Head of RAM – Programme Officer (VAM/M&E)
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.
Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance. WFP 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, physical or mental disability.
JOB TITLE: Head of RAM – Programme Officer (VAM/M&E)
TYPE OF CONTRACT: CST
UNIT/DIVISION: RAM
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Bogotá, Colombia
DURATION: 6 months/maternity cover
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
In the Latin America region, WFP is shifting from its traditional role as provider of food assistance to a role of “enabler” working closely with Governments to support them in achieving Zero Hunger. WFP interventions need to be supported by solid analytical work for identifying needs, refine targeting criteria and provide evidence base for decision making. While WFP also needs to pass these capacities to government partners while also strengthening staff capacities. WFP in the region has come under increasing pressure to demonstrate its results on the one hand and to provide support to government partners to demonstrate progress towards achieving Zero Hunger. Country offices in the region need to be able to build evidence through proper monitoring and evaluating of their programmes.
In the case of WFP in Colombia enhanced RAM (research, assessment, and monitoring) functions include:
- The provision of advocacy/strategic support in terms of assessment and evidence generation
Strategic support and operational planning for evidence generation at the country office level; advocacy to increase evidence-based decision making and support policy decision and programme design. Support to food security and livelihood studies.
- The provision of capacity strengthening support to the country office (CO) and partners
Ensure all assessment exercises in country are technically sound and in line with corporate guidance; provide support to country offices in strengthening capacities internally and externally based on government partners priorities. Adapt corporate training and guidance to the regional context and identify learning needs of colleagues in the RAM function in the region. Support the effort to strengthen targeting capacities in country.
- Promote Innovative tools for food security analysis and monitoring Promote and support the implementation of remote data collection exercises, web surveys and other innovation solutions for data collection and analysis. Of innovative and alternative solutions for food security monitoring, early warning, and post disaster assessments.
JOB PURPOSE: To adequately fulfil its mandate, the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) team is currently looking for a resource to cover a maternity leave for the Head of Unit position. Being an active leader of the team that promotes the generation of programmatic evidence and support capacity strengthening effort in the region (e.g. monitoring exercises, needs assessment and situation analyses, programme design, targeting, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency).
Specific Job Purposes:
- To lead and/or manage the generation of the VAM evidence base that supports food security and nutrition policies and programmes (e.g. needs assessment and situation analyses, programme design, targeting, cost effectiveness, and operational efficiency).
- To develop and implement Monitoring, Review and Evaluation Plans aligned to WFP corporate standards to generate quality evidence on the outcomes and effects of WFP’s interventions on the lives of beneficiaries and inform policy, strategy and programme design and implementation. This includes coordinating monitoring activities, managing decentralized evaluations, and thematic/mid-term reviews and positioning WFP as a reliable partner for governments to build monitoring and evaluation capacity. They may also formulate country monitoring and evaluation strategies, lead various initiatives, and contribute to policy development.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direct guidance of the Deputy Country Director of Support Services the staff member will perform the following tasks:
KEY VAM ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
- Provide expert advice and support WFP and its partners on matters pertaining to food security and nutrition strategies, policies, programmes, and ensure the timely and productive use of related outputs in a manner that complies with WFP standards and processes.
- Contribute to the development of systems and tools for the monitoring and assessment of food assistance needs in line with innovative methodologies and best practice.
- Lead/conduct complex food security, nutrition, markets, and resilience analysis and prepare timely reports on food assessment needs in line with wider VAM policies, processes and guidance to enable effective decision-making on the development of Country strategy, policies and programmes.
- Keep up to date with and advise on food assistance developments and issues and the potential impact upon WFP activities to enable timely and appropriate programme evolution and intervention.
- Provide advice and guidance on the development of programme activities, providing technical analysis, interpretation, and recommendations to enable food assistance needs to be met effectively.
- Coordinate and/or provide technical support on country initiatives to implement VAM activities.
- Lead operational partnerships, including inter-agency collaboration, to ensure a solid VAM support in both emergency and non-emergency settings.
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of WFP activities, providing technical analysis, interpretation, and information as required to support the assessment of activity impact.
KEY MONITORING and EVALUATION ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
- Lead the development and implementation of Monitoring, Review and Evaluation plans that will provide the most relevant and strategic information to manage progress towards achieving expected results (as set out in the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and other global and regional plans), while being compliant with WFP evaluation and monitoring requirements.
- Ensure that adequate M&E costs are budgeted for and advocate for both appropriate financial and human resourcing.
