JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE

The post will have a strong focus on ensuring the effective and efficient management of human and financial resources and the delivery of WFP programmes and activities. A large emphasis is placed upon building and maintaining strategic partnerships and relationships with Government, UN agencies and other partners in the area to reinforce WFP’s visibility. The Head of Field Office is expected to provide leadership in the development and implementation of policies and programmes under the Country Strategic Plan in a complex context and in close coordination with the WFP Country Office.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

1. Effectively manage the Field Office to ensure the continued development of a cohesive and high performing team.

2. Plan and manage WFP field operations within the area of assignment to ensure effective and efficient delivery of food assistance and that daily operational issues are timely resolved to prevent losses or delays.

3. Ensure that allocated resources are used efficiently and are in line with agreed plans, and any deviations are reported to the Country Office.

4. Hold accountability for the security of WFP staff, operations, premises and assets in the Field Office to ensure that WFP security and safety standards are locally set and followed. Actively participate and contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).

5. Conduct timely monitoring and evaluation of activities and prepare accurate and comprehensive reports on WFP’s operations and performance with regular and timely submission for Country Office review to inform efficient operational planning and decisions.

6. Build effective and collaborative relations with the local authorities and contribute to the expertise sharing and capacity building for effective preparedness and response to food assistance needs.

7. Build partnerships to improve assistance packages, develop and sustain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, UN agencies, civil societies, beneficiaries and other partners and media engaged in the field of food security.

8. Ensure extensive and frequent presence at project areas, distribution sites, and centres.

9. Other as required

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or other related fields, or First University degree with an additional 8 years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
Language: Fluency (level C) in the English language. Intermediate knowledge of French is an advantage.

Experience: At least 5 years of post-graduate professional work experience (management of office or team and in emergency response & preparedness food security, Resilience, Drought/Flood Management, and Climate Change)

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

· Has developed, or supported in the development of, single-discipline work plans to support the achievement of WFP strategic aims within a defined area.

· Has gained some exposure in field operations, preferably in a hardship duty station or emergency situation.

· Has field experience via field rotations or working in a sub-office, and through field postings.

· Gained experience of analyzing local political situations and assessing risk accurately.

· Gained broader exposure across areas within a function (i.e. policy, programme etc.).

· Has gained experience managing small to mid-size financial budgets, balancing priorities effectively.

· Has experience leading a small to mid-size team to ensure the effective delivery of objectives.

· Participated in a vendor/government/ partner negotiation within area of focus.

· Participated in a small emergency operation/ development programme.

· Has experience with security co-ordination and compound management within a smaller area.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements