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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 United Nations World Food Programme 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.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Entering its 13th year of crisis, Syria is on the verge of a major humanitarian tipping point, due to the significant broadening and deepening of needs across the country, driven by armed conflicts/hostilities, plummeting economy, continued impact of the earthquake, disease outbreaks , steady collapse of public services and progressive disintegration of the rule of law. This is compounded by the ripple effects of voltages across the region. Highlighted in the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), the number of individuals requiring assistance in North West Syria increased from 4.05 million in 2023 to 4.24 million in 2024, underscoring the sustained severity of the situation and the imperative for continued support and interventions. In addition, in 2024, the WFP faces an unprecedented 60 percent funding shortfall due to increasing needs and decreasing contributions. For 2023, less than half of the $23.5 billion needed to fund its global operations was secured.
Amidst this landscape, the Head of Programme and RAM's mandate is to develop, manage, and implement WFP strategies and policies designed to meet the dire needs of vulnerable groups. Leveraging in-depth M&E and VAM to direct strategic planning and policy formulation, the job holder will ensure that the interventions are calibrated to the identified needs. Risk management is paramount, guiding the management of emergency response initiatives, nutritional programs, and endeavors to strengthen livelihoods and resilience, all aimed at seamlessly integrating WFP's efforts within the wider framework aimed at fostering peace, humanitarian relief, and sustainable development.
The Head of Programme and RAM will be responsible for the leadership and guidance of a multidisciplinary team comprising both national and international professionals. This team will operate across various programmatic areas, employing rigorous M&E frameworks to evaluate programme impact, adaptively manage risks, and ensure that the programs foster resilience and sustainable development.
JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING LINE
Tasked with addressing the vital food security needs of Northwest Syria's vulnerable groups, the Head of Programme and RAM will lead the WFP's strategic planning, informed by robust M&E and VAM, and oversee several initiatives including emergency responses and resilience programs, ensuring they align with the broader Peace-Humanitarian-Development nexus through focused risk management.
The position will be based in Mersin, Turkiye, and will report to the NWS Head of Area Office.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Strategic Development and Management
Develop and lead the overall strategic development, implementation, and management of emergency response capacities, scenario building, and Concept of Operations to ensure adequate operational readiness and, where feasible, a transition plan for sustainable programming. Ensure timely and smooth implementation of WFP cross border food assistance programs including general food assistance, emergency food assistance, nutrition, school feeding, and livelihoods activities in collaboration with WFP cooperating partners. Develop and maintain operational partnerships for the implementation of WFP food assistance portfolio in Northwest Syria and identify opportunities for collaborative initiatives that improve food assistance packages and support advocacy work. Ensure that monitoring systems are in place to track program progress against goals and that these insights feed into strategic decision-making. Take responsibility for incorporating gender and protection perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men. Continuously identify and assess potential risks that could impact program effectiveness and organizational integrity. This involves analyzing external environments (political, social, environmental) and internal processes to preemptively recognize threats. Coordinate with Supply Chain, Nutrition, and other units in Mersin Field Office and technical units in Country Office to ensure effective delivery of quality programming. Enable capacity building of WFP staff and Cooperating Partners to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs. Any other business ā support the Head of Office and Emergency Coordinator on urgent prioritized issues, as needed.Coordination
Enhance WFPās leadership status in forums relating to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, social protection, cash-based assistance, school feeding and resilience, and related issues. Lead on liaison with international and local NGOs, UN agencies, relevant Clusters, and affected populations. Establish strong operational linkages with relevant Clusters, particularly Protection, Nutrition, and CCCM Clusters. Ensure inter-agency operational and strategic response plans (HRP and HNO) adequately reflect WFPās strategic priorities, so that WFP approaches and responses are coordinated and harmonized with other UN agencies and government authorities.STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Advanced university degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Human Rights, Communications, or other relevant field, or first university degree with two additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
Experience: At least seven years of relevant work experience in a humanitarian organization with exposure to programme activities, emergency response, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and identity management (IDM).
Language: Fluency (level C) in both oral and written communication in English. Working knowledge of Arabic and/or Turkish is desirable.
Knowledge & Skills:
Understanding and experience of WFP programmes and operations. Good understanding of humanitarian activities and humanitarian policy issues, and its linkage with humanitarian assistance. Proven communication skills and ability to communicate and adjust communication style to different audiences. Proven knowledge of UN system policies and functions in terms of emergency preparedness and response. Flexibility to travel on short notice and in challenging and difficult environments. Ability to lead teams for success and empower team members and excellent interpersonal skills.TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Eligibility: This position is open to non-Turkish nationals only
Contract Type: Consultant Level II
Contract Duration: 11-months
Number of required employees: One
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
.All applications should be received no later than May 8, 2024, 23:59 (Turkish time, GMT+3)
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Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance. WFP encourages qualified female applicants and people with disabilities to apply. Specifically for people with disabilities, WFP will ensure that reasonable accommodation measures are provided upon request.
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.