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WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply. 

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability. 

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2) in our lifetimes. 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. WFP has been present in Sri Lanka since 1968 providing assistance to the country in emergency situations and conducting protracted recovery interventions in the aftermath of man-made disasters such as the 27-year conflict and recurrent natural disasters (droughts and floods/landslides). The country’s on-going economic crisis -- the worst in decades – has triggered a spike in the cost of living, along with lost jobs and reduced incomes. Coupled with the lingering effects of COVID-19 and impacts of climate change, the country is experiencing a concerningly high level of food insecurity. These challenges threaten to reverse years of development gains, undermining the country’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Even before the ongoing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lankan women and children had very high rates of malnutrition: 17 percent of children under 5 were too short for their age (stunted) and 15 percent were too thin for their height (wasted), a figure which is considered 'very high’ in WHO classifications. The current economic crisis will likely aggravate this further. WFP commenced its second-generation five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for the period 2023 – 2027 (CSP 2018-2022) which aims to address immediate food and nutrition needs while building medium to long-term solutions through four strategic outcomes.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer - Protection, Inclusion and Engagement Consultant (SSA 8) 

Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA)

Vacancy Number : 01 Position 

Contract Duration: 3 Months

Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nationality : Sri Lankans Only

Remuneration : Attractive remuneration package following UN policy including salary and medical insurance

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

12 MARCH 2024

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

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1. Support the Country Office in conducting an integrated analysis that merges contextual factors influencing food and nutrition security in Sri Lanka with analyses of protection, gender, and conflict sensitivity environment.
2. Assess operational risks related to gender sensitivity, disability inclusion, protection, and conflict sensitivity.

The consultant must employ a participatory approach involving various qualitative methods such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews, stakeholder mapping, and social norms diagnostic tools. They will be recruited locally and will be supported by the Gender and Protection Unit of WFP Sri Lanka, with remote support from relevant WFP units.

KEY DELIVERABLES

1. Secondary data review:

• Enhance the secondary data review conducted by the country office within the framework of Integrated Cross-Cutting Context Analysis and Risk Assessment (ICARA)

1. Primary data collection:

• Design a comprehensive methodology for primary data collection, using qualitative approaches to capture diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Develop a sampling strategy to ensure representative participation from different geographical regions, demographic groups, and stakeholders.
• Review and adapt primary data collection tools based on insights gathered from stakeholder consultations.
• Provide detailed documentation of the primary data collection process, including methodologies employed, data collection tools utilized, and outcomes obtained.
• Provide detailed documentation of the primary data collection process, including methodologies employed, data collection tools utilized, and outcomes obtained.

1. Data analysis and synthesis Report:

• Conduct in-depth analysis of data collected through group discussions and interviews to identify patterns, themes, and key findings.
• Synthesize findings from primary and secondary data sources to uncover underlying trends, vulnerabilities, and risk factors affecting food and nutrition security in Sri Lanka.
• Lead a validation workshop and incorporate additional insights and perspectives gathered during the workshop to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the assessment findings.

1. Final ICARA Report:

• Present the overall findings, conclusions, and recommendations derived from the Integrated Cross-Cutting Context Analysis and Risk Assessment into a short report.
• Articulate priority areas for intervention and mitigation strategies tailored to WFP Sri Lanka's operational context, with a focus on addressing identified risks and vulnerabilities.

Presentation of findings: The consultant will deliver an oral presentation of the ICARA findings to WFP Sri Lanka staff and relevant stakeholders, facilitating discussions to ensure a shared understanding of the assessment outcomes and implications for programming and decision-making.
 

Supporting documentation: Supplementary materials, including data collection tools, interview transcripts, workshop materials, and any additional documentation deemed relevant for understanding the methodology and findings of the ICARA process, will be provided to WFP Sri Lanka for reference and future use.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, International Development, Sociology, Communications for Development, Humanitarian Affairs or related disciplines OR first University degree with 5 or additional years of related work and/or training courses.

National Professional: Fluency (level C) in written and spoken English and working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil is required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Minimum 01 year of relevant postgraduate professional experience or 03 years with Advanced University degree or First University Degree with 5 or additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses is desirable. 
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting comprehensive context analysis and risk assessment, preferably within the field of food security or humanitarian assistance.
• Proven experience in reviewing and synthesizing secondary data sources, including national surveys, research studies, and policy documents.
• Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present findings in a clear and accessible manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in developing primary data collection methodologies and tools, including sampling design and data collection instruments.
• Proficiency in data analysis software and tools, with the ability to analyze and interpret qualitative data effectively.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment, with a commitment to delivering high-quality results within specified timeframes.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide support to policy and programme activities that effectively meet food assistance needs.

To Apply:

Click ‘Apply’ to the link below to start the application process. Candidates are requested to create an account in WFP E-Recruitment system before applying.

Please also include your CV with a cover letter, highlighting your motivation and suitability for this vacancy, as part of an online application.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package including basic salary and medical insurance.

Please visit https://www.wfp.org/countries/sri-lanka to learn more about WFP’s operations in Sri Lanka.

We want to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible. Please contact us at gimhani.kariyawasam@wfp.org to advise us of any accessibility needs you may have.  

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.

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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.