WFP: National Project Officer-Istanbul

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    11 hours ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    04/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

8 December 2024-23:59-GMT+03:00 Turkey Time (Istanbul)

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).

Under the overall leadership and guidance of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Operations Management Team (OMT) endeavours to facilitate the implementation of Delivery as One (DaO) by harmonizing operational policies of UN entities, funds, and programs in Türkiye. Moreover, the OMT proposes and implements inter-agency initiatives to ensure the quality of support services, while utilizing resources effectively.

Within this context, the OMT has decided to adopt and implement UN Development Group’s (UNDG) results-based framework to enhance the planning, monitoring and management of the UNCT’s operations and support to program delivery. The objective is to ensure the Türkiye UNCT achieves the targets of the Efficiency Agenda including the Business Operations Strategy (BOS), the Local Shared Service Centres (LCCS) (former Common back offices), the Common Premises and to eventually contribute to the establishment of the Global Shared Service Centres (GSSC).
Under the overall supervision of the DCD, the incumbent will facilitate the initiation, monitoring and implementation of this framework, in close coordination of the Chair of OMT, s/he will be engaged in supporting day to day operational matters of OMT and its Technical Working Groups. The incumbent will be responsible to undertake functions related to coordination of data collection, analysis, interpretation and implementation of all support activities.

The incumbent will support the OMT and RCO with day-to-day coordination with counterparts to advance the Efficiency Agenda.

This position is based in Ankara and reports to DCD.

THE ROLE

To facilitate the initiation, monitoring and implementation of this framework, in close coordination of the Chair of OMT, s/he will be engaged in supporting day to day operational matters of OMT and its Technical Working Groups. The incumbent will be responsible to undertake functions related to coordination of data collection, analysis, interpretation and implementation of all support activities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1. Maintain a fully functional Secretariat for the OMT:

  • Develop a work plan in a consultative manner
  • Supporting the work plan execution: coordination of planning process; budget monitoring; operations coordination; reporting; and documentation.
  • Regularly update the LTA database and HR roster within the relevant systems;
  • Participate in the meetings and support OMT, OMT Working Groups and BOS taskforce Committee as necessary;
  • Update the OMT and OMT working groups’ progress and notes of records, briefs in OMT records; and
  • Undertake any other activities assigned by the Chair of the OMT.

2. Coordination and support the preparation of the Business Operations Strategy:

  • Align all OMT operations with the 2020 Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review through implementing the UN reform objectives in operationalize the leaving no behind initiative.
  • Ensure that the Efficiency Agenda milestones are achieved ensuring a proper utilization of the UNDG’s enablers including Mutual Recognition, Costing and Pricing and Client Satisfaction.
  • Lead the establishment of the location independent common services through the LSSCs;
  • Establish, strengthen and solidify the OMT workflow to increase engagement points and synergies amongst UN entities through liaising and supporting the Technical Working Groups;
  • Ensure an adequate design and implementation of OMT common services plans including resource mobilization in support of common operations;
  • Ensure that large contracts negotiated by the OMT are covered by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and/or Service Level Agreements (SLAs) amongst UN entities and to accelerate the establishment of common Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) between participating entities and the service provider/supplier;
  • Liaise with all UN entities to have an efficient management of the common service budgets at the country level, including the development of the annual budget and ensuring agreement is reached on the budget;
  • Oversee the Task Forces working on initiatives under the OMT;
  • Provide support and advice to other interagency platforms with regards to the provision of operational support system through common services, in particular in the area of programmes (Result Groups);
  • Lead the end of cycle review/evaluation of the BOS as a basis for the BOS development for the next cycle. It is recommended to execute this evaluation concurrent with the UNSDCF review. Lead on the conceptualization and annual updates of the BOS by ensuring a unified vision is translated into concrete, measurable activities which increase efficiencies and/or improve quality Provide inputs to the OMT chairs on the performance appraisal of the staff members involved in the OMT and/or any of its Task Forces reflects their role and results to be achieved, as this plays a critical role in terms of incentive and accountability.

3. Support the RCO with day-to-day coordination with counterparts to advance the DaO agenda:

  • Coordinate between UN entities, Government and relevant counterparts to promote a One UN approach towards programme and operational coordination;
  • Support the RCO with piloting innovative tools that will enhance operational coordination;
  • Supports the roll out of existing initiatives that support the DaO agenda;

4. Support OMT and its Working Groups on common services for the designated service line(s):

  • Lead on the assessment of the BOS implementation, results and existing common services and identify areas where these services can be improved, and costs reduced;
  • Monitor the implementation and progress of work plans, identify constraints/delays and bring to the attention of OMT Chair.
  • Maintain the information flow at all classification levels within the OMT and initiate follow-up actions.
  • Supported communication efforts in the One UN Knowledge Exchange Network on Yammer platform for OMT by posting up to date information to the different sections when needed.
  • Maintained system-wide contacts on the coordination of matters related to day-to-day operations.

5. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. ​

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least two years of relevant work experience; or

University degree in the above fields with at least four years of relevant professional experience.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language and theTurkish.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Capacity to build and maintain partnerships with a number of stakeholders (UN entities, Government entities, other development partners and the private sector)

• Proven knowledge in common operational services.

• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications,

e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based Management Systems.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

• Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside the UN.

• Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including Government, I/NGOs and the private sector.

• A self-starter, able to inspire and influence action and work under pressure, can lead from behind and inspire good teamwork.

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

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.

 

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements