Programme Policy Officer - Head of Field Office (bokhtar)

Organizational Context

WFP Tajikistan faces persistent food and nutrition security challenges due to limited arable land, high import dependence, rural poverty, and natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. WFP's Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2026 focuses on strengthening national capacities and shifting from direct implementation to supporting national systems, aligning with UNSDCF and SDGs 2 and 17.

Job Purpose

The Head of Field Office in Bokhtar will lead and manage WFP Tajikistan’s largest field operations, overseeing activities across 27 districts. This role is crucial for the effective and efficient deployment of food assistance programmes, including School Meals, Nutrition, Social Behaviour Change, Emergency Assistance, and Resilience Building. The incumbent will manage diverse WFP tools such as cash, food, and vouchers, ensuring efficient resource utilization and timely resolution of operational issues. A key responsibility includes ensuring the security of staff, operations, and assets, while fostering strong relationships with local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and other partners to enhance assistance packages and build local capacity for food security and response. The position requires extensive field presence and accurate reporting to inform operational planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities

The Head of Field Office in Bokhtar, Tajikistan, is responsible for planning and managing all field operations to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of food assistance programs and the optimal use of allocated resources. This role involves overseeing the largest Field Office in WFP Tajikistan, with activities spanning 27 districts, including school meals, nutrition, social behavior change, emergency assistance, and resilience-building initiatives. The Head of Field Office must manage a cohesive and high-performing team, resolve daily operational issues promptly to prevent losses or delays, and ensure efficient resource utilization in line with agreed plans. Accountability extends to maintaining the security of WFP staff, operations, premises, and assets, adhering to local and international security standards. The position requires diligent monitoring and evaluation of activities, accurate reporting on operational performance, and fostering collaborative relationships with local authorities, international and local NGOs, UN agencies, civil societies, beneficiaries, and media to enhance food security efforts. A significant part of the role involves ensuring frequent presence at project sites and contributing to WFP's strategic shift towards strengthening national capacities and promoting nationally led solutions for food security and nutrition.

Work Experience

Candidates must have at least three years of postgraduate relevant professional experience, including field working experience.

Skills

Project Management, Team Leadership, Budget Management, Operations Management, Food Security Programs, Emergency Preparedness, Nutrition Activities, Resilience Building, Partnership Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Risk Assessment, Cross-cultural Communication, Language Proficiency (English, Tajik, Russian)

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