Business Support Assistant (Programme) – Kyenjojo

Job Details

• Note: WFP does not solicit for fees or any form of payment from job applicants. WFP is looking for talented people who are committed to joining our efforts to eradicate hunger. It offers unlimited opportunities to grow your professionalism, talent, and expertise. Start your journey to be a member of the worldwide effort to eradicate hunger. WFP has a policy of affirmative action for women.

About WFP

• The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.
• In emergencies, WFP delivers food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict, and natural disasters. After an emergency, WFP uses food assistance to help communities rebuild their lives. On average, WFP reaches more than 80 million people with food assistance in 80 countries each year.
• The organization has the global footprint, deep field presence, and local knowledge and relationships necessary to provide access to food and contribute to lasting solutions, especially in many of the world's most remote and fragile areas.

Brief Description of WFP in Uganda

• WFP delivers food assistance in emergencies and works with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. WFP provides life-saving food assistance and livelihood opportunities to refugees in Uganda.
• In addition, WFP assists the most vulnerable people in Karamoja with food and nutrition assistance. Finally, WFP works with smallholder farmers and links them to markets. As Uganda strives to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030 and become a middle-income country by 2040, WFP is also assessing its relevance and repositioning its role in Uganda.

Are You Up to the Challenge?

• We are seeking a qualified individual for the position of Business Support Assistant (Programme) to be based in Kyenjojo. The selected candidate will be employed on a Service Contract. This role is critical to ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of food assistance to the most vulnerable populations in the region.

Organizational Context

• These jobs are found in Country Offices (COs), Regional Bureaux (RBs), and Headquarters (HQ). Job holders typically provide administrative support to a team or support a specific business stream, reporting to the relevant Associate. At this level, work is carried out under close supervision or with immediately available assistance. Job holders are expected to produce organized and accurate work, contributing to the smooth functioning of the programme unit.

Job Purpose

• The Business Support Assistant (Programme) will support general food assistance activities related to verification, ensuring the right persons receive the right assistance. This includes maintaining accurate records, supporting field-level monitoring, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to uphold program integrity. The role is essential for effective beneficiary targeting, data management, and accountability in food distribution processes.

4Ps Core Organisational Capabilities

• Purpose: Build an understanding of WFP's Strategic Objectives. Approach individual tasks with a positive attitude and demeanor. Understand the impact of WFP activities in beneficiary communities. Connect individual tasks to the unit's goals and mission.
• People: Seek opportunities to build and enhance individual skills. Demonstrate respect and understanding for diversity and cultural differences. Identify colleagues or supervisors to serve as coaches. Set clear goals and measurable targets for own tasks and responsibilities.
• Performance: Assess own tasks to find ways to be more efficient. Maintain accurate records of completion times and tasks. Understand responsibilities and metrics associated with own tasks. Notify supervisors of dangerous situations or potential issues in the field or office.
• Partnership: Understand WFP's organizational structure and the purpose of each unit. Support the team in working with colleagues and WFP's partners in the field. Maintain professional and courteous relationships with other WFP employees and partners. Understand the team's contributions in partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Standard Minimum Qualifications

• A university degree in any of the following areas: Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Science, Social Sciences, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of experience in managing relief, recovery, or development programme implementation in rural areas.
• A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline would be an added advantage, demonstrating advanced knowledge and analytical capabilities.
• Training in food security analysis, communication, and advocacy is highly desirable to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and general computer IT applications, including spreadsheet and database management.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to use standard office equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, and other administrative tools efficiently.
• Ability to follow standard business support processes and procedures with a high degree of accuracy and reliability.
• Knowledge of standard office software packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for reporting and documentation.
• Ability to provide information using courtesy, tact, and professionalism when interacting with beneficiaries, colleagues, and partners.
• Keen attention to detail to ensure the integrity of data and program records, minimizing errors in verification and reporting.
• Good analytical skills and report writing skills, with the ability to work under minimum supervision, multitask, and prioritize competing demands effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, to facilitate clear information sharing with diverse audiences.
• Good community engagement skills to effectively interact with local populations and understand their needs and feedback.
• Good presentation and negotiation skills to support training sessions, stakeholder meetings, and advocacy efforts.
• Training skills, a strong work ethic, calm demeanor under pressure, maturity, logical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and a result-oriented approach. A demonstrated interest in humanitarian development and commitment to WFP's mission of Zero Hunger.