Programme Policy Consultant Smallholder Agricultural Market Support (SAMS),CSTII/P3

12 أبريل، 2023

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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 fact, WFP provides assistance to more than 87 million people in approximately 83 countries every year. To learn more about WFP, visit our website and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

JOB PURPOSE

Smallholder in Burundi lack the resources, information, technology and skills to increase their yield and undertake value-adding activities necessary to improve their production, livelihoods and incomes. The limited integration of farmers into the agricultural value chain and the lack of transformation into high-value-added products adapted to the conditions of a changing climate affected communities is a concern. Improved practices while ensuring access of smallholder farmers to markets and strengthening their inclusion in a resilient food system is a crucial missing link to sustainably solve the poverty and malnutrition situation in Burundi.
Since 2014, the World Food Program (WFP) has been implementing various interventions with the financial support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Burundi. WFP has just received new funding from the Netherlands to implement the Support Project for the Transformation of Agri-food Systems in Burundi (PATSAB) for a period of 4 years from December 1, 2022 to November 31. 2026. This project will be implemented in the provinces of Bujumbura, Cibitoke, Bubanza, Kirundo, Muyinga, Ngozi and Gitega and aims to:
• Strengthen the production capacities of small producers (including for the production of foods with high nutritional value), by improving their organization and access to production factors
• Support the integration of small producers into structured demand markets in the country through access to structured and remunerative markets.
• Build the capacity of farming households to adopt healthy food and nutrition practices.
A technical section SAMS with three staff is established within the Programme Unit of CO. The incumbent of this position will lead the Smallholder’s Agricultural Market Support (SAMS) Section and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate the implementation of the PATSAB.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Burundi is a landlocked country situated in the Great Lakes Region of East Africa, with a population of 12.3 million people. The agricultural sector is the cornerstone of Burundi’s national economy, however, there is widespread food insecurity and malnutrition across the country. The government of Burundi and the United Nations system, through the adoption of a new United nation Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), give priority to the transformation of food systems as a key pillar.
In light of this context WFP Burundi is implementing a three-year Interim Country Strategic Plan ICSP (2022-2024) since March 2022. The ICSP aims at continuing to support the Government to address food insecurity, reduce malnutrition, transform food systems, build the resilience of vulnerable populations and strengthen national capacities toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 17. In its strategic plan, WFP identified five strategic outcomes (SO) and eight main activities that are intrinsically linked :
SO1: shock-affected populations in targeted areas, Burundi returnees, IDPs, refugees in camps can meet their basic food needs all year round
SO2: Children 6-59 months, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, PLHIV and TB clients in the targeted provinces have improved nutritional status throughout the year.
SO3: vulnerable populations, including school aged children and food value chain actors in Burundi have access to and contribute to healthier, resilient, nutrition-sensitive and gender-transformative food systems by 2024
SO4: Government and national actors in Burundi have strengthened capacities, systems and services by 2024
SO5: The Government of Burundi, humanitarian and development partners can reach vulnerable people and respond to needs and emergencies throughout the year
Food systems and Smallholder’s farmers Market Access Support (SAMS) are an integral part of the ICSP activity portfolio.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Programme Policy Consultant – SAMS will work under direct supervision of Head of Programme and with overall guidance from Deputy Country Director.
The Programme Policy Consultant – SAMS will supervise multiple technical and support personnel and work closely with various value chain actors in Burundi with key line ministries, including the ministry of Agriculture, livestock and environment, the Ministry of trade and industry and the Ministry of Education. Specifically, the incumbent will:
1.Oversee and coordinate the design and implementation of project to support smallholder farmers and value chains initiatives in Burundi and foster synergies between activities supporting people, communities, systems,
2.Provide policy, strategic, and technical guidance on the positioning, identification, and design of integrated Smallholder farmers and value chains programming. Provide technical support, as relevant, to individual, household and community livelihood assets creation through food systems lens approaches
3.Provide solid technical and, as required, managerial leadership on a broad range of strategic and programme issues to support government efforts and engage with partners and stakeholders to scale up Smallholder farmers and value chains programmes that consist of integrated, layered, and sequenced initiatives, and contribute to reducing hunger and malnutrition.
4.Engage with government stakeholders and partners to provide support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation, and implementation of integrated value programmes, and to strengthen government and community ownership and effectiveness of food security and nutrition programmes.
5.Identify and foster multi-sectorial partnerships (governments, UN, NGO’s, academia, and research institutions).
6.Enhance WFP’s leadership status in different forums on subjects related to food systems transformation, Smallholder farmers and value chains; engagement in the humanitarian-development-peace nexus contexts and seek entry points for context driven Smallholder farmers and value chains design and implementation.
7.Monitor and oversee preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, publications, and a variety of information products or proposals for internal and/or external use, that demonstrate how Smallholder farmers and value chains efforts are advancing to enable informed decision-making related to the programmes.
8.Advocate for resources for a broad portfolio of WFP’s food systems transformation; .
9.Advise and support the development and implementation of functional training that enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partners to design and deliver effective integrated Smallholder farmers and value chains programmes in line with corporate guidance such as the new SAMS value chain framework.
10.Ensure that the assigned financial resources are put to best use for achievement of set objectives.
11.Ensure protection, gender, disability, and accountability to affected population (AAP), inclusive Integrated Farmer Plan (PIP) approach are implemented and incorporated in all areas of this work to ensure meaningful participation of women and men and the empowerment of women and youth and other marginalized groups.
12.Work flexibly and take on additional tasks as may be needed to meet project and program objectives.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Masters or Advanced University degree in Economics, Agronomy, Agroeconomics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance,
Experience: A minimum of 5 years relevant professional work experience in Smallholder farmers and value chains programmes management is required.
Language: Fluency in both French and English is required

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

Although all applications will be considered on their individual merit, suitably qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

This position is required for a period of consecutive 11 months with a possibility of extension subject to the operational needs and availability of funding
• Consultancy contracts will be subject to a mandatory break in service after a period of service of 11 continuous months.
• WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with WFP HR Manual.
• The position is based in Bujumbura, Burundi and the selected candidate will be expected to relocate.