Head of Programme & RAM (CST II)

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING LINE

Tasked with addressing the vital food security needs of Northwest Syria's vulnerable groups, the Head of Programme and RAM will lead the WFP's strategic planning, informed by robust M&E and VAM, and oversee several initiatives including emergency responses and resilience programs, ensuring they align with the broader Peace-Humanitarian-Development nexus through focused risk management. 

The position will be based in Mersin, Turkiye, and will report to the NWS Head of Area Office.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Strategic Development and Management

• Develop and lead the overall strategic development, implementation, and management of emergency response capacities, scenario building, and Concept of Operations to ensure adequate operational readiness and, where feasible, a transition plan for sustainable programming.
• Ensure timely and smooth implementation of WFP cross border food assistance programs including general food assistance, emergency food assistance, nutrition, school feeding, and livelihoods activities in collaboration with WFP cooperating partners.
• Develop and maintain operational partnerships for the implementation of WFP food assistance portfolio in Northwest Syria and identify opportunities for collaborative initiatives that improve food assistance packages and support advocacy work.
• Ensure that monitoring systems are in place to track program progress against goals and that these insights feed into strategic decision-making.
• Take responsibility for incorporating gender and protection perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men. Continuously identify and assess potential risks that could impact program effectiveness and organizational integrity. This involves analyzing external environments (political, social, environmental) and internal processes to preemptively recognize threats.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Nutrition, and other units in Mersin Field Office and technical units in Country Office to ensure effective delivery of quality programming.
• Enable capacity building of WFP staff and Cooperating Partners to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs.
• Any other business – support the Head of Office and Emergency Coordinator on urgent prioritized issues, as needed.

Coordination

• Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, social protection, cash-based assistance, school feeding and resilience, and related issues. Lead on liaison with international and local NGOs, UN agencies, relevant Clusters, and affected populations.
• Establish strong operational linkages with relevant Clusters, particularly Protection, Nutrition, and CCCM Clusters.
• Ensure inter-agency operational and strategic response plans (HRP and HNO) adequately reflect WFP’s strategic priorities, so that WFP approaches and responses are coordinated and harmonized with other UN agencies and government authorities.