Myanmar: Programme Policy Officer (VAM)

Sep 27, 2016 | World Food Programme
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WFP is the food aid arm of the United Nations system. Food aid is one of the many instruments that can help to promote food security, which is defined as access of all people at all times to the food needed for an active and healthy life. ¹ The policies governing the use of World Food Programme food aid must be oriented towards the objective of eradicating hunger and poverty. The ultimate objective of food aid should be the elimination of the need for food aid.

Targeted interventions are needed to help to improve the lives of the poorest people - people who, either permanently or during crisis periods, are unable to produce enough food or do not have the resources to otherwise obtain the food that they and their households require for active and healthy lives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of Head of Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping Unit, the Programme Policy Officer (VAM) will be responsible for, and not limited to, the following duties:

  • Contribute to the development of VAM projects and activities, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider WFP policies and guidance;
  • Provide technical support to the establishment and maintenance of food security monitoring systems and; participate in food security and vulnerability assessments as well as other joint assessments;
  • Build, update and maintain databases of food security, socio-economic and price data and develop mechanisms by which such data are disseminated to other programme units at the Country and SubOffices levels and to other partners;
  • Carry out statistical analyses related to food security and price dynamics to detect changes in the food security and vulnerability situation of populations at risk;
  • Assist in drafting documents such as assessment reports and research briefs. Provide inputs and comments to WFP corporate documents such as the Country Strategic Review;
  • Strengthen the operational capacity of WFP staff to conduct food security assessments and analysis at the Country, Area and Sub-Office levels;
  • Transfer skills and develop sustainable capacity in food security analysis and information management systems in relevant government institutions and local partners
  • Represent WFP at international, regional or national technical meeting nutrition, food security and health activities;
  • Participate and support the broader national level discussions and policy/strategy development for food security, poverty reduction to monitor Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
  • Collect/develop and analyze information products to support emergency preparedness i.e. risk analysis, early warning and contingency planning, including in preparedness activities, organize and conduct emergency needs assessments and support operational planning. Periodically monitor the management of risks and report on any actions taken;
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

  • Advanced University degree in Economics, Food Security, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health/Nutrition, Geography or other related field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience:

  • At least two years of postgraduate professional experience in food security and vulnerability analysis; Experience in following areas is an advantage.
  • Experience in socio-economic analysis, food security information management systems, early warning and remote sensing is a plus;
  • Experience in the design and implementation of food aid programmes is an asset;
  • Experience with nutrition survey methodologies, nutrition assessment and surveillance systems is desirable. Knowledge & Skill
  • Knowledge of humanitarian assistance and development practice. General knowledge of UN system, policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration. Knowledge of the political, economic and social situation in Myanmar.
  • Knowledge of food security analysis and the data collection, treatment, and manipulation techniques typically associated with it;
  • Knowledge of advanced statistics methods and statistical analysis with ability to use statistical software packages (SPSS, SAS, STATA, etc.);
  • Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook);

Language:

  • Fluency in both oral and written English and Myanmar.