Programme Assistant SC5 (Kurunegala)

The Programme Assistant (Field) supports WFP projects in field locations by coordinating implementation, monitoring, and liaising with partners and government counterparts. The role involves data collection, reporting, training partners, and ensuring compliance with WFP standards to assist vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities

• Maintain close collaboration with government counterparts in the field and proactively participate in relevant coordination and planning meetings of interest to WFP and its Country Strategic Plan (CSP).
• Provide monitoring, implementation and coordination support to all WFP projects that are being implemented in the field location.
• Verify planned field-level movements and distribution of food or non-food items, resolving routine issues at field and escalating to CO where appropriate to ensure compliance with WFP standards.
• Collect, compile, and analyze field-level programme data (e.g., food assistance needs, resource utilization, performance) and prepare reports to support reviews and informed decision-making.
• Liaise with cooperating partners, government partner, internal counterparts, and community leaders at the field level to gather feedback, discuss distribution and capacity building arrangements, and ensure effective communication flow.
• Suggest improvements to field-level monitoring processes and operational procedures for efficient implementation of assistance and capacity building programmes.
• Arrange and participate in regular field-level meetings with partners and stakeholders on commodity pipeline, food entitlements, and other relevant issues.
• Allocate tasks to any field staff under their supervision, providing guidance and on-the-job training to support their development and high performance.
• Provide standard trainings for cooperating partners at the field level on WFP operational practices, monitoring tools, and methods to enable self-monitoring and enhance programme visibility.
• Perform accurate and timely recording of field-level data within the technical area of work, following corporate standards and guidelines.
• Act as a point of contact at the field level for resolution of general operational queries, requesting assistance from CO where necessary.
• Support communication and coordination with local partners, NGOs, government institutions, and other agencies at the field level to ensure smooth implementation.
• Prepare detailed field mission reports to document programme implementation and outcomes.
• Follow established emergency preparedness and response procedures at the field level to ensure timely deployment of resources during crises.
• Catalyze timely sharing of financial data and completion of financial reconciliation steps by WFP partners at the field level to ensure accountability and compliance with WFP standards.

Requirements

• Completion of secondary school education.
• A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable.
• A university degree in a related field is an asset.
• Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different.
• Has five (5) years of progressively responsible experience with one year at the lower grade level.
• Has facilitated communication with technical teams (i.e. Social protection, Food Security, nutrition, VAM, etc.).
• Has contributed to implementation of programmes.
• Has observed or assisted with policy discussions.
• Has engaged in field coordination.

Skills

• Programme Implementation
• Field Coordination
• Data Collection
• Reporting
• Partner Training
• Compliance Monitoring
• Communication with Technical Teams
• Social protection knowledge
• Food Security Knowledge
• Nutrition Program Knowledge
• Vulnerability Mapping
• Policy Discussion Support

Languages

English