Team Leader – Anticipatory Action and Climate Change, Consultant, Manila

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WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.

Job Title: Team Leader – Anticipatory Action and Climate Change
Grade: CST-II
Type of contract: Regular Consultant (CST)
Duration: Six (6) Months with Possible Extension
Duty Station: Manila, Philippines
Vacancy Number: 415246
Date of Publication: 08 February 2023
Deadline of Application: 22 February 2023, 12:00 PM (Manila)

This vacancy announcement is for Internationals only.

Terms and Conditions:
WFP offers a competitive salary, plus a medical insurance scheme.
*Remote work may be possible depending upon the operational requirements of the Programme. Requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the personal circumstances of the requestor given the operational situation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

General Information:
International consultant with expertise in leading Anticipatory Action and Climate Change Adaptation programmes.

Background:
As the climate-related risks on food security, nutrition and livelihoods are rising, so too is our ability to forecast them. However, despite gains in early warnings, acting early enough to anticipate impacts of climate hazards remains a significant challenge. In response, organizations such as WFP have begun to test Anticipatory Action (AA) mechanisms, innovations that use climate forecasting and other related information to trigger humanitarian assistance before a shock occurs. AA is an innovative approach that enables the implementation of pre-determined contingency plans that aim to prevent and mitigate, to the extent possible, the impact of extreme weather events on the food security and nutrition of the most vulnerable populations.

The WFP Philippines Country Office (PHCO) has been one of the implementing partners under the 2021/22 CERF AA pilot project for typhoons, now extended until 2024. In 2022, WFP expanded its geographical coverage beyond the Bicol region to also include the provinces of Southern Leyte and Surigao Del Norte, taking advantage of its operational presence and groundwork there under the Typhoon Odette emergency response operations. Accordingly, 45,000 vulnerable households from 33 municipalities are now validated and pre-registered in WFP’s beneficiary database in order to be ready to receive cash-based transfers under a potential trigger activation. While there was no trigger activation in 2022, WFP conducted 2 Joint Simulation Exercises which generated valuable lessons learned for improving WFP’s Anticipatory Action SOP. In 2023, building on the lessons learned and recommendations from the 2022 simulation exercises and the CERF After Action Review workshop, WFP is focusing on improving its plan of operations, strengthening joint implementation and coordination with the partner LGUs through co-developed SOPs, and generating robust evidence and knowledge material on AA.

In addition, WFP is currently an implementing partner for the 2022-2026 “Multi-Hazard Impact-Based Forecasting and Early Warning System (MH-IBF-EWS) for the Philippines” project which is supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and led by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA). The GCF project is co-implemented together with Landbank of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mine and Geo-sciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and four (4) Local Government Units namely Tuguegarao, Legaspi City in Albay, Palo in Leyte and New Bataan in Davao de Oro. Under this project, WFP is leading the component on “Improved national and local capacities in implementing people-centered MH-IBF-EWS and forecast-based early actions and financing (FbA)”.

At the policy level, WFP is currently co-leading the Policy, Financing and Institutionalization (PFI) Technical Sub-Group of the national AA Technical Working Group (AA TWG). In this role, WFP is working closely with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and other TWG partners, providing technical support to the Government on the development of the required policies, implementing rules and regulations to enable the operationalization of AA at the national and sub-national levels. WFP is also providing DSWD with technical support on the operationalization of the Adaptive Shock Responsive Social Protection (ASRSP) Roadmap, including recommendations on how to flex and scale up social protection programmes in response to predicted/actual extreme weather events based on the AA systems and knowledge available.

Beyond AA, WFP is conducting critical research to enhance understanding of the Philippines’ vulnerabilities and risks to climate change impacts, especially in connection with food security and nutrition. WFP completed two research projects in 2021, namely (1) the Philippine Climate and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) in May 2021 and (2) the Vulnerability and Risk Analysis (VRA) in September 2021. These products were developed and validated together with the government and help determine which populations and livelihoods are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, to what extent, and where, and thus aim to provide government partners and other stakeholders a better understanding on the interconnectedness of climate change and its impact on food security, nutrition, and livelihoods in the Philippines. In 2023, WFP aims to expand the development and government uptake of innovative research products focusing on climate change vulnerabilities, exposure and impact on food security and nutrition in collaboration with academia, government and other partners, including through the further validation and enhancement of the Climate Change and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) findings with local government partners as necessary, and roll-out activities (e.g. training modules) to strengthen the ownership and integration of the tool by government partners in local planning processes.

Given the strategic priority of effectively managing climate-related risks to food security and nutrition in the Philippines, WFP is currently exploring opportunities to expand its portfolio of activities that support national and local capacities for disaster risk management as well as climate change adaptation. WFP will also develop an internal Climate Risk Management Roadmap that will define its vision and key programmatic priorities and opportunities for 2023 as well as under the next Philippines Country Strategic Plan (2024-2028).

To further support the implementation and scale-up of its AA and climate risk management programmes/roadmap, WFP is seeking an expert with specialized skills in AA, climate change adaptation and experience in Early Warning Systems and M&E.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Anticipatory Action and Climate Change Team Leader will support WFP PHCO in the roles and responsibilities outlined below in line with programmatic needs and priorities. Based in Manila, Philippines, the consultant will report to the Head of Programme and work under overall guidance of Deputy Country Director.

