Programme Policy Officer (Climate Resilience and Food Systems) CST II

Context:

In 2018, WFP re-established its presence in the Caribbean with an office in Barbados. The WFP Caribbean MultiCountry Office supports 22 countries and territories across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. WFP Caribbean's capacity strengthening programme focuses on vulnerability analysis and mapping; end-to-end supply chain management; shock-responsive social protection; food systems strengthening; and climate risk financing. In times of crisis, WFP works with partners to provide direct assistance when events surpass national and regional capacities by delivering food, cash or voucher assistance, or through emergency logistics or emergency service provision. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing heightened risks from extreme weather events and ecosystem impacts. Strengthening systems and practices across the agri-food value chain is important for promoting access to markets, livelihoods and food security. Opportunities include supporting smallholder farmers' access to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing value chain efficiencies, tailoring climate services, contributing to regional efforts to reduce food imports, and increasing farmer/fishers’ access to social protection mechanisms in times of shocks. WFP also focuses on building national/local capacities, promoting access to climate finance, aligning efforts with national and regional strategies and working in close partnership with relevant institutions and agencies.

Job Purpose:

The Programme Policy Officer for Climate Resilience and Food Systems will advance WFP's efforts to strengthen food systems in the Caribbean within the context of climate change. This role will provide technical advice/oversight on programme design, strategy and implementation for programmes of moderate size or complexity to strengthen food systems and climate resilience, including related to smallholder farmer access to markets, minimizing post-harvest loss, enhancing resilience to climate-related shocks and risk management. The role will involve identifying opportunities regionally and within priority countries, including supporting staff based in multiple countries in the design and implementation of programmes. It will include fostering linkages with other MCO programming related to social protection, supply chain and disaster risk financing. The role will also entail providing strategic and operational inputs to climate fund proposals and national and regional strategies, as well as fostering partnerships with governments, regional actors, and stakeholders to build sustainable and inclusive food systems across the region.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Translate WFP programmatic guidance into Regional/Country projects, including proposal development and coordination of implementation.
2. Provide technical advice or mobilise technical expertise for value chain analysis, including the role of supply chains in promoting market access, intra-regional trade and economic development; the development of value chains for home grown school meals programmes; the design of recovery programmes for agriculture and fisheries communities impacted by natural disasters; and the deployment and testing of innovative approaches and the development of strategies to support government efforts to reduce hunger.
3. Assist counterparts in governments and other partners in identifying opportunities for WFP support and provide technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of moderately complex programmes to strengthen government and community ownership and effectiveness of climate resilient food security interventions at national and sub-national levels.
4. Establish and maintain operational partnerships with FAO, IICA, IFIs and relevant regional bodies to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance packages and support advocacy work. Engage private sector on opportunities to integrate cold chain and other food preservation technologies into WFP project design.
5. Enhance WFP's leadership status in forums relating to area of climate resilient food systems through the development of briefing materials, information products and other materials.
6. Manage operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to food assistance.
7. Manage the preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, publications, and a variety of information products or proposals for internal or external use.
8. Contribute to resource mobilisation efforts for WFP projects and follow up on the resource situation of projects, seeking advice from senior colleagues where necessary.
9. Advise and support the development of functional training in areas of expertise to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partners to design and deliver climate resilient food systems programmes.
10. As needed, explore climate financing opportunities and contribute to the development of concept notes and proposals for these funds, including the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund as well as other multi/bilateral funding opportunities that may be identified at national, regional and/or global levels.
11. Other as required.

OTHER POST REQUIREMENTS:

WFP provides emergency response support to the 22 English and Dutch-speaking countries in the Caribbean as needed. In this role, the incumbent may be required to:

• Support the Programme Unit's emergency response activities.
• Deploy to affected countries to assist with Programme operations as required.
• Work beyond regular working hours to support emergency response efforts.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Analysis conducted of regional and country-level opportunities to support food systems and smallholder farmers, e.g. access to markets, post-harvest loss, risk insurance.
• Workplans, proposals and strategic offers developed in consultation with colleagues posted in priority countries on food systems and smallholder farmer support.
• Guidance and inputs provided to climate fund proposals, with a focus on food systems and agriculture.
• Project implementation effectively managed based on relevant results frameworks.
• Technical exchanges conducted with key partners and governments

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced University degree in Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Food Science, Environmental Science, or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

Has experience working across the Program portfolio including on food systems, smallholder farmer access to markets and related topics

Has experience working with UN agencies, governments and/or regional institutions

Has experience in analyzing agri-food value chains

Has experience designing and managing programmes

Desired: Experience in small island developing states; experience in the Caribbean

Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth understanding of food systems, climate adaptation, and resilience strategies
• Excellent ability to coordinate across multiple units and organizations
• Ability to write clear and concise reports
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proven team building and leadership skills.
• Experience inputting into climate fund proposals (e.g. GCF)
• Knowledge on strengthening smallholder farmers access to markets

Languages:

Fluency (level C) in both oral and written communication in English.