Programme Policy Officer NOA (3 vacancies: Beirut, Zahle and Qobayat Field Offices)

Assisting more than 90 million people in 83 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.

In Lebanon, WFP works to support approximately 700,000 people with regular assistance using e-cards. WFP also supports Lebanese schools with school meals, and has run over 300 development activities which include supporting rural infrastructure, as well as education and training opportunities for vulnerable individuals in families. WFP also supports Lebanon’s National Poverty Targeting Programme. 

Organizational Context: These three (3) positions are located in WFP Lebanon in the following field offices/duty stations: Beirut, Zahle and Qobayat. The incumbent is to report to the respective Head of Field Office. The incumbents in the different Field Offices will be expected to travel extensively within the service areas of their respective locations.

Purpose of the job: To manage Direct Food Assistance, Livelihood, Monitoring & Evaluation and Retail sections and provide support to policy and programme activities in the Field office that effectively meet food assistance needs.

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

Under the supervision of “Head of Field Office”, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

1. Contribute towards the development of Direct Food Assistance, Livelihood, Monitoring & Evaluation and Retail projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
2. Provide Monitoring & Evaluation and project management support within the Field Office, ensuring a coordinated approach with other Units in line with WFP standards and procedures.
3. Follow data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards aremaintained.
4. Research and analyze policy and operational issues to support Direct Food Assistance, Livelihood, Monitoring & Evaluation and Retail senior colleagues in the development of procedures, programmes and activities.
5. Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on Direct Food Assistance, Livelihood, Monitoring & Evaluation and Retail programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
6. Liaise with internal functional Units to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects.
7. Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to improved Direct Food Assistance packages.
8. Support the capacity building of Direct Food Assistance, Livelihood, Monitoring & Evaluation and Retail staff, partner’s field staff to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs.
9. Establish and maintain collaboration with local authorities at municipalities level, and identify synergistic opportunities for collaborations for locally-driven solutions.
10. Manage and monitor performance of partners, and verify monthly invoices before submitting to the country offices.
11. Ensure FO’s representation in the relevant coordination forums at Regional level.
12. Contribute to preparation and review of Budget & proposals, ensuring funding is allocated according to the donor requirements/earmarking conditions, and advocate for municipalities investments.
13. Facilitate donor missions to the areas of operations.
14. Supervise and provide guidance to Programme Associates and Assistants, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries.
15. Other accountabilities, as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Advanced University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance; or First University Degree with additional years of related work experiences and/or training/courses.

Experience: Four years of professional relevant experience in capacity building and institutional development, project management, emergency preparedness and response and resilience-building programmes.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic. Knowledge of French language is added advantage.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES & COMPETENCIES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE: 

• Working experience with UN agencies or other International Development Organizations.
• Strong understanding of national socio-economic and political issues and the complexity and range of WFP programmes to plan and oversee implementation.
• Conversant with national and international frameworks related to cash and how they affect food security and nutrition.
• Experience in reviewing budget and project proposals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the project cycle management.
• Strong analytic, communication and interpersonal skills, including conceptual analysis, planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with government with the required diplomacy and tactical skills to handle complex situations.