Background and Purpose of the Assignment

In 2021, WFP reached a key milestone as all Country Offices now have an Executive Board-approved Country Strategic Plan (CSP) or Interim CSP (ICSP). This coincides with the UN's transition to the next generation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which is now central to all UN development activities, including WFP's CSPs, which must align with the UNSDCF both in content and timing.

Somalia’s Country Office is completing its first-generation CSP (2022-2025) and is developing its second-generation CSP for presentation to the Executive Board in February 2026. This new CSP will align with the UNSDCF and Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (2025-2029), both currently in development. WFP Somalia is actively engaging in UNSDCF discussions to align its food security and nutrition programs with broader UN development goals, starting with the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UNSDCF evaluation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

❖ Engagement on CCA/UNSDCF: In close coordination with the Country Office, Regional Bureau, and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, support the inter-agency engagement around the CCA/UNSDCF process in Somalia. In particular, support WFP’s appropriate roles in CCA workstreams and UNSDCF results groups:

• Support the Somalia CO management in its strategic engagement with country stakeholders before, during and after UNSDCF design. This may include supporting the consolidation of WFP inputs to the CCA, as well as contributing to the UNSDCF design process. Support could include close liaison and support to the Country Office UNSDCF Result Groups Focal Points, PMLE, Partnership and Communication/Reporting units.

• During the CCA process, ensure food security and nutrition elements are taken into consideration and well-captured. Support the Country Office leverage WFP’s body of analytics such as food security and nutrition assessments and make these available to the UN Country Team and included in the CCA as analytical inputs.

• Support early engagement with FAO, UNICEF, IFAD and other food security and nutrition actors to jointly advocate for the inclusion of zero hunger related issues in the CCA/UNSDCF, based on quality data.

• Support Country Office’s participation in UN Country Team discussions and comment on the emerging CCA/UNSDCF documents.

❖ CSP design/development: In close coordination with Regional Bureau and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, assist and guide the Country Office in the design and development of the CSP strategic orientation, in accordance with WFP’s Policy on Country Strategic Plans and informed by the CCA and UNSDCF priorities:

• Participate in bi-weekly meeting with Country Office CSP Task Force (TF)

• Support the consolidation of inputs from CO Task Force (TF) that will inform the country strategic planning design, including evaluation findings, national plans/frameworks and priorities, partners and stakeholders’ mapping, lessons learned, etc.

• Support the coordination of remote and in-country technical missions from the Regional Bureau and Headquarters, help consolidate inputs and develop operational and programmatic aspects of the CSP strategic orientation in consultation with CO Task Force.

• Support the Country Office to host a “CSP formulation workshop” to define the CSP strategic orientation (through developing a Theory of Change and results framework) in consultation with the CO Task Force.

• Support the Country Office Task Force to conduct a consultation process to inform and receive feedback from stakeholders on the design and strategic orientation of the CSP.

❖ CSP narrative preparation and submission: In close coordination with Regional Bureau and Headquarters’ Programme Cycle teams, support the Country Office Task Force to prepare and submit the full CSP package for review and approval.

• Advise and support Country Office senior management on coordination and delivery of the technical elements of the CSP package, including project management, information and knowledge management using corporate tools such as Microsoft Teams.

• Take the lead on drafting the full CSP narrative in close collaboration with CO Task Force and additional documents informing the CSP package including the Line of Sight.

• Support the CSP review (sPRP and ePRP) and approval process in close coordination with the CO Task Force, Regional Bureau and Headquarters and update the CSP package as needed.

DO YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?

Education: Advanced University Degree in political sciences, economics, agriculture, international affairs, social sciences, development studies, or a field relevant to international development or humanitarian assistance or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience: At least five (5) years of postgraduate, progressively responsible international and national experience in goal-oriented/strategic planning, organizational change management, inter-agency coordination, programme re-orientation, policy development, etc. Specific experience in strategy formulation, programme management, and project planning in a large multicultural institution in the field or headquarters is an asset. Previous experience with WFP or the UN System is also an asset.

Language Proficiency: Fluency (level C) in English language.

ARE YOU COMPETENT FOR THIS JOB? DO YOU HAVE?

• Strong ability to translate Programme principles into effective, context-specific approaches with a deep understanding of project lifecycles, humanitarian principles, and tools.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to clearly explain WFP projects and operations to Government counterparts and partners.

• Proficient in writing detailed and high-quality reports in English, with strong analytical and research skills.

• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative teamwork spirit, with proven ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.

• Solid knowledge of UN system policies, regulations, procedures, and the UN Development System Reform.

How to apply

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to submit online applications through Workday using the below links.

• Internal Applicants: Click here!

• External Applicants: Click here!!

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WFP seeks applicants of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

WFP is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis.

WFP does not charge any application fees to candidates.