Deadline: 28 December 2015
World Food Programme (WFP) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Country Engagement Officer in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Country Engagement Officer will be responsible for promoting, establishing and managing the ARC in-country capacity building programme in two or three selected countries and fostering and managing at least one or two institutional relationships with a relevant regional institution.
The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Country Engagement Officer will perform the following functions-
- Under the supervision and direction of the ARC Chief of Staff, negotiate and finalize Memoranda of Understanding between ARC and Member State governments for potential drought, flood or tropical cyclone insurance coverage in the next ARC pool.
- Under the supervision and direction of the ARC Chief of Staff, assist the Programme Supervisor in selecting an ARC Government Coordinator and assembling the ARC in country technical working group.
- Act as ARC’s primary liaison with the government and advice ARC senior management of relevant political developments.
- Staff senior management visits to the country, including preparation of briefing documents and working with ARC administrative staff to facilitate travel, accommodation, transport and appropriate protocol and security as necessary.
- Liaise with UN or AU agencies and institutions, NGOs, donor partners, and lead institutions in early warning, climate change and disaster risk management in-country and assist in the development of joint work-programmes and partnerships.
- Detect, organize and deliver the relevant expert support from the Secretariat to the country as needed to complete the Capacity Building Programme within the aggressive and tight deadlines, always ensuring that the country retains ownership.
- Regularly document the country programme, major decisions taken pertaining to the country’s participation, track log-frame indicators and assist the M&E officer in analysis and reporting.
- Organize and conduct ARC trainings and workshops for in-country stakeholders, including government and their partners, and regional body representatives.
- Aim to take a strategic view across programme components and make linkages between them and the greater risk management and food security context in which ARC is operating.
- Represent the ARC at international and regional meetings and conferences as
- Travel frequently to countries under management (2-3 weeks/month required).
- Perform other related duties as requested by the senior ARC staff.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Advanced university degree or university degree and equivalent experience in one or more of the following disciplines: social sciences, finance, business administration, international relations, international development, development economics or another relevant field.
- At least five years (of which two are international) of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in public sector management, development projects, emergency assistance, finance or other related, relevant field.
- International experience must include Africa experience.
- Excellent skills in stakeholder management and negotiation.
- Excellent facility with Excel, MIS and delivering quality products on time.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered, “start-up” environment.
- Ability to be resourceful and effectively navigate new environments.
- Ability to complete tasks on time and uphold ARC standards for high quality output without constant supervision.
- Knowledge of risk transfer, including (parametric) insurance, climate change issues and climate-related development programmes in Africa.
- Fluency in oral and written English.
- Intermediate knowledge of another AU official language – Arabic, French or Portuguese – highly desirable.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications through online process.
For more information, please visit WFP.
