Program Consultant: Institutional Capacity Building and Coordination At World Food Program

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Burundi country office of the World Food Program (WFP) is currently seeking an expert in institutional and strategic support to fill the position of Consultant in institutional capacity building and project coordination within the program unit at Bujumbura, Burundi.

Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, with an estimated population of 12.5 million, with annual growth of 2.7%. It is characterized by a young population: children aged 0 to 15 represent almost 48% of the total population and people aged 15 to 34, 30%. The country is ranked 187th out of 191 countries in the 2021/2022 Human Development Index (HDI).

GDP per capita in current prices is USD 249 and GDP growth is estimated at 3.3% in 2023. The year-on-year inflation rate has reached double digits since April 2022 and has continued to increase for reach 32.8% in March 2023, with food inflation reaching 49%, affecting household spending, and limiting coverage of basic household needs.

Burundi is a country where food insecurity and malnutrition are widespread. 52% of children under 5 suffer from stunted growth. The government is committed to combating food and nutritional insecurity through its national policy document “Vision Burundi Emerging Country in 2040 and Developed Country in 2060”, the Burundi National Development Plan (PND 2018‒2027), the National Program for capitalization of peace, social stability and promotion of economic growth (2021‒2025) and relevant sectoral plans as well as a roadmap aimed at transforming food systems into healthier/nutritious, more sustainable and more equitable. The agencies of the United Nations system have collectively committed to supporting the Government’s priorities and efforts clearly expressed in the above-mentioned documents, have adopted a new cooperation framework for sustainable development (UNSDCF 2023-2027)

In this context, WFP Burundi is currently implementing an Interim Country Strategic Plan (2022-2024) which aims to continue supporting the government in the fight against food insecurity, the reduction of malnutrition, the transformation of food systems , the resilience of vulnerable populations, the promotion of gender equality, the strengthening of national capacities and the social protection system, which help to ensure that populations most vulnerable to food and nutritional insecurity have access to nutritious food to lead a healthy and productive life with a view to meeting the challenge of zero hunger.

WFP in Burundi will implement a new country strategic plan (CSP) from March 2024 for the period 2024-2027. The five strategic outcomes of this CSP will be intrinsically linked to ensure transformative programming to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 17. Under the CSP, WFP will continue to execute and scale its initiatives and projects. innovative initiatives to strengthen national capacities at all levels, including those financed by Switzerland and France. The implementation of these innovative projects requires strong internal capacity for adequate supervision and coordination. An expert consultant in short-term institutional and strategic support is needed to coordinate these projects.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The main purpose of this role is to provide leadership on the implementation of food processing and resilience building projects—particularly those funded by Switzerland and France.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES (non-exhaustive)

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

Supervise the implementation and coordination of projects financed by Switzerland and France and on an interim basis those financed by Germany
Provide support to the government counterpart and other partners in identifying areas in which food assistance can be usefully employed and provide technical and strategic support and expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of food assistance programs. food assistance to strengthen ownership and effectiveness of food security and nutrition programs by governments and communities at national and subnational levels.
Develop operational partnerships and maintain existing strategic partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance programs and support advocacy activities.
Manage or supervise the preparation and dissemination of analytical and critical reports, publications and a variety of information products or proposals for internal or external use, particularly those related to projects funded by Switzerland and France (and German temporarily).
Advocate for resources for WFP projects, including clearly outlining the need for food assistance and related program opportunities, and monitor project resource status, including commodity and cash availability.
Support the development of the “Resilience 2” proposal and functional training in areas of expertise to strengthen the capacity of WFP staff and partners to design and implement effective food assistance programs.
Lead, motivate and develop a substantial team to enable high performance.
Ensure optimal use of allocated financial resources to achieve the objectives set within the framework of a large budget.
Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that integrates all dimensions of WFP’s diversity and inclusion framework.
Contribute to country office emergency preparedness, i.e. early warning, risk analysis and contingency planning to respond to crises and needs humanitarians.
Perform any other tasks as needed.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS

TRAINING:

Advanced university degree in international affairs, economics, nutrition/health, agriculture, environmental sciences, social sciences or any other field related to international development assistance, or any other related field with additional years of professional experience.

The specific skills and knowledge below will be required for this position:

Excellent knowledge of strategic frameworks, cooperation and familiarity with the UNSDG, the CSP, Food Systems in Burundi,
Excellent analytical, multi-sectoral coordination, communication, advocacy and negotiation skills,
Excellent synthesis, writing notes and reports, project formulation
Excellent ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and adapt to multicultural, interinstitutional and multidisciplinary contexts
Ability to effectively use standard office software, such as MS Office (Windows, Word, Outlook, Excel, Power Point, Internet).

EXPERIENCE :

At least 5 years of experience in institutional support, coordination of joint projects, facilitation of strategic discussions and design and implementation of different programmatic approaches.
Have experience working with bi- and multilateral cooperation and international organizations, including United Nations agencies and, proven experience in strategic planning, engagement with government stakeholders and building partnerships.
Mastery of WFP missions and strategic frameworks, particularly those of Burundi.

LANGUAGE :