Programme Policy Officer (Value Chain Expert)

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WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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JOB PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

WFP’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean is characterized by very small, small and medium sized country offices (CO). With the exception of Haiti, all COs are located in middle income countries (MICs) facing chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies and recurrent emergencies exacerbated by widespread inequities, climate change, economic vulnerability, lack of access to nutritious food, inadequate consumption of food and migration, among others.

WFP’s priorities in the region include the promotion of local and rural transformation through resilience building interventions, including strong contents of climate change adaptation and risk financing. WFP contributes to achieving food security by supporting smallholder farmers (SHF) to improve their productivity and access markets that guarantee sustainable income increase, as well as availability of nutritious food in local markets.

The corporate Local and Regional Food Procurement (LRP) Policy, adopted in 2019, pushes for an increased integration across WFP programmes and aims at promoting market access to SHF by leveraging public and private procurement that include programmatic considerations, developmental objectives and analysis of local food value chains.

The value chain assessments in the four abovementioned countries have been done during 2021/2022, serving as a basis to foster integration and build coalitions among value chain actors for coordinated procurement and programmatic actions towards more efficient and fair operations. As per the implementation plan of the Policy, several other components such as demand and supply analysis, risk analysis and monitoring and evaluation, will be developed and implemented in the coming months, anchored around procurement plans both from WFP and public sector in coordination with governments. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the Policy will be rolled out to other countries in the region as the pilot phase evolves.

As part of the Resilience team in the Programme Unit, the incumbent will provide expert and specialized support and strategic advice at regional level and to country offices on how to liaise with the multiple actors, establish required technical discussion fora, produce and implement comprehensive value chain development plans that promote sustainable and inclusive market systems. The incumbent needs to be available to travel at least once to each of the four pilot countries, as well as to any other country that request support in the subject matter.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree in one of the following disciplines: agricultural economics, economics, agronomy, engineering, development studies, marketing or other related fields.

Experience: At least 12 years of relevant specialized experience in the subject area, specifically field experience in food value chain analysis, agribusiness, marketing, digital technologies for value chain development, rural development, and/or development projects in the field of smallholder agricultural market support. Relevant experience in managing, designing and implementing relevant related programmes, strategies and strategic partnerships in an advisory role.

Languages: Fluent in English and Spanish, including strong writing skills. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Expert knowledge of design and execution of food value chains assessments and implementation of market systems interventions.
• Significant experience in conducting value chain assessments and providing technical support in value chain development in terms of successful interventions.
• Capacity to develop and implement complex value chains initiatives in developing countries, which includes skills in advising governments.
• Solid knowledge of state-of-the-art research in agricultural economics and landscape of global/regional research centres networks.
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to compile, analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports and draw conclusions and recommendations.
• Communication skills to engage experts and liaise with external and internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Availability to travel in LAC throughout the assignment period.
• Track-record of strong performance.
• Ability to work independently.
• A good command of MS Office.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES TO ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Value chain assessments published for selected value chains.
• Complementary assessments defined and finalized.
• Studies and technical papers published.
• Technical meetings with FAO and other institutions conducted.
• Participate support mission and prepare reports.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Number of openings: 1

Based in: Home Based

Type of Contract: Consultant (WAE)

Level: CST III

Duration: 11 months

Successful candidates will be placed in a roster for two (2) years.

Consultants are recognized authorities or specialists in a specific field and whose services are utilized in an advisory, consultative, or demonstrative capacity.