Head of Resilience and Food Systems, International Consultancy Level II

Organizational Context

WFP Tajikistan faces persistent food and nutrition security challenges due to limited arable land, high import reliance, rural poverty, and natural hazards exacerbated by climate change. The Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2026 shifts focus from direct implementation to strengthening national capacities, supporting SDGs 2 and 17, and operating through a network of field offices. WFP emphasizes anticipatory action, shock-responsive social protection, and evidence generation.

Job Purpose

The Head of Resilience and Food Systems will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for the design, coordination, and implementation of integrated disaster risk reduction, climate risk management, resilience, and food systems programmes. This role is crucial for strengthening institutional systems, multi-sectoral coordination, and government capacities for risk-informed planning, preparedness, and response. The incumbent will advance integrated DRR and resilience programming, supporting the expansion of risk-informed approaches and systems strengthening across Central Asia. Key responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, representing WFP in coordination forums, supporting government counterparts, leading and coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring effective programme implementation, monitoring, and reporting in line with WFP and government priorities.

Responsibilities

The Head of Resilience and Food Systems will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for integrated disaster risk reduction, climate risk management, resilience, and food systems programs. This role involves strengthening institutional systems, multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, and government capacities for risk-informed planning, preparedness, and response. Key responsibilities include building and maintaining strategic partnerships with government, UN agencies, IFIs, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to advance resilience and climate adaptation initiatives. The position requires representing WFP in relevant coordination forums and contributing to policy dialogue and resource mobilization. Internally, the role involves fostering an inclusive and collaborative working environment, supervising and supporting team members, and leading multidisciplinary teams. The Head will also provide strategic guidance and technical advice, strengthen the capacities of WFP staff and partners through coaching and training, and lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of resilience and food systems programmes. This includes ensuring effective coordination across programme functions, supporting resource mobilization through proposal development, and preparing quality reports and knowledge products. Cross-cutting responsibilities involve integrating gender, disability inclusion, protection, and climate considerations into all programme interventions.

Work Experience

Requires at least 7 years of professional experience in managing international development projects focused on livelihoods and food security, with a strong emphasis on community-based approaches. Proven experience is needed in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and managing disaster activities. The role also demands experience in leading multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, working with government institutions on disaster risk management, and engaging in programme design, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity strengthening. Leadership and management of technical staff, high-level decision-making, and establishing external relationships are also essential.

Skills

Information not available.

Explore related opportunities