This job is found in field office. Job holders typically report to a Programme Policy Officer or Head of Field Office. Under the Country Strategic Plan (2022-2026), WFP CO Laos has a key objective of strengthening Government capacities at all levels in achieving food and nutrition security through four strategic outcomes, which focus on school feeding, nutrition, resilience/emergency preparedness and emergency response. To help achieve this result, WFP requires technical support from a data analyst who will work in the Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) Unit. The RAM unit is an amalgamation of two sub-units, namely Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). Therefore, RAM unit requires the technical support from a RAM focal person to contribute towards the development of RAM projects and activities, plans and processes, while ensuring alignment with wider WFP policies and guidance. Additionally, the individual will support the CO in undertaking Monitoring (Process, Output and Outcome) rapid and emergency assessments, monitoring food security, market prices, production of early warning bulletins in understanding the food security and nutrition situation in Lao PDR. 

The Role 

The Programme Associate to be based in the Oudomxay Field Office. He/she will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer (PPO), and support the Field Office on VAM/ME data management.  

Job Title: Programme Associate (VAM/ME) 
Grade: SC-6 

Type of contract: Service Contract (SC) 

Duty Station: Oudomxay Province
Duration: One year with possible extension 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): 

• Ensure the Field Office meets corporate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) standards in monitoring activities, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Corporate Results Framework (CRF), other corporate monitoring guidance as well as data protection and privacy policies. 

• In consultation with Head of Field Office, prepare and implement monthly monitoring plans of the respective catchment areas with overall guidance from the CO M&E.  

• In coordination with the respective Programme and FO, provide information about activity sites to the CO to inform sampling plans.  

• Ensure the collection of process, output and outcome monitoring data, including distribution monitoring, activity implementation monitoring, Post-Distribution Monitoring, surveys and qualitative data collection methodologies (i.e.,Observation, Group Interview, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions), using questionnaires and question guides developed by the CO M&E.  

• Coordinate data collection exercises at the field level in cooperation with the field DCFs and stakeholders.  

• Keep track of monitoring visits and coverage within the catchment areas, ensuring that all activity sites are monitored.  

• Report actual monitoring visits to CO M&E on monthly basis.  

• Ensure ethical guidelines are followed during monitoring activities.  

• Assist in organizing technical support missions from the CO M&E team, evaluation teams or other missions related to M&E. 

• Ensure that issues identified through monitoring visits are properly recorded and escalated and tracking actions taken.  

• Deliver timely information to beneficiaries about the actions taken based on monitoring and CFM findings. 

• Support, as appropriate, data collection exercises related to reviews and evaluations. 

• Verify food assistance distribution plans and report discrepancies to the supervisor for timely corrective action. 

• Assist in the planning of M&E activities for all food assistance and livelihoods programmes conducted in the field office in alignment with WFP’s policies and directions.  

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor food distributions and cash-based transfers redemption points, to ensure compliance with programme standards and protocols. 

• Conduct post-distribution monitoring, including process monitoring and basic needs outcome monitoring, to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the food assistance provided and collect beneficiary feedback. 

• Conduct occasional field monitoring visits and review of program activities and prepare accurate and comprehensive reports on WFP’s operations and performance and provide timely and effective communication with supervisor to address issues related to food assistance distribution. 

• Update monitoring tracking sheets on output data for COMET inputs is timely filled in to ensure corporate reporting system (i.e. COMET) is timely and regularly updated. 

 Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM): 

• Contribute to the development of VAM projects and activities, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider WFP Lao PDR policies and guidance. 

• Support the CO with vulnerability assessments that will help in profiling households per their socio-economic characteristics in order to assist targeted assistance. 

• Undertake field visits to support and work closely with the Country Office to coordinate various surveys etc. 

• Help in the development and management of centralized data and information for early warning system. 

• Provide assistance on the coordination of enumerator training and data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained. 

• Liaise with implementing partners (internal and external) to monitor ongoing assessments, ensuring effective collaboration, timeliness and efficiency and highlight potential risks to results delivery. 

• Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners and national/local government partners to conduct vulnerability analysis to effectively inform preparedness and response activities. 

• Support in the Targeting and Prioritization processes. 

• Maintain close communication with CO RAM team for latest guidelines, updates and support. 

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:  

Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area. Preferable, bachelor/advanced university degree in data sciences, statistics, economics, social sciences, development studies, geography, or related degrees. 

Required experiences for entry into the role:  

• At least 6 years of relevant working experience in Monitoring and Evaluation and data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS, STATA and R et or in Monitoring and Evaluation. 

• Has worked with technical teams (i.e. nutrition, VAM, etc.) 

• Has contributed to implementation of programmes.  

• Has observed or assisted with policy discussions.  

• Experience in handling of various data packages and web-based management systems 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Good analytical, facilitation, negotiation skills. 

• Ability to work in a team, establish effective working relations with people of different cultural backgrounds. 

• Full knowledge of computer applications such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.). 

• Proficiency in Windows MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook). 

• Behavioral competencies: drives results and delivers commitments, fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork, applies strategic thinking. 

Language: Required fluency in oral and written communication in English and Lao.