WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.

Grade:

Duty Station:

Vacancy Number

Date of Publication:

Deadline of Application:

SC7

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

832710

25/04/2024

12/05/2024

WFP’s vision is that people in the Kyrgyz Republic will have substantially increased access to national social protection systems that safeguard and foster their ability to meet their food security, nutrition and associated essential needs, and to manage the risks and shocks they face, with ample opportunity to graduate from poverty and contribute to sustainable food systems, national disaster risk management efforts and social cohesion.

WFP Country Office (CO) with the Regional Bureau in Bangkok (RBB) and Headquarters (HQ) supports the capacity strengthening activities of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), incl. through the implementation and deployment of Platform for Real-Time Information and Situation Monitoring (“PRISM” project). In parallel, within the support being provided to MES in securing and facilitating the shift from hazard to risk management, WFP is promoting Disaster Risk Management (DRM) solutions based on index based risk assessment mechanisms (“INFORM” project).

The strategies and work plans of both projects have been developed in close cooperation with the MES, WFP HQ, RBB and the country office. At this stage, during 2024, it is necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the initial (first) phases of both projects, based on which to begin developing the concept of subsequent (second) phases of projects that will be more based on scaling and improving the standard operating procedures of the national DRR and DRM systems in the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account the integration of the PRISM system and INFORM model and WFP’s contribution to adaptive or shock-responsive social protection support.

The overarching objective of WFP’s engagement is to assist in the effective implementation of the national disaster risk reduction strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2030 (which has been adapted In line with the Sendai Framework for DRR) and the national concept of digital transformation of the KR for 2019-2023. Capacity strengthening will result in the development and utilization of an information system that not only improves and enhances monitors hazards through Earth observation data, providing historical data on hazards, but also calculates risk and impact of hazards with a focus on vulnerable populations.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

To effectively implement these actions, the WFP is recruiting a National Coordinator of Geoinformation initiatives in DRR-CCA sector (expert). The expert will also be increasingly involved in building further partnerships with related software solutions WFP-internally and with other stakeholders collecting and analysing GIS data (academia, other UN, …) to further enhance the PRISM and INFORM projects offerings.

Supervision: The coordinator will have direct supervision by an activity manager from the CO CCA/DRR programme team and technical supervision by an HQ/RB RAM expert, with guidance also provided as per above global set-up. This part-time position is outposted to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and salary payments will be processed on monthly basis based on attendance sheets and deliverables as outlined in a detailed work plan. The final payment of this contract will be made after submission of the final report expected by 31 December 2024.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

1. Provide specialized expertise and contribute towards the development of defined digital solutions with activities, plans and processes as per defined work plan ensuring alignment with WFP programme and data assurance policies and guidelines.
2. Provide specialized project management support to specific and/or defined digital solutions (PRISM) and methodologies (INFORM) to ensure that the various activities are performed within the established targets following WFP’s policies and procedures.
3. Within the specific area of responsibility, be ready to prepare a range of reports and data analysis and highlight trends/issues ensuring deliverables adhere to corporate standards and quality control.
4. Ensure and/or perform accurate, timely recording of data within the specific technical area of work and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
5. Liaise with internal and external counterparts to support effective collaboration, implementation and monitoring of ongoing project activities.
6. Support the capacity building of WFP staff, other partners and national government within the specific technical area.
7. Act as a point of contact for resolution of a range of operational queries and problems within a specific technical area of responsibility.
8. Oversee and/or coordinate the work with other WFP staff, ensuring effective back-up and knowledge transfer, providing practical advice and guidance, to contribute to delivering objectives to agreed standards and deadlines.
9. Follow standard emergency preparedness practices to ensure WFP is able to quickly respond and deploy needed resources to affected areas at the onset of the crisis.
10. Any other task as required.

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS & DELIVERABES:

11. Carrying out a set of works to deploy and host the PRISM IS in DRM of the Kyrgyz Republic.
12. Carrying out a set of works to integrate index-based RISK assessment in Disaster Risk Management of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic.
13. Support for the development of training materials and their implementation within the framework of the SDC initiative.
14. Support MES to develop MoU between WFP and MES for PRISM and INFORM projects
15. Support TWG in creation list of layers and its prioritization for PRISM project.
16. Support HQ expert in the development of technical description documentation for PRISM project.
17. Develop a document describing the mechanism for data acquisition and its structure for index-based RISK assessment for INFORM project.
18. Provide inputs to final report and organize/facilitate the workshop for index-based RISK assessment for INFORM project.
19. Assistance in pilot testing of new index-based RISK assessment for INFORM project.

