National Programme Officer (Emergency Preparedness) Job in Nairobi Kenya


Vacancy Announcement No:ODN/010/2012
 
(VA issued on 07 December 2012, closing date 21 December 012)
 
Post Title: National Programme Officer (Emergency Preparedness)
 
Grade: Service Contract SC9 (NOB equivalent)
 

Duty Station: WFP’s Regional Bureau for East & Central Africa, based in Nairobi
 
Salary: As per UN Service Contract Salary Bands
 
This vacancy announcement is open to both male and female candidates. 

Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
 
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is looking for a qualified candidate to fill the post of National Programme Officer in support of the Regional Bureau for East & Central Africa (ODN), based in Nairobi, Kenya.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
 
Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Regional Emergency Preparedness Unit, the National Programme Officer (EP) will be responsible for the following tasks:
  • Develop and sustain liaison with key professionals and NGOs engaged in the field of emergency preparedness;
  • Assess the need for food in emergency and refugee/displaced person situations, draw up plans for its timely arrival in coordination with government and other donors, and monitor the implementation of these plans;
  • Advise the government on the handling, transport, storage and distribution (including marketing of commodities, if sold) of the commodities supplied by WFP;
  • Ensure compliance with WFP’s policies, criteria and procedures with respect to food assistance;
  • Assist the Head of Regional Emergency Preparedness in preparation/update of the early warning, risk analysis and operational planning in order to respond to humanitarian crises. 
  • Periodically monitor the management of risks and report on any actions taken;
  • Undertake technical support missions to assist COs in preparedness and emergency response activities, and provide technical advice and practical support as required;
  • Under technical guidance provided by the Head of the Unit, liaise with Country Offices to ensure WFP’s continuous and appropriate engagement with National Disaster Management Authorities.
  • Identify and map key military actors WFP is likely to interact with in disaster response in respect to the use of MCDA (Military and Civil Defence Assets).
  • Facilitate and organize Inter-Agency or WFP-specific Emergency Simulations in countries of concern in the region.
  • Supervise other programme staff; provide training and technical guidance in their work, including ensuring that EPWeb is regularly updated;
  • Perform other related duties as required.
Expected Results: Well prepared analytical work; well managed projects, programmes and/or operations.
 
Critical Success Factors: 
  • Good analytical skills; 
  • resourcefulness, initiative, maturity of judgement, tact, negotiating skills;
  • ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; 
  • ability to work in a team, and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds. 
  • Ability to cope with situations which may threaten health or safety; 
  • flexibility in accepting work assignments outside normal desk description. 
  • Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
 Qualifications and Experience
 
Education: University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: economics, agriculture, international affairs, business administration, social sciences, development studies or a field relevant to international development assistance.
 
Experience: At least three years of postgraduate professional experience in commerce, business administration, development, or food aid support.
 
Knowledge: 
  • Training and/or experience utilising computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard WFP software packages and systems. 
  • General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration.
Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English essential.
 
Other desirable skills: Knowledge of relevant WFP specified software; proficiency in a second official WFP language, preferably French
 
Interested Kenyan nationals meeting the above qualifications are required to submit their applications together with detailed curriculum vitae, copies of education certificates, names and telephone numbers or email addresses of three work referees by e-mail to: wfp.odnhr@wfp.org quoting the VA no. and the title of the position in the subject line.
 
Applicants should also complete and submit a Personal History form (P.11) available on the following link
Closing date: 21 December 2012. 

Applications must be received by the deadline. 

Late applications will not be considered.
 
Only short-listed candidates meeting all essential qualifications will be contacted.
 
NB: WFP does not charge fees from applicants at any stage during the recruitment process.