Head of Field Office NOC

JOB PURPOSE

To lead and manage a WFP Field Office to ensure the effective and efficient management of human and financial resources and delivery of WFP programs and activities. A large emphasis is placed upon building and maintaining relationships with local governments, UN agencies and other partners in the area to reinforce WFP’s visibility.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

1. Manage and lead WFP field operations within the area of assignment to ensure timely and effective deployment of food assistance programmes.
2. Forge and nurture internal partnerships with relevant Activity Managers in order to support the deployment of CO initiatives, policies and strategies.
3. Effectively manage the Field Office to ensure transparent and efficient people management and the continued development of a cohesive and high performing team.
4. Ensure efficient use of financial resources for achievement of set objectives.
5. Be accountable for the security of WFP staff, operations, premises and assets in the Field Office to ensure that WFP security and safety standards are locally set and followed. Actively participate and contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).
6. Ensure timely monitoring and evaluation activities and for accurate updates on WFP’s operations and performance.
7. Prepare accurate and comprehensive analysis and reports on WFP operations and performance with regular and timely submission for Country Office review to identify programme support requirements and inform operational planning and decisions.
8. Forge and nurture external partnerships to improve assistance packages and support.
9. Complementary strategies; identify potential areas for collaborative approaches and initiatives.
10. Develop and sustain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs.
11. Contribute to Country Office Emergency Preparedness i.e. early warning, risk analysis, and contingency planning in order to respond to humanitarian crises and needs.
12. Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 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.
Language: Fluency (level C) in English language and in the local language, Ndebele and Shona.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Must have 5 to 8 years professional  experience working in a leadership position in an international organisation, with extensive knowledge of organisational systems and programmes.
• Has developed, or supported in the development of, multi-discipline work plans to support the achievement of WFP strategic aims within a defined area.
• Has gained experience in field operations, preferably in an emergency situation.
• Has field experience working in a sub-office, and through field postings.
• Gained experience of analysing political situations, assessing risk accurately and supporting managers and leaders in decision making that is sensitive to this.
• Gained broader exposure across areas within a function (i.e. policy, programme etc.)
• Has gained experience managing mid-size financial budgets, balancing multiple priorities effectively.
• Has experience leading a mid-size to large team to ensure the effective delivery of objectives.
• Participated in a vendor/government/ partner negotiation in support of broad function or Country Office requirements.
• Participated in a moderately complex emergency operation/ development programme.