National Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping Officer (Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis)

Background:

World Food Programme (WFP) is the primary United Nations Agency on the front line in addressing hunger in the world. In The Gambia WFP has been present since 1970, assisting in the country’s efforts to reduce hunger and help build up people’s food security in the long term. WFP is active in the Gambia mainly through a Capacity Development Project by establishing a transition towards a nationally owned school feeding programme, supporting nearly 100,000 schoolchildren in almost 500 schools across the country. In addition, strong emphasis is being placed on national capacity building in adjacent areas such as Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping, Disaster Risk Management and Nutrition.

In response to the global food price crisis in 2008 and the recommendations from the Country Action Plan identifying priorities to mitigate the adverse effects of soaring food prices in the short, medium and long term, WFP has been asked to provide additional support to set up a comprehensive VAM (Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping) approach which will contribute to an enhanced understanding of food insecurity and vulnerability in the country and facilitate the prioritization of donor and Government interventions in terms of both chronic and acute need. The demand for WFP’s services and capacity building in the area of food security and vulnerability analysis has gradually increased in view of the technical support required to address the 2011 crop-failure and 2012 floods and build existing government capacities to better anticipate and mitigate future economic and environmental shocks.

To meet the Government’s increasing demand for technical assistance in the area of food security and vulnerability analysis and ensure sustainability of capacity development activities, WFP will recruit a National VAM Officer. The work will be based on the existing Strategy on Strengthening Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis in The Gambia with the overall objective of further strengthening vulnerability analysis systems and supporting regular and timely monitoring of vulnerability and food insecurity in The Gambia.

Responsibilities:

The National VAM Officer will be primarily responsible for the implementation of WFP’s activities and in meeting the increasing demand for the strengthening of national capacities and for ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer in the area of VAM. He/she will:

• Contribute towards the development and maintenance of an Integrated Food Security Monitoring System (FSMS) for better preparedness, response and reporting capacity at national and regional level to monitor and protect communities that are at risk to food insecurity, in particular:

a) Facilitate the timely preparation and issuance of Daa Nyeeno – The Food Security and Market Information Bulletin for The Gambia, jointly with other partners to enable the use of such knowledge in policy and programme development at national and regional level;

b) Facilitate the collection and analysis of secondary data regarding food security and vulnerability, in particular on market prices, agricultural production, livelihoods and coping;

c) Undertake in-country field missions for primary data collection and monitoring (e.g. market price data, food consumption and utilization, coping) as necessary;

• Liaise with relevant government authorities, research institutes and other cooperating partners on food security monitoring, assist in the organization of food security, vulnerability and emergency assessments and build effective and results oriented collaboration with partners and beneficiaries towards the strengthening of food security monitoring systems;
• Conduct training activities, consultations and workshops with support of WFP Regional Bureau;
• Strengthen analysis and operational capacities of WFP and national institutions during joint food security, emergency and needs assessments and baseline studies;
• Participate in the development of funding proposals and project documents at country office level;
• Assist in implementation of programming modalities such as market access programme (cash transfers);
• Ensure that food security based programming and targeting is promoted in project / programme design, country office work-plans and corporate reports through provision of analytical inputs;
• In collaboration with the M&E Officer, provide technical support and guidance for the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems through development and use of food security sensitive M&E tools
• Undertake data collection, analysis and reporting and the production of ready-to-use statistical packages for the Country Office;
• Assist in training and supervision of field monitors, particularly in case of emergencies;
• Any other tasks as required

Minimum Required Qualifications:

· Advanced university degree in a relevant subject (e.g. development studies, agriculture and rural development, economics, geography, food security, nutrition, disaster management / disaster risk reduction, econometrics/statistics);

· At least 4 years of post-graduate working / assessment / survey experience in the humanitarian / development sectors, including as consultant, enumerator, trainee or volunteer;

· Advanced computer skills and fluency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher); working knowledge in other statistical / mapping software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, ArcGIS)/ smart technology;

· Advanced English and writing skills, with fluency in at least two local languages;

· Proven ability to provide well-grounded analysis of statistical relationships

· Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

Desired Qualifications

· Experience with early warning, food security analysis and/or monitoring and evaluation;

· Experience in programme implementation and project cycle management;

· Experience in capacity building and effective knowledge transfer;

· Experience within WFP/UN System or working in The Gambia;

· Experience in emergency response / disaster risk management;

· Excellent and effective communication skills;

· Proven report writing skills and ability to present ideas clearly;

· Creative, solution oriented and proactive mindset;

· French language skills (comfortable in speech and understanding)

HOW TO APPLY:

Note:

· This position is open for Gambian Nationals only

· A solid technical background / experience is required;

· Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply;

· The position is open for a contractual engagement of 2 years and may be extended upon satisfactory performance of candidate, the realization of set objectives and subject to the availability of funds;

· Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a written test and interview at the UN House

· Applicants should submit a UN P11 form, (available online at un.org or pick up from the UN house receptionist), together with cover letter (max. 1 page) and detailed CV to:-

The WFP Representative

World Food Programme (WFP)

UN House

5 Kofi Annan Street

Cape Point, Bakau

· Applications should be submitted in a sealed envelope at the UN House not later than on Thursday 26 March, 2015**, 12:00 (noon)** late applications will not be considered.

Applications can also be submitted through