Senior Program Design Specialist – Food Security

This position can be based in the United States or any of Compassion’s program countries. See where we work here: https://www.compassion.com/where-we-work.htm.

The application deadline is May 6th.

The Food Security Specialist will lead the design, and support the implementation of evidence-based Food Security programs in Compassion, in alignment with Compassion’s Theory of Change.

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The main purpose of this position is to guide the development and implementation of the National Offices (NOs) strategies, in partnership with Frontline Church Partners (FCPs) to help support families achieve food security, to reduce hunger and malnutrition, and to develop/strengthen the local agricultural systems for the sustainability of project achievements.

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Through cross-functional collaboration, the incumbent will closely work with Child Protection and other Technical Specialists to ensure and support sectorial integration, and information sharing. The successful candidate will also play a leadership role supporting and building the capacity of National Offices (NOs) staff and relevant stakeholders to increase impact and enable positive change for children and youths.

What will you do?

• Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ, maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Compassion, and faithfully upholds Compassion’s ministry in prayer.
• Acts as an advocate to raise the awareness of the needs of children. Understands Christ’s mandate to protect children. Commits to, and prioritizes child protection considerations in all decision-making, tasks and activities across the ministry. Abides by all behavioral expectations in Compassion’s Statement of Commitment to Child Protection and Code of Conduct. Reports any concerns of abuse, neglect or exploitation of children through Compassion’s internal reporting process and appropriately supports responses to incidents if they occur.
• ​Focusing on Compassion’s overall Theory of Change and outcomes framework, provides expert advice and accompaniment in Food Security domain to National Offices.
• Works with staff to foster an environment of professional growth, in alignment with compassion’s strategies and objectives.
• Leads the design and development of global catalogues of evidence-based resources for the Food Security domain, including theory, strategic approaches, guidelines, standards, tools, and indicators, to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with Compassion program quality principles and standards.
• Contribute to the Food Security interventions through supporting the contextualization and implementation of needs assessment tools.
• Support the contextualization and implementation of National Offices (NOs) strategy related to Food Security.
• Act as a key resource person, participating in technical solutioning sessions, provides technical reviews and inputs, for proposals for the Food Security area.
• Contribute to develop, and revise Complementary Interventions (CIV) proposals submitted by National Offices (NOs) and gives relevant recommendations.
• Guide and advise National Offices (NOs) in the delivery of high-quality and efficient Food Security interventions, using the appropriate systems and tools.
• Work with other technical sectors to ensure that critical needs of children and youths are addressed comprehensively and that synergies are considered at the design phase.
• Encourage the sustainable use of natural resources as part of the project design.
• Together with the Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) team, design and implement appropriate metrics, methodologies, and instruments, to measure program quality and impact.
• Promote learning and evidence-based interventions among National Offices (NOs) and Frontline Church Partners (FCPs). Identify issues and concerns, using participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Co-facilitating shared learning around the Food Security domain through a global Community of Practice (CoP).
• Provide on-demand technical advising to National Office (NOs) and accompany teams to strengthen strategies, interventions and outcomes.
• Serves as a key leader to mentor, coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs, to support quality implementation of Food Security interventions.
• Networks with other like-minded ministries and organizations within the industry in order to identify, evaluate, and recommend potential strategic partnerships related to Food Security domain.

What do you have (qualifications)?

Faith

• Has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Culture

• Accountable for supporting, upholding, and engaging in Compassion’s core « Cultural Behaviors » in all internal and external communication and relationships.

Education

• Master’s in relevant fields such as agricultural economics, agricultural socio-economics, agri-business, or other related fields.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience working in this or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of documented experience working in Food Security programs, preferably with an international NGO.
• Experience in household food security, Food Assistance, Food Production, School Feeding and Gardens is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programs is an advantage.
• Experience in strategy design and facilitation.
• Familiar with continuous program quality improvement processes.
• Previous experience of capacity building, mentorship and coaching.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certification from a Nationally or Internationally recognized organization in a related field is a plus.

Other

• Professional proficiency speaking, reading, and writing English
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work in multiple national and cultural contexts
• Excellent teamwork and building Effective Relationships skills
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Outcome-driven

Working Environment – Remote, work from home. Hours are flexible to meet global neighbor needs. This person will have some late and early meetings.

Travel Requirements – May be required to travel up to 25% of normal schedule