Programme Policy Officer (Climate Resilience) CST II

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

18 October 2024-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Standard Time (Panama)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

WFP’s presence in Latin America and the Caribbean is characterised by small, small, and medium-sized country offices (CO). Except for Haiti, all COs are 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 food consumption and migration, among others.

The role of WFP in the region has evolved over the years, and in many ways, COs serve as models of how WFP can continue to engage in MICs globally and the added value the organisation brings in such contexts. Regional operations have increasingly focused on transitioning from direct WFP operations to capacity strengthening, technical assistance for government programmes and policy support.

Resilience building and climate change are concepts that extend to different contexts and sectors to address increasingly complex risks and help minimise their impact on vulnerable people. Therefore, WFP has adopted resilience and adaptation to climate change as a general framework, with the intention of identifying programs and approaches that help mitigate the impact of climate shocks and stressors causing environmental degradation, economic uncertainty before, during and after a crisis, conflicts, price shocks and migratory movements, among others.

The regional Climate and Resilience Programme Unit is currently hiring an expert to provide support to programme and policy work related to climate change.

Climate change multiplies existing threats to food security, hunger and malnutrition. Expected impacts of climate change include an increase in the number and intensity of climate related disasters, increased scarcity and lack of access to land and water, decreases in agricultural productivity. Impacts will be felt disproportionally by the most vulnerable people, the majority of whom live in fragile areas prone to natural hazards, ultimately putting hundreds of millions of people at risk. The World Food Programme (WFP) approaches the challenge of climate change from the point of view of its impact on hunger and under nutrition through activities that manage climate risk, build resilience, and help people adapt to climate change.

In addition, to directly support COs in the design and implementation of climate resilience projects, RBP also provides guidance and technical support to leverage opportunities in the realm of climate finance, with a vital component of partnership management with public and private sectors and other development organisations.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Consultant will be based in WFP’s Panama Regional Office, working in the Climate Resilience team, but in a cross-cutting function that intersects with different programmatically technical teams. The Consultant will take a leadership role in advising on climate change adaptation activities with a strong focus nature-based solutions and climate-resilient livelihoods and assets, including:

• Provide technical advice and inputs in the design and implementation of climate resilience policy/programme, Country Strategic Plans (CSPs) and government policy/programme activities as and when appropriate, on climate change adaptation with a strong focus nature-based solutions and climate-resilient livelihoods and assets.
• Determine and oversee any initial analysis needs that will feed into climate policy and programme design, including undertaking climate analyses, vulnerability assessments for climate shocks/stressors, as well as institutional mapping and capacity assessments for organizations involved in climate adaptation programme and policies.
• Exploring and leading the design and implementation of innovative climate change adaptation activities, such as community/ecosystem-based adaptation, climate smart agriculture, adaptive social protection, and payment for environmental services. The Consultant may not be an expert on these subjects but is proactive in researching and seeking advice within WFP and externally.
• Oversee and provide technical support to climate financing opportunities, including the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund as well as other multi/bilateral funding opportunities in coordination with regional and headquarter climate staff. The Consultant will provide technical inputs and managerial support as required to initiatives of considerable size/complexity, ensuring a coordinated programmatic approach that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
• Develop frameworks, guidance, tools and approaches that support WFP programme and other country staff, partners and/or communities in the implementation of climate change adaptation activities in alignment with corporate guidelines and in synergy with or complementary to existing tools that the Office/partners use in programme design and implementation (e.g. 3PA, monitoring tools, etc).
• Ensure a strong evidence-based approach to climate change adaptation is embedded into any wider programme design and implementation. This includes having a clear theory of change for the activities being undertaken, indicators for measurement, and putting in place an appropriate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan and data collection tools in line with WFP corporate results framework.
• Documenting and sharing best practices to support the advocacy of climate action and the replication and scale of successful climate interventions. This includes support to programme reporting, overseeing operational research and evidence-building, and developing information products that speak to the rationale of climate change adaptation, and WFP and partners’ work.
• Promote awareness and support the development of functional training for WFP staff, partners and government on climate change adaptation corporate guidelines, international frameworks and share best practices by delivering training sessions and other events (e.g., webinars and workshops) and providing inputs into training materials, among others.
• Other relevant activities as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Climate change adaptation interventions have been well-designed considering national policy and contextual parameters, analyses and assessments, WFP programme activities and CSP priorities.
• Specific climate change adaptation activities have been designed and implemented, with well-established processes, tools and approaches, partnerships and capacity strengthening efforts.
• Climate finance proposals and projects have been developed with a clear climate change adaptation rationale.
• Evidence of programme success and lessons have been generated through a well-established M&E system and reporting.
• Best practices have been well-documented and disseminated to a diverse set of stakeholders to assist in advocacy, replication and scale-up of initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced University degree (Master or equivalent) in Natural Resource or Watershed Management, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Climate Studies, Rural Development, Agronomy, or other field relevant, or First University degree with more than 6 years of related work experience.

Experience:

At least 6 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources or watershed management, environmental conservation, rural development, climate resilience, of which at least 3 years have been spent working on climate adaptation at national or community level.

Experience in the design and/or implementation of climate adaptation projects and programmes at the community level is desirable.

Experience in providing support to national government policy/programme processes that address climate change and development is considered an asset

Knowledge & Skills:

In-depth understanding of climate adaptation approaches such as climate services, community/ecosystem-based adaptation, and nature-based solutions

Understanding national and regional strategies, policy discussions, and decisions related to climate change, environment and/or ecosystem management.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports, and draw conclusions and recommendations.

Excellent verbal and written (intercultural) communication skills, to multiple audiences.

Languages:

Fluence (level C) in English and Spanish. Knowledge of French is considered an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Number of openings: 1
Based in: Panama City, Panama
Type of Contract: Consultant
Level: II
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.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at [email protected]. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.