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.
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – Country Strategic Planning Consultant
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
2021 marked a milestone for WFP: all Country Offices now have an Executive Board-approved Country Strategic Plan (CSP) or Interim Country strategic Plan (ICSP) in place. Concluding the first generation of CSPs comes at a critical time as the United Nations system moves towards the next generation of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) – now renamed UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The UNSDCF is becoming the central governing and management document for all UN development activities including related elements in CSPs, while the Humanitarian Response Plan continues to guide humanitarian operations. The increased authority of the UNSDCF has implications on WFP’s country strategic planning approach – going forward, all CSPs must be aligned with the UNSDCF both in terms of content and cycle.
Country Offices need to be ready to proactively engage in UNSDCF discussions in order to strategically position WFP and align with the UN’s broader development contribution. Starting with the Common Country Analysis (CCA), this is a unique opportunity to foster WFP’s role at country level and carve out the necessary space for food security and nutrition programmes.
Various Country Offices are expected to request support to conduct country strategic planning activities. Depending on country office’s specific needs, under the direct supervision of the Country Office management, the Country Strategic Planning Consultant will perform part or all the following tasks:
- In close coordination with the Regional Bureau and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, support the Country Office’s inter-agency engagement around the CCA/UNSDCF process at country level. In particular, support to enable WFP’s appropriate role in CCA workstreams and UNSDCF results groups.
- Support the Country Office management in its strategic engagement with country stakeholders before, during and after UNSDCF design. This may include supporting the consolidation of WFP inputs to the CCA, as well as contributing to the UNSDCF design process. Support could include close liaison and support to the Country Office partnerships, donor relations and/or communications officer.
- During the CCA process, ensure food security and nutrition elements are taken into consideration and well-captured. Support the Country Office leverage WFP’s body of analytics such as food security and nutrition assessments and make these available to the UN Country Team and included in the CCA as analytical inputs.
- Support early engagement with FAO, UNICEF, IFAD and other food security and nutrition actors to jointly advocate for the inclusion of zero hunger related issues in the CCA/UNSDCF, based on quality data.
- Counsel and support Country Office’s participation in UN Country Team discussions and comment on the emerging CCA/UNSDCF documents.
- In close coordination with Regional Bureau and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, assist and guide the Country Office in the design and development of the CSP strategic orientation, in accordance with WFP’s Policy on Country Strategic Plans and informed by the CCA and UNSDCF priorities.
- Support the consolidation of inputs that will inform the country strategic planning design, including evaluation findings, national frameworks and priorities, partners and stakeholders’ mapping, lessons learned, etc.
- Support the coordination of remote and in-country technical missions from the Regional Bureau and Headquarters, help consolidate inputs and develop operational and programmatic aspects of the CSP strategic orientation.
- Support the Country Office to host a “CSP formulation workshop” to define the CSP strategic orientation (through developing a Theory of Change and results framework).
- Support the Country Office to conduct a consultation process to inform and receive feedback from stakeholders on the design and strategic orientation of the CSP.
- In close coordination with Regional Bureau and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, support the Country Office to prepare and submit the full CSP package for review and approval.
- Advise and support Country Office senior management on coordination and delivery of the technical elements of the CSP package, including project management, information and knowledge management using corporate tools such as Microsoft Teams.
- Support drafting the CSP narrative and additional documents informing the CSP package as needed.
- Support the CSP review and approval process in close coordination with the Regional Bureau and Headquarters and update the CSP package as needed.
- If needed, support the Country Office in aligning the current strategic planning cycle with the UNSDCF through a Budget Revision.
The duration of assignment will be adjusted to Country Offices specific needs and can vary between 3 and 8 months approximatively.
Candidates may be invited to join a selection process conducted directly by Regional Bureaux or Country Offices.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education: Advanced University Degree and/or equivalent experience with emphasis in one or more of the following disciplines: political sciences, economics, agriculture, international affairs, social sciences, development studies or a field relevant to international development or humanitarian assistance.
Experience: At least 5 years post graduate, progressively responsible international and national experience in the fields of goal oriented/strategic planning, organizational change management, inter-agency coordination, programme re-orientation, policy development, etc. Specific experience in strategy formulation, programme management and project planning in a large multicultural institution in the field or headquarters is an asset. Previous experience with WFP or the UN System is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills: Ability to translate understanding of programme principles into relevant, effective, and context specific approaches; Excellent writing skills in English; Ability to explain WFP projects and operations to counterparts and to communicate with Government and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; Good understanding of project lifecycle, humanitarian principles and tools, programmes and transfer modalities; General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures; General knowledge of the UN Development System Reform; Good analytical and research skills; Good interpersonal skills, teamwork spirit and ability to work in multicultural settings.
Languages: Proficiency/level C of English is required. Additional UN language(s) would be an asset.
CLOSING DATE: 28 November 2021 (11:59 PM, CET)
VA Number: 153262
Terms and Conditions
This is a Roster for qualified applicants to express their interest for short-term opportunities.
All applications received will be reviewed and go through a selection process to asses relevant experience and qualifications. Applicants who meet the selection criteria may be contacted for further interviews or assessments and to confirm their interest and availability. Only successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted and considered for individual contracts when opportunities arise.
Qualified applicants may be contacted in the upcoming 12 months on an as-needed basis.
WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Please visit http://www.wfp.org and click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.
How to apply
Please follow the link to apply:
https://career5.successfactors.eu/sfcareer/jobreqcareer?jobId=153262&company=C0000168410P