• Successful implementation of phase 1 of the PRISM project.
• Successful implementation of phase 1 of the INFORM project.
• Successful development of the concept for phase 2 of the PRISM project.
• Successful development of the concept for phase 2 of the INFORM project.
• Successful implementation of SPD training for the MES.

Details in the work plan

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES:

Programme Lifecycle & Food: Assistance Demonstrates ability to identify key variables and contextual factors that affect food assistance problems and programmes throughout the lifecycle to inform quality programme design or re-design.

Transfer Modalities (Food, Cash, Vouchers): Demonstrates ability to implement, under guidance, food assistance programmes deploying the full range of transfer modalities with an understanding of basic principles guiding modality selection and implementation.

Broad Knowledge of Specialized Areas: Understands basic technical concepts and data and their relevance to food assistance programmes.

Emergency Programming: Displays capacity to provide inputs into the development, implementation and realignment of high quality emergency programmes.

Strategic Policy Engagement w/Government: Understands and applies basic principles of engagement with government counterparts at the national or local level.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• • Subject matter expertise in the use of geographic data for disaster risk reduction.
  • Knowledge of institutional structures withing government of Kyrgyzstan is required.
  • Ability to lead engagement with government partners on disaster risk reduction activities.
  • Proven track-record in coordinating closely across units and geographic locations with experts across the organization to provide high quality services to national counterparts.
  • Demonstrated experience in coordinating digital solution projects.
  • Experience working with United Nations agencies is strongly preferred.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Seven years of progressively responsible work experience in GIS/remote sensing, geography digital related project management work, ideally focused on digital solutions, or other related fields.

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary education in geography, climatology, meteorology, remote sensing, or related earth sciences field; such university degree an asset.

Language: Fluency (level C) in both oral and written communication in English and proficiency in the duty station’s language(s) (Russian or Kyrgyz, both considered an advantage).

All WFP Employees are expected to demonstrate the competencies and standards of behavior aligned with our core values and defined in the WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK, namely:

Leading by example with integrity,

Driving results and delivering on commitments,

Fostering inclusive and collaborative teamwork,

Applying strategic thinking,

Building and maintaining sustainable partnerships.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:

It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to the Diversity and Inclusion team on: global.inclusion@wfp.org, cc’ing bangkok.recruitment@wfp.org. A member of the reasonable accommodation team will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.

This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements, and not for sending the application itself. Due to volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered as a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.

Please note that WFP may keep candidates who successfully passed recruitment tests and interviews, but were not the first-choice candidate selected for a position, on a roster for similar (or lower-level) upcoming positions or short-term opportunities for direct contracting. Successful candidates will be informed about their inclusion into the roster.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) 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, the second largest UN agency in the Kyrgyz Republic, will support and promote the inclusion of people with diverse and often intersecting vulnerabilities and inequalities, by supporting nationally led social and civil protection systems and programmes (strengthening the government’s ability for anticipatory action and ensuring that no one is left behind) and by modelling new approaches within complementary WFP interventions (which can be adopted or transitioned), leveraging WFP’s global expertise in promoting healthy diets and sustainable food systems, climate risk management, warehousing, food safety, smallholder market access and innovations such as private sector-oriented solutions, micro-insurance and digital public goods.

Derived from the UN Cooperation Framework and national priorities, promoting participatory community engagement and nutrition-sensitive approaches, the 2nd generation Country Strategic Plan (2023-27 EN|RU) continues WFP’s human capital development, capacity building and productive asset creation activities to enhance the resilience and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable, with a focus on food systems strengthening across three core pillars: (i) Social Protection and Active Labour Market strengthening; (ii) Climate Change Adaption, Disaster Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness; and (iii) Schools as platforms for healthy diets. In addition, a contingent emergency response outcome can be activated in case of need.

WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. WFP has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination. 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.