Programme Policy Officer (CSP & System Dynamics Modelling) Consultant Level 11, Johannesburg
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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 end global hunger. 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.
In emergencies, WFP gets food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. After an emergency, WFP uses food to help communities rebuild their shattered lives. Present in nearly 80 countries, the organization has the global footprint, deep field presence and local knowledge and relationships necessary to provide access to nutritious food and contribute to the lasting solutions, especially in many of the world’s most remote and fragile areas. We manage an operating budget of approximately $5.9 billion each year, distributing 12.6 billion rations to those most in need. We reach an average of 80 million people with food assistance in around 80 countries each year. The World Food Programme office in Johannesburg is a Regional Office coordinating and supporting the delivery of humanitarian assistance to 11 Southern Africa countries including, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Malawi, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville.
For more on WFP and what we do, please go to UN World Food Programme (WFP)
BACKGROUND
Actualizing SDG 17 on Changing Lives requires WFP to embark on the timely step to embrace systems thinking and a food systems approach across the full spectrum of its programmes, to position WFP as an intentional global force for food systems transformation in support of national and regional priorities to achieve the SDGs. This requires adopting a food systems lens and infusing systems thinking into country strategic planning processes, especially during the design phase of 2nd generation Country Strategic Plans (2G CSPs).
During the development of the first wave of 2G CSPs in Southern Africa, RBJ had engaged in Systems Dynamic Modelling, to conduct a food systems study in Tanzania based on the systems dynamic modelling approach. Conducted in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania and national stakeholders, the study analyzed the Tanzanian food system through the creation of a system map (also called the Causal Loop Diagram/CLD) and put forward considerations for triggering systemic change. The analysis was instrumental in informing the design of the WFP Tanzania 2G CSP (2022-2027), in which WFP plays a catalytic role in supporting the Government in achieving food systems transformation.
Building upon successes of the Tanzania study, the systems dynamics modelling exercise has now been extended to will now be extended to additional country offices that are designing 2G CSPs in 2023, to inform CSP formulation and programme design (Namibia, Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia Lesotho and DRC).
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Based on the approved ToRs, the responsibilities and deliverables of the consultant will include:
1. Analyze food systems-related development challenges at the country level, and linkages to key social, economic and environmental performance indicators. Offer capacity building online sessions on Systems Thinking and on the co- creation of system maps (Causal Loop Diagrams, CLD). Co-create CLDs with country teams, to create a share understanding of key issues related to food systems and development at the country level. Deliverables: Review of available literature, exchanges with country teams, and the creation of a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD).
2.Support the identification of leverage points and constraints found in the system analyzed with a focus on food and nutrition security, including through CLDs, and the analysis of key drivers of change (feedback loops). Deliverables: a short report describing the CLD and identifying main feedback loops and levers available to secure efficient and effective interventions.
3. Review historical data to validate the dynamics described by the CLD, formulate a quantitative model for scenario analysis, and generate simulations of how changes in the system may affect performance in the future, removing bottlenecks and creating synergies. Use System Dynamics modeling, for the creation of a fully customized model based on the CLDs. Collaborate with the project team and relevant local stakeholders on the identification of data needs, data collection and identification of data gaps. Deliverables: A technical document describing the model.
4. Conduct an analysis of the outcomes of various simulations, including alternative scenarios and describing their outcomes across the system analyzed, identifying direct, indirect and induced impacts of actions and inaction. Deliverables: Identification of potential areas of synergy and trade-offs.
5. Identify the most viable intervention options and investments, considering their social, economic and environmental outcomes. Deliverables: An integrated Cost Benefit Analysis that is (i) system-wide and (ii) taking into account both tangible and intangible outcomes (include an economic valuation of externalities to better assess the societal outcome of various scenarios).
6. Conduct an analysis of al data from the CSP countries which undertook the Systems Dynamic approach and work with the RB to produce a few products.
4Ps CORE ORGANISATIONAL CAPABILITIES
Purpose
- Understand and communicate the Strategic Objectives: Builds an understanding of WFP’s Strategic Objectives.
- Be a force for positive change: Approaches individual tasks and responsibilities with a positive attitude and demeanor.
- Make the mission inspiring to our team: Understands the impact of WFP activities in beneficiary communities.
- Make our mission visible in everyday actions: Connects individual tasks and responsibilities to unit’s goals and mission.
People
- Look for ways to strengthen people's skills: Seeks opportunities to build and enhance individual skills.
- Create an inclusive culture: Demonstrates respect and understanding for diversity and cultural differences.
- Be a coach & provide constructive feedback: Identifies and approaches colleagues or supervisors to serve as coaches.
- Create an “I will”/”We will” spirit: Sets clear goals and measurable targets for own tasks and responsibilities.
Performance
- Encourage innovation & creative solutions: Assesses own tasks and responsibilities to find ways to be more efficient.
- Focus on getting results: Maintains accurate records of completion times and tasks in own areas of responsibility.
- Make commitments and make good on commitments: Understands responsibilities and the metrics associated with own tasks.
- Be Decisive: Notifies supervisors of dangerous situations or potential issues that may arise while in the field or office.
Partnership
- Connect and share across WFP units: Understands WFP’s organizational structure, including the purpose and mission of each unit.
- Build strong external partnerships: Supports team in working with colleagues and WFP’s partners in the field toward common goals.
- Be politically agile & adaptable: Maintains a professional and courteous relationship with other WFP employees and partners in the field.
- Be clear about the value WFP brings to partnerships: Understands own team’s contributions in its partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS: An undergraduate or postgraduate Degree in the following disciplines economics, international development, development economics, international relations, mathematics or related fields.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
- Strong Problem-Solving Skills
- Knowledge of Systems dynamics and modeling and development settings, humanitarian policy issues, and its linkage to food security and nutrition.
- Knowledge of UN system policies and reforms.
- Ability to translate understanding of programme principles into relevant, effective and context specific approaches.
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office and Outlook.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
LANGUAGES:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese are an asset.
WHY WORK WITH US
This is an opportunity for an exciting and challenging position in a multi-cultural and interdisciplinary team, based in a unique location, on a topic with high relevance. In addition, we offer:
➡️Meaningful and impactful careers: Our day-to-day work makes a difference in the lives of the people we serve
➡️Continuous learning and training: We provide learning tools for our staff to continually develop their careers
➡️Multicultural and stimulating work environment: We encourage gender and cultural diversity to make our teams stronger
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable)
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
- Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
- Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
- Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
- Please contact us at wfprecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
- Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
The Vacancy Announcement will close on Thursday, 06th July 2023, 11.59pm SA Time.
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This position is only open to INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS/ FOREIGN NATIONALS
QUALIFIED FEMALE APPLICANTS AND APPLUCANTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment
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.
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.
