DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS13 May 2025-23:59-GMT+02:00 Central Africa Time (Lusaka)
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the worldโs largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
WHY JOIN WFP?
WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
BACKGROUND:
In July 2023, the World Food Programme (WFP) Zambia Country Office commenced a new five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP), informed by, and aligned with national and United Nations priorities and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It embraces the Governmentโs long-term Vision 2030; aligns with 16 key strategic areas of the 8th National Development Plan (NDP8); and contributes to the joint Zambia-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
WFP Zambiaโs integrated and pragmatic CSP shifts away from unsustainable localized and micro-level interventions, to embrace more effective advocacy and engagement with national policies, systems, and programmes to achieve national impact on SDG2. Given the Governmentโs commitment to budget support for nutrition, social protection, and agriculture, despite the constraints in the countryโs fiscal position, WFPโs overarching strategy seeks to enable the government to meet its national priorities with better systems, expertise, and resources for implementation. This means a decisive shift of WFPโs country positioning towards the provision of innovative, sustainable, upstream technical assistance for nationally owned solutions.
Advancing the global WFP Strategic Plan (2022-2025), the CSP addresses both SDG2 and SDG17, and WFPโs Strategic Results 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. WFP will implement seven activities to achieve five Strategic Outcomes (SO). These SOs include: responding to crises and shocks, including support to refugees (SO1); addressing the root causes of malnutrition (SO2); building the resilience, enabling environment and market access for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth (SO3); supporting government institutions to provide social protection systems (including home grown school meals) and disaster preparedness and response and anticipatory actions (SO4); and improving access to supply chain services for humanitarian and development actors (SO5)
The effects of climate change are driving recurrent humanitarian crises in Zambia, as evidenced by the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The 2023/2024 El Niรฑo-induced drought has significantly exacerbated food insecurity, particularly among rural households reliant on rainfed agriculture. In February 2024, the government declared a drought disaster following prolonged dryness, record-high temperatures, and over a month without rainfall. The drought affected approximately 1.1 million hectares of the 2 million hectares planted, resulting in widespread crop losses. Monitoring and assessment data revealed a decline in harvests and worsening food insecurity, especially in the most severely affected districts. The lean season, which began in October 2024, has seen a growing need for humanitarian assistance for the most vulnerable populations. A rapid assessment by the Food Security Cluster in March 2024 highlighted the droughtโs broader economic impact, including disruptions to livelihoods, reduced demand for agricultural labor, and rising staple food prices. These factors have further weakened household purchasing power, exacerbating food insecurity for the 2024-2025 consumption period.
In response, the governmentโs Food Security Drought Response Plan prioritized food assistance to safeguard the nutrition and well-being of at-risk populations. An estimated 6.6 million people (33% of the population) were facing severe food insecurity, including 5.3 million in rural areas and 1.3 million in urban areas. The UN appeal identified 2.6 million people (39% of the affected population) as a priority group at risk of falling into IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), indicating severe food insecurity.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting the Government to mitigate the effects of the drought on vulnerable households. WFP is providing targeted food assistance to save lives, protect livelihoods, and eliminate negative coping strategies for the most vulnerable households in the severely impacted districts. WFP aims to reach 1,063,801 people (50% of the priority crisis-induced vulnerable population) across 30 most affected districts with emergency support from August 2024 to March 2025. Furthermore, WFP is collaborating with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) in partnership with the UK Governmentโs Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to conduct monthly market assessments to assess market functional and food prices critical to inform transfer modalities, transfer value and market-based interventions for efficient response.
In line with the results of the market assessments, WFP adopts different transfer modalities. The flexibility in the choice of transfer modalities with innovative solutions enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of food assistance and contributes to achieving food and nutrition security. In the context where food is available, cash and vouchers transfers are being scaled up in lieu of in-kind direct food transfers to empower recipients by providing choice when giving access to local foods and diets.
The rationale for the choice of the transfer modalities is based on evidence and consistent with: i) the needs identified through the food security and market assessments; ii) technical feasibility; iii) beneficiary preferences; iv) security of beneficiaries; v) protection (safety and equality in access), gender concerns; vi) risk analysis; iii) Government policies; iv) multi sectoral capacities assessment (Cooperating Partners, IT, Finance, Logistics, Procurement, Security) capacities; v) cost-efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the programme objective(s).
Scrutinising cost-efficiency and effectiveness of the different modalities is therefore an integral part of response analysis supported by a transparent and evidence-based decision-making process.
