Operations Efficiency and Technology Advisor (P3), a Swiss Secondmetn to WFP, Kharkiv, Ukraine

COMPANY PRESENTATION

Humanitarian Aid is one of the four departments of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC. It is involved in protecting the interests of vulnerable population groups prior to, during and after periods of conflict, crises or natural disasters. The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) is the operational arm of Swiss Humanitarian Aid. Its specialists are deployed to implement projects of the SDC or its UN partners before, during and after periods of crisis or conflict.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Attention:condition to be eligible for the job: Swiss citizenship (or Lichtenstein) or holder of a valid Swiss work permit (C)
Background and purpose of the assignment: The World Food Programme (WFP) is the worlds largest humanitarian agency, working towards achieving a world with zero hunger. After receiving an official request for assistance from the Government of Ukraine, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched an emergency operation to provide food assistance for people fleeing the conflict both within the country and in neighbouring ones. Since March 2022, WFP has distributed food and cash assistance equivalent to 2.4 billion meals to families displaced and affected by the war, partnering directly with local responders.
This role contributes and provides guidance to operations but also represents the projects interests regarding developments of innovation in tools and methodology including through liaison with other relevant national and international stakeholders.
Accountabilities/responsibilities:

• Develop a workplan and brief strategy to maximise opportunity for the introduction of improved land release efficiency into the sector
• In collaboration with partner organization and in liaison with relevant focal points develop and advance tools, methods and approaches that advance operational efficiency in the sector and agendas of priority for the WFP/FAO project.
• Drawing on risk management principles lobby for the adoption of efficient land release appropriate for varying levels of risk in agricultural settings
• Keep abreast of develops of technology and innovation in the sector through representation of WFP in technology forums and trials and evaluation of equipment
• Introduce pilots and tests of promising new technologies and approaches within the frame of the WFP/FAO project
• Provide regular updates and reporting and ensure the project manager and other stakeholders are aware of new technologies gainig traction or being introduced into the sector

Coordination and Engagement

• Establish solid working relationship and coordination with other technical stakeholers and relevant authorities – including UNDP and national institutions
• Align critical thinking in the mine action sector between operators and UN agencies to lobby for change to promote operational efficiency and introduction of new technologies and to manage risk
• Assist on the operational programming of the WFP supported roller systems including liaison with the State Emergency Services of Ukraine and promote their use in relevant contexts.
• Establish pilot work with SESU or other government implementing arms to contribute to the WFP/FAO project.

Knowledge Management:

• Actively interact with other project managers and the mine action & humanitarian community to share case studies, lessons learned and best practice
• Developments in new technologies, approaches, tests and evaluations of particular relevance to the WFP/FAO project documented

Qualifications & experience required: Education: Master Degree or equivalent in following disciplines: engineering, design and technology, international relations, political/social/ pure science, business administration, economics or management.
Experience: A minimum of 5 years of postgraduate relevant working experience, preferably in the international humanitarian NGOs, commercial operators or other international organizations in the Mine Action sector. Experience working on operational efficiency in mine action, new technologies and innovation required
Knowledge and Skills: Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Good organizational, communicational and written skills; Ability to work coordinate and liaise with a range of technical partners
Languages: Fluency (Level C) in English language is essential. Intermediate knowledge (Level B) of Ukrainian and/or a second official UN language such as Russian would be an advantage.
Duration: asap for 12 months (with possible extension) Duty Station: Kharkiv
For additional information, please contact Chris Middleton (Christopher.middleton@eda.admin.ch), Programme Manager Desk Ukraine, 058 481 94 40.
Please send your application by Email until 5.5.24 to:
Isabelle Mellana (isabelle.mellana@eda.admin.ch) 0258 462 35 29
Published: 25.4.24/mzi