Programme Assistant SC-5, Luang Prabang Province
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.
ABOUT WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the winner of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. In Lao PDR, WFP supports the government in providing school lunches for primary students, counters malnutrition with targeted food support to the most vulnerable, and helps communities build resilient lives with sustainable livelihood options.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Post title: Programme Assistant SC-5
Contract type: Service Contract
Level: SC-5
Location: Luang Prabang Province (Phonxai district and Vieng Kham district)
Numbers of post: 2 (Two) – 1 (One) position per each district
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
This vacancy announcement is for Nationals from Laos PDR only.
Qualified women and men are encouraged to apply. WFP is committed to an inclusive working environment which values diversity and has zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment and abuse of any kind. WFP provides necessary arrangement to ensure staff safety when travel to remote areas.
WFP is committed to gender equality and parity (50% women and 50% men) and to diversity more generally, among employees across all grades, functions and contract modalities. WFP supports the use of flexible working arrangements to assist women and men in balancing work and personal responsibilities, translating into effective, efficient and dedicated participation of women and men in the workforce. WFP offers an attractive salary and other benefits, including annual leave, parental leave and health insurance for staff and eligible dependents.
JOB PURPOSE
Since 2022, WFP has been implementing a new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2022-2026. The CSP is formulated around achieving 4 Strategic Outcomes, including WFP’s commitments on improving the nutrition of the most vulnerable populations in Laos.
The Cocreation of Food Security for Farmers with Economic Empowerment with Japan (COFFEE-JAPAN), aiming at fighting malnutrition and increasing incomes amongst smallholder coffee farmers, will be implemented from mid-2023 onwards for a duration of 2 years. The nutrition activities under COFFEE-JAPAN will be implemented in a total of 2 districts in Luang Prabang province.
The positions advertised will be based in the District Agriculture and Forestry Offices (DAFO) in the 2 districts and the successful candidates will work and coordinate closely together with the DAFO and other district counterparts to successfully implement the WFP-led activities under the COFFEE-JAPAN project.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Associate in charge of the COFFEE-JAPAN and Overall Supervision of the Programme Policy Officer and Head of Field Office in Pakse, the Programme Assistants are responsible for:
- Responsible for all aspects of implementation of the COFFEE-JAPAN project activities in the district.
- Provide project management and/or general office support following established targets and WFP’s policies and procedures;
- Work and exchange information with internal counterparts to support effective collaboration, implementation and monitoring of ongoing project activities;
- Maintain regular communications and activity engagements with local partners, agencies, NGOs and government institutions;
- Coordinate with the District Agriculture and Forestry Office (DAFO) and other district-based stakeholders to facilitate implementation of the COFFEE-JAPAN project at district level;
- Implement Farmer Nutrition Schools (FNS) in target villages with district counterparts;
- Support other activities under COFFEE-JAPAN that are implemented under the WFP led components such as capacity strengthening for smallholder farmers in producing and processing coffee;
- Regularly provide updates and reports on the field activities. Regular monitoring of the implementation of capacity strengthening activities, Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) activities and Farmer Nutrition Schools;
- Draft minutes of meetings and/or reviews;
- Provide technical support to DAFO to organize workshops or trainings related to the implementation of COFFEE-JAPAN activities;
- Develop monthly workplans in close coordination with the DAFO counterpart;
- Participate in COFFEE-JAPAN regular planning and progress meetings at district level and report to the DAFO Coordinator on activities related to project activities led by WFP;
- Support DEBS implementing National School Meals Programme in Ngoi and Phonthong districts.
- Perform other duties as required by WFP supervisor.
STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Completion of Secondary School Education. A Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, nutrition, public health, social sciences is desirable.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in Lao and English. Ability to speak at least one ethnic group language is an asset
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
- At least five (5) years' relevant working experience in rural community development, agriculture or equivalent is preferable.
- Experience working with different technical teams (agriculture, health, education) and contributed programme implementation.
- Experience working in difficult locations with people of different backgrounds.
- Knowledge of Microsoft word and excel processing skills.
- Knowledge of database and data analysis is an asset.
- Able to drive motorbike in rural setting.
- Ability to work independently.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
Posting date: Tuesday 04 July 2023
Closing date: Monday 17 July 2023, Midnight Local time
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.
Female applicants and qualified applicants are especially encouraged to apply
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.
