Program Assistant (nutrition), Palakkad , Kerala

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) in India supports government food safety-net programs to enhance nutritional effectiveness and progress towards Sustainable Development Goals. WFP collaborates with national and state governments to improve nutritional status through viable solutions and best practices in existing systems, including the Targeted Public Distribution System, PM POSHAN, and ICDS schemes, complemented by social behavior change communication.

Job Purpose

The Programme Assistant (Nutrition) will support WFP's nutrition initiatives in Palakkad, Kerala, focusing on the implementation of nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers. This role involves assisting in project planning, execution, and monitoring, acting as a liaison for operational queries, and coordinating with field partners and government counterparts. The assistant will contribute to capacity building of Anganwadi workers, prepare progress reports, and ensure timely resolution of project-related issues. The position aims to enhance dietary diversity and reduce micronutrient deficiencies among young children by supporting WFP's technical assistance to the Government of Kerala in establishing and scaling up nutrition gardens within Anganwadi centers.

Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant (Nutrition) role involves supporting the World Food Programme's (WFP) nutrition initiatives in Kerala, India. Key responsibilities include assisting in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition garden interventions at Anganwadi centers, ensuring alignment with WFP and government guidelines. This involves acting as a point of contact for operational queries, collaborating with internal teams and external partners, and reviewing the work of field partners to ensure objectives are met. The role also requires supporting capacity-building activities for Anganwadi workers and helpers. Regular visits to centers are necessary to monitor project progress, identify implementation gaps, and suggest corrective actions. The assistant will attend partner meetings and prepare monthly progress reports for stakeholders, contributing to documentation and knowledge management by aggregating best practices. Coordination with government counterparts and project stakeholders is crucial for timely issue resolution. The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in English and Malayalam, and the ability to work effectively under deadlines with diverse teams. A secondary school education is required, with a university degree in a relevant field being preferable. Four years of relevant work experience, particularly in development or with government/UN agencies, is also desired.

Work Experience

Requires 4 years of progressively responsible work experience, ideally in the development sector, in partnership with government, UN agencies, or INGOs. Experience supporting project implementation or working on projects for young children at anganwadi centers is desirable.

Skills

Project Management, Project Monitoring, Documentation, Knowledge Management, Coordination, Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Advocacy, Networking, Research Methods, Computer Skills, Planning, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Diplomacy

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