• Country: India

• No of vacancies: N/A
  
• Salary: N/A 
• Organization: WFP
• Gender: Both 
• Deadline: 2023-12-28

JOB PURPOSE:

The Programme Policy Officer (Nature Based Solutions) will support WFP operations under CSP Outcome 4 in partnering with national and state government departments to support development and promotion of climate resilient agriculture strategies, nature-based solutions and development of climate resilient value chains for small holder farmers and marginalized communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Unit (Climate Change, Resilient Food Systems and DRR) and with overall supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for providing technical inputs and guidance to the initiatives under SO4 and implementation of Norway -WFP climate resilience project in Assam.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Not all inclusive) 

As an integral part of the SO4 team, complimenting the capacities, the incumbent will perform following key functions:

Project Planning and Implementation

• Develop detailed project report. Co-ordinate, support and guide development of detailed project implementation plans in consultation with the internal team and with the respective stakeholders ensuring alignment with broader climate adaptation, resilience, NbS and  gender inclusion approaches detailed in the projects
• Prepare bid documents for project procurements,  and ToRs for experts/consultants working on the various aspects of the project and support the procurement and selection process.
• Be responsible for execution of project activities in accordance with the project implementation plans, and ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Monitor the Norway funded Assam project and other projects through establishing reporting mechanisms and conduct regular field visits
• Contribute to provide strategic recommendations and engage in knowledge sharing on field experiences and facilitate cross-sharing through various forums
• Liaise closely with the State Government of Assam and a range of Government partners and other stakeholders to build mechanisms of linkages with the existing schemes and ensure sustainability of the projects and results

Co-ordination and Partnerships

• Support the identification, development, strengthening and management of potential partnerships to collaborate with government and NGOs at state level to work in the areas of climate resilient agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate constitution of various Project implementation committees, and steering committees and organize their periodic meetings for facilitating coherent project implementation.
• Support constitution and organization Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meeting and ensure technical oversight to the project through regular consultation, preparation of guidelines and material.
• Liaise with various ministries to facilitate alignment and convergence of project activities with the key government schemes of line depts (Agriculture, IMD, Rural development, Rural Livelihoods Mission, Women and Child Development and Tribal affairs, Climate, water etc.) at state and national levels
• Identify partners for potential partnership and collaboration for project strategies such as Agriculture Universities, technology partners, financing institutions, IT solution providers, training partners through the Government schemes and others to support the project.
• Contribute to resource mobilization, developing proposals and programme for CRA/NbS projects in the country
• Support in organizing dissemination and advocacy events for cross-learning and sharing.

Technical Support and Capacity Strengthening

• Support development of technical program guides, training manuals and other resources for innovative approaches for climate resilient agriculture (CRA), value chains and pathways development, women empowerment, SHG livelihoods and resilient livelihoods. Undertake Training of Trainers.
• Based on evidence and latest research suggest most relevant climate resilient innovations, livelihoods solutions and best practices to inform the effectiveness of strategies
• Liaise with technical leads in WFP including gender lead and other technical expert/TAG to prepare strategies, plans for knowledge sharing, cross-learning, to increase effectiveness of the project.
• Support M&E team in undertaking necessary secondary and primary research and vulnerability studies and baseline and end-line assessments. Support conducting value chain assessment and market analysis for the project and analyze the results to ensure that alternate activities are consistent with the specific needs of the targeted households
• Support in the development and implementation of innovative CRA pilot activities with state government actors and encourage innovation and scale-up throughout the project lifecycle
• Evaluate environmental and social risks and effects throughout the project’s life cycle, appropriate to the project’s nature and size, as well as the possible risks and repercussions.

Project Management, Reporting and Communication

• Monitor the progress of project activities being implemented by the state Government, and implementing partners, provide feedback on their performance and coordinate with the project steering committees to take corrective measures as needed.
• Lead organization of workshops, trainings and technical consultations and ensure timely preparation of reports.
• Participate in programme review meetings under SO4 and support organization of regular project specific review meetings and support the project staff in performance management.
• Act as a representative of the project during review meetings, evaluations and in discussions and, hence, be responsible for preparation of minutes, drafts of review- technical, financial, and field investigation reports.
• Contribute to the periodic project reports in accordance with donor reporting requirements and quality standards of WFP.
• Supervise and support regular monitoring of project progress, the indicators, results and risks, including social and environmental risks, gender analysis included in the project results framework.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of awareness raising materials at the various levels in coordination with communication unit.
• Performing other duties as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (master’s or higher level) in agriculture sciences, agricultural economics, agri-business, agronomy, climate sciences, environmental studies, environmental sciences, natural resource management, rural development, or closely related field from an institute of repute.

EXPERIENCE

A minimum 3 years of progressively responsible work experience with substantial experience in leading/implementing projects in climate resilient agriculture, community adaptation or Natural Resource Management projects with on ground implementation. In-depth understanding of Climate resilience and adaptive agriculture strategies, climate resilient cropping, agricultural and conservation practices, developing value chains, sustainable livelihood options and working at the national/ state level in partnership with the government/UN agency/INGO is required. Experience of working on rural financing, understanding community actions and providing training in the related field as well as working on climate change adaptation is desirable. Experience working in multi-stakeholder projects and gender inclusion is also desirable.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Excellent interpersonal skills required, including strong professional communication abilities.
• Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, civil society, academia and NGOs.
• An up-to date understanding climate issues and its impacts on agri-food systems, various relevant programmes, global frameworks and policies, climate adaptation and resilience strategies, potential use of renewable energy and other technological advances.
• Demonstrated understanding of food and nutrition security and learning ability and good knowledge about climate advisories & agriculture issues, and familiarity with government policies and data sets agriculture and climate.
• Knowledge of Global frameworks and updates in the field of climate change, sustainable agriculture and agronomic/agro-tech practices, and national priorities.
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software analytical software.
• Knowledge of UN and the Government system would be an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of supply chain and food security, environment and climate resilience, livelihoods, gender and nutrition experts across India.
• Tact and diplomacy.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

• Solid technical capacity and relevant work experience
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of actors from government, private sector and civil society.
• Very strong communications skills, both in writing and speaking.
• Solid planning and problem-solving skills and action orientation.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage multiple tasks in an independent but consultative manner.
• Maturity, initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle any other additional tasks as requested by the supervisor.

LANGUAGE

Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi; ability to speak in Assamese or any other Indian Language is a plus.

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