Posts
Head of Field Office
Post Type/Grade: Fixed Term – NOB
Duty Stations:Lodwar
Date of issue: 13 March 2015
Deadline for application: 27 March 2015
Background:
Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Advisor, the incumbent will oversee the efficient implementation and smooth functioning of WFP assistance programmes at regional level that includes Counties and districts, trouble shoot and resolve operational challenges, identify potential problems and propose remedial actions as well as ensure regular monitoring.
He/she will also be required to engage stakeholders i.e. GoK county level/regional authorities, non-governmental partner organizations, private and public sector representatives and community representatives for alignment, coordination and distribution of accurate and timely assistance and manage the financial and administrative aspects of the field office including the management and coordination of the office staff.
Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Major WFP Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for overall programme management which includes implementation and monitoring of programmes and activities in the region;
- Develop and sustain liaison with key professionals and NGOs engaged in the field of food security;
- Represent WFP in key meetings with government and other partners;
- Oversee preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, including weekly district sitreps generated within his/her area of responsibility, proposals for improvements in operation and the scope of programmes, regional DM/PDM reports on monthly basis, take lead in consolidating some of the regional reports;
- Ensure adequate support to rains assessment missions and carry out rapid assessments as necessary to review beneficiary needs;
- Organize WFP support in targeting through adequate information-sharing with CLP staff and communities;
- Assist the government in identifying fields of development where food assistance can be usefully employed and give assistance in planning, formulating, and targeting recipients for new requests for WFP aid;
- Liaise with project implementing authorities and undertake visits to view project commodities are received in the country, in order to ensure that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives;
- Ensure continuing liaison with bilateral food assistance programmes, with UN agencies and NGOs providing technical or other forms of assistance to WFP-assisted projects;
- Advise the local administration offices/staff on the handling, transport, storage and distribution of the commodities supplied by WFP;
- Advise the Government/CLP on the maintenance of all records, as stipulated in the valid agreements (MoUs, LoUs);
- Ensure compliance with WFP’s policies, criteria and procedures with respect to food assistance;
- Assist heads of programmes from CO in all matters related to the delivery of WFP assistance and bring to the attention of appropriate staff any administrative constraints arising from rapidly evolving situations in the field;
- Supervise all the other programme staff in the area of responsibility and provide training and technical guidance in their work;
- Take the lead in organizing VIP visits to the district (donors, WFP executive management staff);
- Perform other duties as required, including direct responsibility for administrative/ procurement requirements.
Qualifications, Experience and Critical Success Factors:
- Advanced University degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.
- Typically three years or more of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience implementing programme strategies in humanitarian, transition and development contexts, and translating them into implementation modalities and operations.
- Experience managing staff and improving performance including an ability to lead, coach and motivate staff for efficient and effective delivery of results.
- Good understanding of project lifecycle, humanitarian principles and tools, programmes and transfer modalities.
- Familiarity with planning and implementing humanitarian assistance.
- Ability to explain strategies and projects to field counterparts and communicate with local governments and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to provide technical advice, mobilise technical expertise, on a range of programmatic, operational and support areas.
- Ability to assimilate and analyse complex issues using independent judgment and anticipate potential impact on operations.
- Developed negotiation and motivational skills.
- Good understanding of business principles and processes and the ability to quickly assimilate UN/WFP specific processes and systems.
- Tact and ability to work harmoniously with people of different nationals and cultural background.
- Resourcefulness, initiative and problem solving skills.
- Fluency in written and oral English and good spoken Kiswahili.
Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications ONLY according to the following procedures:
Step 1 : Create your online CV
Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.
WFP is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge fees from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.
Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
