Programme Assistant - SC5 - Multiple Locations

The World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and building pathways to peace and prosperity, is seeking four Programme Assistants to support the BISP Stunting Prevention Project across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sargodha, and Bahawalpur divisions. These positions, based on a 12-month service contract with the possibility of extension, involve close collaboration with government agencies, health authorities, Cooperating Partners, and community stakeholders to ensure effective implementation, oversight, and reporting of nutrition and social protection activities. The Programme Assistants will play a vital role in coordinating field operations, strengthening service delivery at Benazir Nashonuma Programme Centres, and supporting capacity building and data quality to achieve project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:
Maintain strong liaison with divisional and district BISP representatives, health authorities, Lady Health Worker Programme, Maryam Nawaz Community Health Inspectors, Cooperating Partners, and district administrations. Participate in coordination meetings, follow up on agreed actions, and serve as the focal point for operational issues at the field level.

Programme Implementation Support and Service Oversight:
Support the delivery of programme activities at BNP Centres and districts according to operational plans. Conduct regular field visits to assess service quality and compliance, review programme documentation, and facilitate coordination among partners and authorities. Assist in awareness-raising and beneficiary engagement related to maternal and child nutrition.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:
Organize and facilitate training sessions, orientations, and refresher workshops for project staff and stakeholders. Provide operational guidance to partners and frontline workers on programme standards, reporting, and oversight tools. Support dissemination of guidelines and contribute to strengthening partner capacities.

Nutrition Commodity and Cash Assistance Support:
Assist in preparing and reviewing monthly distribution plans for Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF). Monitor receipt, storage, handling, and distribution of nutrition commodities to ensure accountability and compliance. Oversee the use of BNP application systems for beneficiary verification and data quality. Coordinate with supply chain teams to prevent stock shortages and report any commodity-related issues.

Oversight, Reporting and Data Management:
Conduct regular field visits and spot checks to evaluate programme quality and compliance. Review and verify programme data and reports to ensure accuracy. Consolidate and analyze information to support decision-making and prepare timely reports. Document lessons learned and maintain organized programme records.

Accountability, Compliance and Quality Assurance:
Support beneficiary feedback mechanisms and follow up on complaints. Promote adherence to WFP procedures, donor requirements, and safeguarding principles. Identify risks and recommend mitigation measures to enhance programme performance and integrity.

Visibility and External Engagement:
Assist with advocacy, communication, and visibility activities. Facilitate donor missions, assessments, and external reviews. Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and success stories. Support field visits by government officials and partners.

Other Duties:
Perform additional tasks as assigned by supervisors to support programme implementation and objectives.

Required Qualifications

Education:
Completion of secondary education (Grade 12) with a post-secondary certificate in Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field. A first university degree in a relevant discipline is an advantage.

Experience:
Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in nutrition, public health, maternal and child health, social protection, food security, or community development programmes. At least two to three years of relevant experience supporting nutrition interventions, stunting prevention, CMAM, or related public health initiatives. Proven experience working with government departments, NGOs, development partners, and community-based structures. Skilled in programme implementation, field monitoring, reporting, capacity strengthening, and stakeholder coordination.

Knowledge and Skills:
Strong programme coordination and implementation abilities. Sound understanding of maternal, infant, and young child nutrition programming. Proficient in programme oversight, monitoring, quality assurance, and partner engagement. Excellent analytical, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills. Ability to engage effectively with government counterparts, health workers, and communities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme and nutrition-sensitive social protection is advantageous. Fluency in English and Urdu, both oral and written.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

WFP is a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate organization offering a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural work environment. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, social security contributions, medical insurance, annual and parental leave, and opportunities for professional development through training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility. This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful humanitarian work alongside passionate colleagues across multiple locations in Pakistan.

Applications must be submitted online through the WFP careers portal by 8 October 2026. This vacancy is open to UN staff only and will also be used to establish a roster for future opportunities at the same or lower levels within Pakistan. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. All educational documents must be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.