Successful candidate will lead PHCO’s portfolio for Climate Change Adaptation and Anticipatory Action including recruitment, capacity development and management of the activity teams for the implementation of the CERF AA, GCF and other related programmes. Furthermore, in close collaborating with other functional units within PHCO, WFP’s Regional Bureau and HQ teams, successful candidate will provide technical support to the Government on AA and climate risk management and lead the development of PHCO’s Climate Change strategy. The consultant will also support CO management with resource mobilization and provide technical inputs for the design, review and submission of project proposals for PHCO to access climate financing through bilateral/multilateral sources.

Specific tasks:
Project Management/Implementation:

• Provide overall guidance and day to day management to the AA and climate change projects, including project oversight, management of project teams, reporting and budget management.
• In collaboration with WFP’s Programme and EPR teams, lead the implementation of WFP’s activities under the CERF AA project in coordination with UN and national stakeholders.
• Lead the implementation of WFP’s activities under the GCF project in collaboration with PAGASA and other government partners, specifically activities under the WFP-led Output 3 “Improved national and local capacities in implementing a people-centered MH-IBF-EWS and FbF".

Technical assistance:

• Develop Climate Change Roadmap that will define WFP’s vision and targets for the integration of climate change considerations into PHCO’s operations, especially with regards to the next iteration of the Philippines Country Strategic Plan (2024-2028).
• Support resource mobilization efforts for the development of AA and climate change activities through the design and submission of project proposals.
• Building on the lessons learned and recommendations from the 2022 SIMEX exercises, coordinate with relevant teams to keep updated WFP’s AA SOP and ensure PHCO’s operational readiness for the next phase of the CERF AA.
• Support the technical capacity building of national and local government authorities to design and implement AA systems, ‘last mile’ climate services and other climate adaptation measures based on government needs and WFP’s geographic and programmatic priorities.
• Co-lead the national Policy, Financing and Institutionalization (PFI) Technical Sub-Group of the national AA TWG and provide technical support to the Government to develop the required policies, implementing rules and regulations to enable the operationalization of AA at the national and sub-national levels.
• Work with social Protection team to support the implementation of the Adaptive Shock Responsive Social Protection (ASRSP) Roadmap.
• Support national and local government partners to integrate WFP’s Climate Change and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) and other research products in their disaster risk management plans including training modules to strengthen understanding and ownership of the tools available.
• In collaboration with WFP’s RAM team, lead the generation, documentation and dissemination of robust evidence as well as best practices and lessons learned from the implementation of WFP’s AA approach in the Philippines.
• In coordination with RAM team, lead the development of innovative research products focusing on climate change vulnerabilities, exposure and impact on food security and nutrition in collaboration with academia, government and other partners.
• Strengthen partnerships, advocacy and coordination with partners (e.g. UN, IFRC, NGOs, Government, academia), and represent WFP in related national and regional platforms such as the national AA Technical Working group.
• Perform other related duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Successful management of AA/CCA team and implementation of the CERF AA and GCF projects, and any additional AA or climate adaptation-related projects to come into implementation in 2023.
• Co-leading of the national Policy, Financing and Institutionalization (PFI) Technical Sub-Group under the AA TWG and provision of inputs into national policies and operational guidance for the mainstreaming of AA in the national DRM framework.
• Updated WFP AA SOPs for typhoons under the CERF AA project.
• Development/enhancement of AA SOPs for partner LGUs.
• Evidence material generated on AA including M&E reports and country-case studies with results and lessons learned.
• Strengthened uptake of WFP’s Climate Change and Food Security Analysis (CCFSA) tool by government and other stakeholders.
• Development of an internal Climate Change Roadmap.
• Support to national and regional workshops and advocacy events.
• Inputs to project proposals on AA and wider climate change adaptation programmes.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Masters level), or university degree with experience and training/courses in one or more of the following disciplines: climate adaptation, meteorology, hydrology, environmental science, disaster management, agriculture, development studies or related area.

EXPERIENCE: At least five (5) years of post-graduate, progressively responsible work experience in forecast-based financing/anticipatory actions, early warning early action, climate adaptation and/or disaster risk management, as well as experience managing programme/project staff, establishing/managing partnerships and resource mobilization.

KOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Postgraduate, progressively responsible, job related experience in anticipatory action, climate adaptation and/or disaster risk management/financing.
• Solid understanding of risk/vulnerability assessments, early warning and forecasting information and ability to link those to programme design.
• Experience with the development and implementation of AA SOPs and M&E frameworks.
• Experience/ability in the establishment of partnerships with public and private sector actors and understanding of policy issues.
• Ability to work independently in a timely and organized manner observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Ability to work in a team and establish effective working relationships with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds and multi-task as needed.
• Proficiency in Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), experience with GIS platforms is an asset.

LANGUAGE: Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) and intermediate knowledge (intermediate/level B) of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is preferable. For specific regions, proficiency/level C in French, Portuguese and Spanish will be required.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings).
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We want to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible. Please contact us at philippines.hr@wfp.org to advise us of any accessibility needs you may have.

This email is only to be used for any accessibility requirement in terms of application and not for sending the application itself.

ABOUT WFP

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.

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WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. WFP has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination. 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.

All WFP Employees are expected to demonstrate the competencies and standards of behaviour aligned with our core values and defined in the WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK, namely:
• Leading by example with integrity,
• Driving results and delivering on commitments,
• Fostering inclusive and collaborative teamwork,
• Applying strategic thinking,
• Building and maintaining sustainable partnerships.
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