Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection) SC8

JOB PURPOSE: Under direct supervision of the Head of Outcome 1, the staff will provide support to policy and programme activities that effectively meet Country Capacity-strengthening and Social Protection-related needs.

1. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Contribute towards the development of a limited number of country capacity-strengthening (CCS) projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance in the sphere of social protection, poverty alleviation, rural development, women empowerment.
2. Provide project management support to specific and defined programmes and projects of small to moderate size, including capacity building of Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (MLSSM) in the scale-up of the government Social Contract, digitalization of government social registries, support in revision of criteria for social protection programmes (public paid works, vocational training, social payments, etc.) that are relatively straightforward in nature, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programmes that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
3. Follow data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained considering privacy impact assessment and beneficiary data protection principles and guidance in line with national and international requirements.
4. Research and analyze policy and operational issues in the sphere of social protection programmes, possible challenges and recommendations for strengthening national social protection system, participate in thematic working group discussions with line Ministries, UN Agencies and other partners, support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programmes and activities.
5. Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programmes and activities that enable informed decision making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
6. Regularly liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects, facilitate, and lead organization of thematic field visibility in line with programmatic activities both for donors and government counterparts.
7. Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships with relevant organizations to collaborative working leading to improved social protection principles in line with recommended best practices and international standards.
8. Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national government to strengthen the national social protection systems in Kyrgyz Republic towards to alignment with priorities in the area of the shock responsive social protection, nutrition-sensitive social protection, digital social protection, LNOB principle under UNSDCF.
9. Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries.
10. Follow latest developments of the national policy frameworks, legislation, bylaws and other regulations and WFP, UN and development partner guidance and policies relevant for design, implementation and delivery of social protection and CCS programmes to inform improvements and adjustments to WFP programme design.
11. Other as required.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES:

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Business Administration, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

WORK EXPERIENCE At least one (1) year of postgraduate professional experience in implementing social protection, rural development, women empowerment and capacity building technical programs to support ministries, departments and state agencies.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Work experience with UN or international organizations or donors is considered an asset.
• Has conducted coordination and implemented programmes for development of social protection policies and strategies, designed interventions and programme operations.
• Has provided input into social protection policy discussions and decisions.

LANGUAGE: Fluency (level C) in both oral and written communication in English and proficiency in the duty station’s language(s) (Russian or Kyrgyz, both considered an advantage).

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.

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.

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.

Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:

It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to the Diversity and Inclusion team on: [email protected], cc’ing [email protected]. A member of the reasonable accommodation team will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.

This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements, and not for sending the application itself. Due to volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered as a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in 123 countries delivering food assistance, partnering with governments and providing common services that allow the entire humanitarian community to save lives in emergencies and build the resilience of food insecure people and communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

WFP’s vision is that people in the Kyrgyz Republic will have substantially increased access to national social protection systems that safeguard and foster their ability to meet their food security, nutrition and associated essential needs, and to manage the risks and shocks they face, with ample opportunity to graduate from poverty and contribute to sustainable food systems, national disaster risk management efforts and social cohesion.

WFP, the second largest UN agency in the Kyrgyz Republic, will support and promote the inclusion of people with diverse and often intersecting vulnerabilities and inequalities, by supporting nationally led social and civil protection systems and programmes (strengthening the government’s ability for anticipatory action and ensuring that no one is left behind) and by modelling new approaches within complementary WFP interventions (which can be adopted or transitioned), leveraging WFP’s global expertise in promoting healthy diets and sustainable food systems, climate risk management, warehousing, food safety, smallholder market access and innovations such as private sector-oriented solutions, micro-insurance and digital public goods.

Derived from the UN Cooperation Framework and national priorities, promoting participatory community engagement and nutrition-sensitive approaches, the 2nd generation Country Strategic Plan (2023-27 EN|RU) continues WFP’s human capital development, capacity building and productive asset creation activities to enhance the resilience and livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable, with a focus on food systems strengthening across three core pillars: (i) Social Protection; (ii) Climate Change Adaption, Disaster Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness; and (iii) Schools as platforms for healthy diets. In addition, a contingent emergency response outcome can be activated in case of need.

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.