Programme Policy Officer (School Feeding Center Coordinator) NOA

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JOB TITLE: Programme Policy Officer (School Feeding Center Coordinator)

TYPE OF CONTRACT & LEVEL: Fixed-Term, NOA

UNIT: Programme (School Feeding Programme)

DUTY STATION: Dushanbe, Tajikistan

DURATION: One year (Extendable)

This vacancy announcement is for Nationals from Tajikistan.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

WFP offers a competitive compensation package including tax free salary, pension, leave, and medical insurance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Tajikistan faces persistent structural challenges to food and nutrition security, driven by limited arable land, high dependence on food imports, widespread rural poverty, and frequent exposure to natural hazards including floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Climate change compounds these risks, and approximately 1.52 million people require food and nutrition assistance.

WFP currently implements its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2026 in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the same period, pursuing a strategic shift from direct implementation towards strengthening national and subnational capacities to deliver food security and nutrition outcomes. WFP supports achievement of SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and operates across the whole country through a network of field offices in Bokhtar, Gharm, Khorog, and Khujand complementing the country office in Dushanbe.

WFP’s programme portfolio covers emergency preparedness and response, resilience and livelihoods, nutrition, and school meals. Across these areas, WFP is placing greater emphasis on anticipatory action, shock-responsive social protection, evidence generation, and support to national systems for risk-informed planning and response. As WFP Tajikistan transitions to its next CSP for 2027–2030, it is further positioning itself as a technical and operational partner to the Government, with a stronger focus on nationally led solutions and earlier action ahead of crises.

The World Food Programme (WFP) supports the Government of Tajikistan in transitioning towards a nationally owned, financed, and managed School Feeding Programme through strengthening institutional capacities, systems, coordination mechanisms, and sustainable programme management structures. Following the signing of the Technical Assistance Agreement between WFP and the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES), support has increasingly focused on nationalization of the School Feeding Programme and expansion of the School Feeding Centre activities at regions and districts of the country.

Under the direct guidance of the Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan and supervision of the SF Programme Coordinator, the Programme Policy Officer will support the nationalization of the School Feeding Programme through strengthening the operational capacity of the School Feeding Center, institutional systems, coordination mechanisms and government ownership at national and subnational levels. The incumbent provides programme management, coordination, institutional strengthening, monitoring and partnership support to facilitate sustainable management of the School Feeding Programme.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Contribute towards the development of School Feeding projects, strategies, workplans, plans and operational processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies, national priorities and guidance, while supporting programme nationalization, sustainability and the transition towards a nationally owned School Feeding Programme.

2. Provide project management and operational support to School Feeding programmes and activities of small to moderate complexity, including implementation of activities under the Technical Assistance Agreement, coordination of day-to-day operations of the School Feeding Center, and support for the expansion of its functions at national, regional and district levels, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures.

3. Support and monitor data collection, information management and monitoring systems, including the integration of School Feeding indicators into EMIS and other digital platforms, ensuring rigorous quality standards are maintained and programme performance is effectively tracked and assessed.

4. Research and analyse policy, institutional, operational and implementation issues affecting School Feeding programmes to support the development of policies, programmes and activities. Monitor programme performance, assess implementation challenges, provide recommendations for continuous improvement, and contribute to policy dialogue, technical consultations and strategic initiatives that strengthen national School Feeding systems and institutional capacity.

5. Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reports, analytical products, presentations, briefing notes and other reporting materials on programme performance and activities to support evidence-based decision-making and ensure consistency of information presented to management, government counterparts, development partners and other stakeholders.

6. Liaise with internal counterparts and coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Science, regional and district authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and implementation of School Feeding activities. Participate in relevant national and subnational coordination platforms, including the Inter-ministerial Coordination Council (IMCC), the Development Coordination Council (DCC) on Education, Local Education Groups and other technical working groups, ensuring programme visibility, mobilization of wider stakeholder support, and promotion of government ownership and political commitment for the nationalization of School Feeding. Represent the School Feeding Programme in coordination platforms, consultations, stakeholder meetings and field missions, as required.

7. Support the identification, development and management of partnerships with government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and contribute to strengthening coordination mechanisms, institutional frameworks and collaborative approaches that support sustainable School Feeding systems and improved food assistance outcomes.

8. Support the development and strengthening of institutional systems, procedures, coordination mechanisms, operational tools and management frameworks for sustainable programme implementation. Support the design and implementation of capacity strengthening initiatives, training activities, learning programmes and knowledge-sharing efforts for School Feeding Center personnel, education authorities, schools, WFP staff, partners and government counterparts to enhance programme management, institutional sustainability and preparedness to respond to food assistance needs.

9. Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries. Coordinate and supervise the work of School Feeding Center personnel, including work planning, monitoring of deliverables, mentoring, quality assurance and capacity development.

10. Other related tasks

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced University Degree in International Development, Public Administration, Economics, Education, Agriculture, Nutrition, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Project Management or a related field OR First University Degree with additional years of relevant experience.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills:

• At least one year of progressively responsible postgraduate professional experience in programme management, project implementation, capacity strengthening, partnership management, monitoring and reporting OR at least 3 years of relevant professional experience with a first university degree.
• Strong analytical, drafting, coordination, stakeholder engagement and project management skills.
• Prior experience in school feeding programme/projects and government transition interventions is an asset.

Languages: Fluency in English, as well as Tajikand/or Russian. Fluency in both Tajik and Russian is an advantage.

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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

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