ensure transparent and effective personnel management and the continued development of a cohesive, high-performing team.
  • Ensure effective use of financial resources to achieve objectives, in compliance with programmatic standards and donor requirements.
  • Assume responsibility for the security of WFP personnel, operations, premises and assets in the field office to ensure that WFP safety and security standards are defined and adhered to locally. Participate and actively contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).
  • Collaborate with governments and other partners to identify areas where food aid can be usefully deployed locally and provide support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of food assistance programs, including evidence-backed advice on context-specific transfer modalities (food, cash or vouchers).
  • Develop and coordinate data collection and monitoring systems and conduct timely monitoring and evaluation activities in collaboration with the Research Assessment and Monitoring Unit.
  • Responsible for and/or prepare accurate and comprehensive analyses and reports on WFP operations and performance, submitting them on a regular and timely basis for Country Office review in order to identify program support needs and inform planning and operational decisions.
  • Forge and nurture external partnerships to enhance assistance programs and support complementary strategies; identify potential areas for collaborative approaches and initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, UN agencies, donors, civil society, beneficiaries, and other partners and media involved in food security.
  • Collaborate with beneficiaries, inspect WFP product storage and receiving points, to ensure compliance with WFP policies and advance achievement of project objectives.
  • Ensure that Gender and Protection aspects including conflict sensitivity are included in the project cycle.
  • Other duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Full completion of all task given during period of work in support of the Kinshasa sub-office as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in economics, international development, social sciences or related field, or first university degree with additional years of work experience and/or related training/courses.

Experience:

Developed or supported the development of multidisciplinary work plans to support the achievement of WFP’s strategic objectives in a defined area ;

  • At least five (5) years of experience in implementing humanitarian operations or experience in related business stream?
  • Has field operations experience, preferably in a difficult duty station or emergency.
  • Has field experience through field rotations or working in a sub-office, and through field assignments;
  • Experience in analyzing political situations, accurately assessing risks and managers and leaders in sensitive decision-making.
  • Greater visibility in the areas of a function (i.e. Policy, Program, etc.)
  • Has experience in managing medium-sized financial budgets, effectively balancing multiple priorities.
  • Has experience leading a medium to large team to ensure effective achievement of objectives.
  • Participated in a supplier / government / partner negotiation in support of a corporate function or Country Office requirements.
  • Participated in a moderately complex emergency operation / development program.

Knowledge & Skills:

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  • Subject matter expert;
  • Quick understanding of business and operational needs;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Team player;
  • Proactive.

Languages:

  • Proficiency (level C) in French and English.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at global.inclusion@wfp.org. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

  • We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
  • Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
  • Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
  • Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
  • Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.