- Provide feedback on the formulation of Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Strategies and support their operationalization.
- Develop a CO M&E strategy aligned with corporate and regional Monitoring and Evaluation strategies, as well as corporate M&E standards and guidelines.
- Advise and support evidence-based decision-making on programme design and implementation, notably through making monitoring, review, and evaluations findings accessible, developing innovative, user-friendly, and informative products.
- Support WFP Management in addressing recommendations from monitoring, reviews, and evaluations to ensure that follow-up actions are taken as required in complex portfolios.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of national government and inter-agency monitoring, reporting and evaluation frameworks, including United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) aligned with nationally owned sustainable development goals.
- Represent WFP at national/inter-agency meetings to contribute to technical discussions, exchange of best practices, identify opportunities for strengthening national monitoring and evaluation capacity and develop strategic partnerships.
General:
- Manage the VAM and M&E teams, providing coaching and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
- Build the VAM and M&E capacity of WFP staff and partners through design and delivery of training and information sharing. Oversee the unit capacity strengthening plan. Manage junior staff members and guide as required to enable high performance.
- Manage and oversee that the unit website is a provider of information to inform CO and field level colleagues.
- Hold regular RAM unit meetings to ensure the monitoring and tracking of unit deliverables and to share information.
- Participate and represent the unit in regular meetings at the central office level where key analytical inputs are required to inform programmatic and operational decisions (e.g. operations, programme and ad-hoc meetings).
- Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace which incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
- Perform other related duties as required.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR:
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Leads by Example with Integrity |
Upholds WFP values, principles, and standards Instils a sense of ownership in self and others to uphold the WFP values, principles and standards |
Respects others and values diversity Upholds a culture that values diversity, using respectful and inclusive language, and holds those who do not respect others to account |
Stays focused and calm under pressure Stays focused and calm when under pressure, encourages others to do the same and offers guidance and support to manage difficult and challenging environments |
Demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn Demonstrates humility and promotes a willingness to learn and share knowledge, frequently seeking and acting on feedback, and pursuing opportunities to develop |
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Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments |
Delivers results for maximum impact Identifies and aligns outcomes to the strategic vision, holding self and others accountable for the delivery and quality of operational results |
Delegates appropriately Delegates responsibly and provides appropriate support empowering others to deliver on strategic objectives |
Adapts readily to change Responds readily to change showing high tolerance for uncertainty in different contexts and adapts accordingly |
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Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative |
Is inclusive and collaborative Demonstrates inclusive leadership by ensuring psychological safety where ideas and issues can be raised freely |
Gives timely and constructive feedback Provides development opportunities to support a learning culture and gives timely and constructive feedback |
Builds and shares new perspectives Seeks out, trusts and listens attentively to diverse views to capture, learn, build and share new perspectives within teams and networks |
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Applies Strategic Thinking |
Communicates and fulfils WFP’s vision Communicates and fulfils WFP’s vision and strategic outcomes to deliver meaningful solutions |
Embraces curiosity and new ways of doing things Embraces curiosity, designs, and leads innovation when relevant |
Analyses and evaluates data Gathers data and different perspectives, takes expert advice, shares knowledge, and uses a systems approach to inform decision making |
Considers the impact of decisions Makes complex decisions, considering the immediate and long-term risks and implications for teams, projects, and other initiatives |
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Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships |
Builds partnerships Initiates and builds networks of |
Collaborates to deliver common objectives Collaborates with partners to deliver |
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strategic partnerships by identifying and promoting opportunities for mutual areas of interest and benefit |
common objectives by sharing information and cocreating innovative solutions with beneficiaries when appropriate |
FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES:
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Capability Name |
Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level |
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Food Security Analysis |
Leverages in-depth understanding of the food security challenges at household and community level to help implement holistic solutions ranging from preventive to resilience building interventions. Provides strategic direction for problem identification and analysis that underlies programme response |
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Food Security Monitoring |
Leads management, design and implementation of food security monitoring systems. Ensures that such analysis is timely and responsive to programmatic needs and adjustments. |
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Technical Specialized Knowledge (e.g., Economics, Statistics, Public Health, Remote Sensing, GIS, etc.) |
Demonstrates holistic understanding of inter-disciplinary linkages underlying food security concepts and their application. Provides leadership and guidance for building food security information systems that track changes at the global, regional, national and community level, linking results to key decisions and internal and external actors. |
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Food Security Assessment |
Manages independent, multi-agency and multi-sector assessments to ensure appropriate coverage of food security topics. Ensures analytical rigor, relevance of the findings and timeliness of the report. |