To support the timely delivery of the above assistance and ensure adequate beneficiary mobilization and sensitization, WFP contracted cooperating partners mostly international and national NGOs. The NGOs collaborated with national and subnational Government structures including the district disaster management committees (DDMC), social welfare officers, district disaster management officers and local relief committees, to implement these activities.
NATURE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Overall, the study will seek to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the different transfer modalities adopted particularly focusing on the 2024/25 drought response period.
Objectives of the study
Cost-efficiency analysis (cost per output) to examine the relationship between outputs and costs based on the existing transfer modalities (cash, vouchers and in-kind). The key outcome should include the total cost transfer ration comparing the total cost against the value of transfers received by beneficiaries. The study should critically analyze the factors that contribute/hinder efficiency among the different modalities.
Cost-effectiveness (cost per outcome) to assess the relative cost of achieving the desired outcomes per the different transfer modalities. This will mostly be limited to food security outcomes as per WFPโs objectives and should inform WFP on which modality is effective, what factors are associated with the increased/decreased effectiveness.
Assess factors driving the selection of the transfer modality to examine the credibility and robustness of the evidence, how the evidence was used to inform decisions on the choice of modality.
Qualitative aspects of efficiency and effectiveness particularly drawing from experiences and perceptions of the different actors and stakeholders including and not limited to the private sector (retailers and suppliers), WFP and cooperating partner staff, Government staff across the national and subnational level, beneficiaries and donors among others.
Partnerships and engagement of the private sector to examine the level of engagement and potential positive and negative, intended and unintended impacts of the involvement of the private sector. Effectiveness of the engagement and partnership and aspects of sustainability as well as document lessons learned that can be able to support future engagements with the private sector.
REPORTING
Reporting to the Programme Policy Officer โ Monitoring and Evaluation, the consultant will undertake an independent analysis of the cost efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the different transfer modalities by WFP and where feasible by other humanitarian actors including the government. This study will enable WFP and relevant partners to understand the most efficient and effective modality, identify areas of improvement, contribute to programmatic adjustments and policy advocacy.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Development of a method of analysis and an analytical framework
Define metrics for measuring cost-efficiency and effectiveness
Conduct desk review to establish existing literature
Select the most appropriate methodology (eg. Cost Benefit Analysis, Multi-Criteria Evaluation Approach)
Model the costs and benefits of alternative transfer modalities
Detailed work plan and timetable
2. Develop Data collection tools:
Design questions and questionnaires to collect data from in line with the analytical objectives of the cost efficiency analysis.
Ensure that data collected is accurate, relevant to and aligns with the key metrics as per the model design.
Training selected enumerators and assistants to conduct the surveys. The survey team should include women to ensure access to both male and female respondents.
3. Conduct Data Collection and analysis:
The consultant will be required to assist in data collection and analysis through interviews, focus groups etc.
Evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of each modality based on desired focus areas such as coverage (breadth), adequacy (depth), timeliness, impact on local economies etc
Assess scalability of selected modalities under varying scenarios
Quantify the social and economic benefits
Analysis and identification of key findings, clearly outlining expected outputs, outcomes, and recommendations.
4. Prepare reports:
Preparation of detailed reports, inclusive of analysis and strategic recommendations.
Presentation to key stakeholders.
Finalization and submission of the report
REPORT STRUCTURE:
The report must at a minimum contain the following:
Executive Summary of findings, analysis and recommendations
Methodology
Detailed description of findings (from both primary and secondary data analysis)
Analysis of findings in each topic area
Recommendations and conclusion
Appendices: (Data tables, as appropriate, Data collection tools (e.g., questionnaires, focus group guides, gallery of field pictures), References, case studies can be incorporated)
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Advanced degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Economics, Agricultural economics, Development economics, social sciences, development studies, public, sociology or other relevant field.
Experience:
Minimum 7 (seven) years of professional experience in relevant areas including at least 3 (three) years progressively responsible professional experience in international development and/or humanitarian contexts;
Knowledge & Skills:
Experience in influencing/advising management and policy / cost efficiency frameworks on issues related to implementation of humanitarian responses, accountability and assurance; and Academic or professional experience and understanding of models that explain costs and efficiency in the context of humanitarian responses including micro level models.
Languages:
Fluency (level C) in English.
DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
2 Months
DUE DATE OF APPLICATIONS
13th May 2025 at 23:59 Zambian Time
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.