Programme Associate - SC6 - Lahore

The World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and building pathways to peace and prosperity, is seeking a Programme Associate based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. This 12-month service contract position (grade SC6) supports nutrition, food systems, and school meals interventions in the region. The role involves providing specialized programme support, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and partnership management to ensure effective implementation of activities aligned with WFP policies and objectives. The Programme Associate will work closely with government counterparts, cooperating partners, and internal teams to facilitate collaboration, contribute to programme planning and reviews, and support evidence-based decision-making. This vacancy is open to UN staff only and aims to build a roster of qualified candidates for current and future opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Implementation and Coordination: Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition, food systems, and school meals programmes in Punjab. Coordinate activities with the Department of Health, provincial government departments, district authorities, and cooperating partners to ensure timely delivery of outputs. Facilitate coordination meetings, technical consultations, and planning exercises, and follow up on agreed actions to maintain effective communication among stakeholders.

Cooperating Partner Engagement and Management: Assist in the selection, onboarding, and management of cooperating partners according to WFP policies. Maintain regular communication to monitor progress, identify challenges, and resolve operational issues. Support preparation and monitoring of partnership agreements, coordinate partner review meetings, and facilitate capacity strengthening activities such as trainings and technical support.

Data Management, Analysis and Reporting: Compile, review, and validate programme data from partners and government counterparts to ensure accuracy and completeness. Maintain databases, dashboards, and tracking tools for reliable programme management information. Analyze performance data against targets, identify trends, and prepare reports, presentations, and analytical summaries for management, donors, and stakeholders. Conduct data quality assurance and verification exercises to support evidence-based decision-making.

Monitoring, Reviews and Reporting: Conduct regular monitoring visits to programme sites and partner locations to assess progress and recommend corrective actions. Support programme reviews, assessments, and evaluations by collecting and analyzing relevant information. Prepare progress reports, briefing notes, and situation updates for management and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for audit purposes.

Government Engagement and Technical Support: Liaise with the Department of Health and provincial government counterparts to support programme planning, implementation, and review. Participate in government-led coordination mechanisms and technical working groups. Facilitate information sharing and assist in organizing joint field missions, monitoring visits, and review meetings.

Knowledge Management and Learning: Document lessons learned, best practices, success stories, and programme achievements. Contribute to advocacy and visibility initiatives through presentations, workshops, and stakeholder meetings. Support training and learning events for government and partners. Perform other programme-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum six years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at least three years in nutrition, public health, food security, programme management, or related fields. Proven experience in programme implementation, monitoring, partner management, and government coordination is essential. Experience working with the Department of Health, provincial government, and development partners is highly desirable. Strong background in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder engagement is required.

Skills: Proficiency in data management, analysis, and programme performance reporting. Experience with Excel (advanced), Power BI, Tableau, KoboToolbox, ODK, or similar platforms. Ability to analyze large datasets, develop dashboards, and apply data quality assurance and results-based management principles. Familiarity with donor and corporate reporting requirements within UN agencies or development organizations.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu is required. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Punjab is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

WFP is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate offering a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural work environment. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities. A career at WFP provides the chance to work globally with passionate colleagues dedicated to humanitarian assistance. The compensation package includes competitive salary, social security contributions, medical insurance, annual leave, parental leave, and other benefits. All educational documents must be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). WFP is committed to equal employment opportunities and encourages qualified women to apply.

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the WFP online recruitment system. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization maintains a strict no-fee policy for applications and recruitment.