Programme Policy Officer

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Description

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THE ROLE

• This position is based in Vientiane and will work under the direct supervision of the International Consultant Social Behaviour Change Specialist . 

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The PPO will liaise closely with WFP CO Management, SO2 team and technical staff in other SOs.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide specialized expertise and contribute towards the development of “state of the art” SBC strategy, activities, plans and processes, that centre the lives of beneficiaries, families, and communities, to support achievement of all SO objectives.
• Support generation and utilization of behavioural research data (qualitative and quantitative) and evidence to inform program design, quality improvement, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. This includes drafting of research TORs, plans and protocols, supporting data collection, data analysis and report writing.
• Make significant contributions to the development of SBC strategy, plans and interventions grounded in theory and research and that go beyond provision of knowledge to address social, contextual, psychological, and other motivational factors influencing behaviour. Draft and review messages, materials and training curricula to ensure they align to prioritized messages and to behavioural objectives.
• Work closely with SO personnel and WFP’s procurement department, to support the tendering and contracting process for external creative, technical or implementing partners including drafting TORs and specifications and serving on review committees. Manage day-to-day relationships with contractors including providing timely feedback, quality control, coordination of activities and ensuring compliance with all WFP policies and procedures.
• Under the supervision of the International SBC Specialist, provide specialized SBC support to SO teams, field offices, and supporting units within WFP, to ensure all activities are performed in an efficient and well-coordinated manner, following WFP’s policies, guidelines, and procedures and in accordance to agreed standards and deadlines.
• Foster external relationships and partnership-building with local partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and government institutions to support high quality SBC programming. Draft presentations or materials on WFP’s SBC approach and contribute to resource mobilization efforts.
• Strengthen the capacity of WFP colleagues, cooperating partners, and national government on SBC theory and best practices, including providing SBC-related advice, guidance, and training.
• Attend meetings with the UN and other multilateral bodies and NGOs, sharing information and inputs from WFP to ensure that WFP’s SBC work is properly understood and considered in decision making to support the achievement of outcomes.
• Engage with HQ, RBB and other country office teams to ensure existing SBC activities involve state of the art programming at all stages, including design, implementation and monitoring of interventions and to share lessons from the CO’s SBC activities.
• Document the learning of SBC programme implementation, facilitate internal and external discussions on findings and recommendations, and proactively lead actions for programme improvements.
• Support other duties as required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced University degree in Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Communication or Journalism, Social Sciences, International Affairs, Economics or MBA or other field relevant to international development, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
• At least six (6) year experience working with development sector, health and nutrition programming, rural development, or private sector and marketing. Or three (3) year experience in the sectors described and a master’s degree.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Experience implementing nutrition specific and/or nutrition sensitive programmes, with particular focus on behaviour change and use of Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies.
• Proven track record delivering SBC programs or marketing campaigns including both community level interpersonal communication activities and mass media, focused on nutrition and agriculture.
• Strong inter and intrapersonal communication skills.
• Good analytical, facilitation, negotiation skills.
• Ability to work in a team, establish effective working relations with persons of different cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in working with Government counterparts and familiar with public administration.
• Experience in policy consultations and development and/or project management.
• Competent understanding of both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive operations in Lao PDR with a broad knowledge of best practices, guidelines, techniques, and processes.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, persuade, influence adapt communication styles to different situations and individuals.
• Gained experience in providing input into designing SBC projects and operations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility, adaptability, and ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing, and ability to tactfully negotiate.
• Understanding of WFP’s operations in Lao PDR preferred.

LANGUAGE:

• Fluent working knowledge (Written and Verbal) of Lao and English language (Level C) is essential.

Source: https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Vientiane-Laos-The-Peoples-Dem/Programme-Policy-Officer—Social-Behavior-Change–SBC–SO2_JR103424-2

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