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Strategic Operational Understanding |
Leverages thorough understanding of operational needs and food security analyses to ensure evidence-based policy formulation and programmatic response at the country level. |
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Strategic Management |
Leverages in-depth understanding of humanitarian and development actions in different contexts and knowledge of global geo-political issues and UN Reform and applies it to enhance monitoring and evaluation functions that supports and aligns with WFP’s strategic objectives. Is able to demonstrate to stakeholders the value of monitoring and evaluation for policy and programming in the achievements of the SDGs. Has solid ability to analyse the existing evidence base, and design a comprehensive monitoring, review and evaluation plan that will address key learning and accountability needs. |
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Performance Management |
Has solid performance management cycle skills to lead the design and implementation of monitoring, review and evaluation systems in line with WFP corporate standards. Leverages knowledge of internal and external best practices and partnerships to develop and implement optimal monitoring, review and/or evaluation arrangements. Has solid understanding of the Theory of Change (ToC) approach and process and is able to support the CO team in developing a ToC for moderately complex programmes. Has solid knowledge of international norms and standards for evaluation and is able to apply them appropriately, seeking advice where appropriate. |
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Methodology, Approaches and Analysis |
Oversees and provides guidance to others in the selection and application of high quality, credible, analytical approaches and qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate to WFP monitoring, review and evaluation needs. Has solid experience in developing high-quality terms of reference for moderately complex evaluations. |
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Has solid knowledge of a range of evaluation methods, is able to define key methodological requirements for various types of evaluations and critically assess the adequacy of the evaluation design proposed by evaluation teams. Is able to validate data quality and ensure that data collection and analysis have been conducted ethically. |
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Communication & Use |
Demonstrates sophisticated skills to communicate effectively key evidence from monitoring, reviews, and evaluations to a range of stakeholders. Demonstrates active listening and conflict resolution skills to promote constructive engagement of stakeholders with diverse, complex and highstake interests. |
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Ethics |
Demonstrates ethical behavior at all times; and communicate WFP’s expectation that all WFP personnel act ethically in furtherance of the ideals of the UN and WFP’s Mission. Understands the specific implications of ethics in monitoring, review and evaluation activities and is able to consistently ensure that appropriate actions are taken to safeguard ethics. |
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:
- Developed a high-performing team and managed vulnerability analysis exercises including emergency assessments at country level.
- Use knowledge of country and cultural context in assessing food availability, access and utilization, and exposure to risks.
- Has established food security and vulnerability monitoring systems.
- Has led surveys, multiple assessments in countries, including the design, data collection and analysis. VAM.
- Experience building strategic partnerships in VAM, M&E with multiple stakeholders, including governments, multilateral, bilateral and academia.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
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Education: |
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Advanced University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health/Nutrition, Environment/ climate change, Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Relations, with a specific focus on agriculture and food security. |
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Experience: |
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At least six years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in food security, vulnerability analysis or a closely related area, such as food security or early warning. |
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Minimum of six years of relevant professional work experience in international development or humanitarian work. |
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Work experience in database management and household data analysis. Experience in food security, vulnerability, and livelihood analysis, needs assessments an asset. Minimum of four years of experience in managing complex VAM and/or monitoring and/or evaluation activities spanning a range of policies and programme initiatives. Experience in managing diverse teams of VAM/M&E staff. |
Knowledge • Essential: Good knowledge of statistical packages (SPSS, Stata)
& Skills: R script, SAS, Excel…).
- Proficiency in Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Knowledge of Tableau.
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Good analytical skills.
- Ability to compile, maintain and analyse data, prepare reports, and draw initial conclusions and recommendations.
- Demonstrated ability to present information and ideas and to communicate effectively.
- Track record of producing reports and other communication materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under supervision.
- Ability to work in a team, and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts.
- Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement, tact, negotiating skills.
- Effective and timely interaction with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally; flexibility in accepting work assignments outside normal desk description.
- Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Languages: ESSENTIAL: Working knowledge of BOTH English and Spanish
(proficiency/level C).
Application deadline: 6 September 2023
For this vacancy, only applications of candidates that comply with all the requirements established in the job profile, will be taken into consideration. Applications using P11 format are encouraged, and it may be found by typing "Fomato P11" in the search engine of your preference. Download it, fill it out, sign it and attach it to your application.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and all employment applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Please visit the following website for more information on the work that WFP does (http://www.wfp.org)
