Programme Associate Biotechnology & Food Fortification SC6 (12months contract) Windhoek

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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 120 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 12 Southern Africa countries including, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Angola

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Food Programme in Namibia works with the Government and stakeholders to promote sustainable and transformative food systems including value chain actor programming that is leveraged to support the Government in the design and implementation of holistic interventions to address 1) Rural Transformation; 2) Food Systems; and 3) Human Capital Development.

Malnutrition remains a key challenge in Namibia with child stunting recorded at 24% (down from 29%); wasting down to 6% from 8% and underweight at 8% down from 13%. In rural areas stunting remains at 28% in the poorest quantiles (Zero Hunger Strategic Review, 2016). As part of WFP’s efforts to contribute to addressing this concern and technical support to the Namibian government, the organization has integrated nutrition across its programme from food systems programmes, Cash Based Transfers to school feeding programmes.

Additionally, WFP continues to strengthen its position on nutrition by integrating innovative and modern solutions to addressing malnutrition including, biotechnological approaches. Biotech-driven agricultural practices lay the foundation for transformation of our society from a production-driven system to a quality and utility-enhanced system, while promoting food and nutrition security.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer: Food Systems, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and oversee WFP’s work on exploring and implementing biotechnology related approaches.
In addition, the incumbent will provide technical support and advice, value addition and post-harvest management to Programme team and other WFP stakeholders plus, work closely with the PA: Nutrition to ensure the effective integration of nutrition in programmes.
The work is carried out under minimal supervision. The incumbent is expected to produce organized and accurate work
The incumbent will be based in Windhoek, with occasional travel to the field.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Provide technical support to develop modalities to inform the organisation’s strategic framework in Namibia hinged upon biotechnology as one of the solutions to achieve higher yields of the most valuable components of specific crops.
• Provide technical support to guide Namibia Country office on programmes and activities for improved harvesting and post-harvest management initiatives (PHMI), agricultural market development initiatives (AMDI), agri-food supply chains, nutrition and safety-sensitive agro-food value chains and research initiatives.
• Support to strengthen the organization’s linkages with international and national research institutions; to promote effective exchanges between research institutions and farmers.
• Oversee the introduction of research and best practices for the upgrading of traditional food processing/preservation and food waste reduction methods.
• Support the integration of food safety practices across the food value chain
• Provide technical support to develop guidance on support measures (credit schemes, regular provision of improved seeds, demonstration pilots and marketing outlets) and landholding structures which support the interest of small holder farmers to introduce new technologies.
• Liaise with internal counterparts to promote school-based programmes and pop-up stores to host workshops for schools on the theme of a healthy and balanced diet.
• Work closely with indigenous communities and research institutions to develop a food diversification campaign mapping and profiling indigenous food systems, particularly micro-nutrient species (raise awareness amongst indigenous communities about their nutrition)
• Support with design, management and coordination of innovation programmes and interventions in the areas of sustainable food systems, food and nutrition security, smallholder farmers market access

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a range of individuals in order to provide a high quality support service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and writing capacity, including the ability to produce high quality reports, presentations, and knowledge products.
• Conducting participatory processes of training, capacity building and knowledge sharing involving farmers, technical staff of R&D organizations and value chain actors.
• Proficient in the use of office equipment and computer software packages, such as Microsoft Word.
• Ability to lead, coach and motivate teams for efficient and effective delivery of results;
• Strong oral and written communication skills to ensure WFP strategies and projects are well articulated to all stakeholders including beneficiaries, partners, local governments, ministries, and donors;
• Ability to carry out basic data analysis and independently rectify problems requiring attention Negotiation skills with the ability to influence at senior levels within and beyond the organization;
• Knowledge of specialized common business practices and methods, gained through relevant technical training and experience.
• Ability to monitor and record financial transactions.
• Good communication skills required to give and receive information and work with a variety of individuals

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Has worked with technical teams (i.e. nutrition, food and nutrition security, etc.
• Has contributed to implementation of programmes;
• Has observed or assisted with policy discussions.
• Good understanding of value addition and product development

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A University degree in Biofortification or a any other relevant qualification

Experience: At least 5-6 years demonstrated research and practice in Biofortification

Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Knowledge of other UN language is an added advantage. Knowledge of local Namibian languages is an added advantage.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES

CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION

• This is a 12 Months renewable Service Contract
• Benefits: Annual Leave & Medical Insurance
• Monthly salary range: NAD 24,872 – NAD 33,132

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

The vacancy announcement will close on the 24 March 2023, 23:59 South African time

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This position is open to citizens of Namibia and holders of permanent residence permit.

Suitably qualified female 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.

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