WFP Programme Officer (Head of Field Office) Job in Eldoret, Kenya

Job Title: Programme Officer (Head of Field Office)

Post Type / Grade: Fixed Term - NOB 

Duty Stations: Eldoret
 

Deadline for application: 16 November 2014

Accountabilities:
 

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the incumbent will oversee the efficient implementation and smooth functioning of WFP assistance programmes at regional level that includes Counties and sub counties, trouble shoot and resolve operational challenges, identify potential problems and propose remedial actions as well as ensure regular monitoring.
 

He/she will also be required to engage stakeholders i.e. GoK county level/regional authorities, non-governmental partner organizations, private and public sector representatives and community representatives for alignment, coordination and distribution of accurate and timely assistance and manage the financial and administrative aspects of the field office including the management and coordination of the office staff. 

Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall programme management which includes implementation and monitoring of programmes and activities in the region;
• Develop and sustain liaison with key professionals and NGOs engaged in the field of food security;
• Represent WFP in key meetings with government and other partners;
• Oversee preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, including weekly sitreps generated within his/her area of responsibility, proposals for improvements in operation and the scope of programmes, regional DM/PDM reports on monthly basis, take lead in consolidating some of the regional reports;
• Ensure adequate support to rains assessment missions and carry out rapid assessments as necessary in coordination with government and other partners to review beneficiary needs;
• Organize WFP support in targeting through adequate information-sharing with Cooperating Partner (CP) staff and communities;
• Assist the government in identifying fields of development where food assistance can be usefully employed and give assistance in planning, formulating, and targeting recipients for new requests for WFP assistance;
• Liaise with project implementing authorities and undertake visits to view project outputs and beneficiaries, inspect storage places and points where WFP commodities are received in the country, in order to ensure that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives;
• Ensure continuing liaison with bilateral food assistance programmes, with UN agencies and NGOs providing technical or other forms of assistance to WFP-assisted projects;
• Advise the local administration offices/staff on the handling, transport, storage and distribution of the commodities supplied by WFP;
• Advise the Government/CP on the maintenance of all records, as stipulated in the valid agreements (MoUs, LoUs);
• Ensure compliance with WFP’s policies, criteria and procedures with respect to food assistance;
• Assist heads of programmes from CO in all matters related to the delivery of WFP assistance and bring to the attention of appropriate staff any administrative constraints arising from rapidly evolving situations in the field;
• Overall supervision of all staff at the field office and provide training and technical guidance to programme staff in their work;
• Take the lead in organizing VIP visits to the counties (donors, WFP executive management staff);
• Perform other duties as required, including direct responsibility for administrative/ procurement requirements of the unit

Qualifications, Experience and Critical Success Factors:

• University Degree in Economics, Agriculture, Social Sciences, International Affairs, Business Administration, Development Studies Social Sciences, Development Studies or a field relevant to International Development Assistance. Advanced University Degree will be an added advantage.
• At least three years’ post-graduate professional experience in commerce, business administration, Development or food aid support.
• Training and/or experience utilizing computers including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard software packages and systems. 
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration.
• Good analytical skills; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgment, tact, negotiating skills; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds. 
• Ability to cope with situations which may threaten health or safety; flexibility in accepting work assignments outside normal desk description.
• Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Fluency in written and oral English and good spoken Kiswahili.

Interested and qualified internal Candidates are requested to submit online applications only according to the following procedures:

• Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/14-0015791
• Step 1 : Create your online CV
• Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.

Note: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
 

If you have any queries relating to this VA please send them to: Nairobi.Hr@wfp.org