Programme Assistant (School Feeding), G5

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

22 September 2026-23:59-GMT+09:00 East Timor Time (Dili)

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• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

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• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

Job Title: Programme Assistant (School Feeding), G5
Type of Contract: Fixed Term
Unit/Division: Programme Unit
Duty Station: Dili, Timor-Leste
Duration: One year

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

 

Since gaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste has made significant progress in reconciliation, reconstruction, human rights, and democracy. However, its economy remains highly dependent on dwindling oil and gas revenues, necessitating urgent investments in socioeconomic development. With a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste faces a 45.8% multidimensional poverty rate—the highest in Southeast Asia. Vulnerable groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities, are disproportionately affected.

A 2022 analysis revealed that only 25% of the population enjoys food security. While most can afford an energy-sufficient diet, a nutritious diet remains out of reach. As a food-deficit nation importing 60% of its food, Timor-Leste struggles with low agricultural productivity and persistent malnutrition. Stunting affects 47.1% of children under five, posing long-term health and economic risks.

Timor-Leste’s non-oil agrarian economy faces additional obstacles from climate change, disaster risks, and economic contractions. Moreover, severe food shortages persist, particularly during the lean season (November to February), with 62% of farmers experiencing at least one month of food insecurity annually.

The National School Feeding Programme (SFP) ‘Merenda Scholar’ in Timor-Leste has been an essential initiative aimed at addressing multiple challenges related to nutrition and education. In Timor-Leste, malnutrition and food insecurity remain significant concerns, particularly among children. The Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL), with support from the World Food Programme (WFP), has been working to improve the nutritional status of school-age children, focusing on providing nutritious meals to enhance both health and educational outcomes.

The WFP Timor‑Leste Country Office (TLCO) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 (CSP) is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 for Timor‑Leste as well as national government priorities and strategies. It reflects the shared ambitions of WFP, the United Nations, and the Government of Timor‑Leste to advance nutrition, food security, and sustainable development.

Within this framework, the purpose of the assignment is to support in nutrition and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the National School Feeding Programme. The assignment will support to contribute to improving dietary diversity, promoting local produce, ensuring safe and nutritious meals in schools, and reinforcing the role of National school feeding as a cornerstone of social protection and human capital development in Timor‑Leste.

The Programme Assistant will be reporting to School Health and Nutrition Project Coordinator and accountable for:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Regular coordination with relevant technical staff from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of State Administration (MSA), and other ministries at national and municipal levels on KOICA funded project implementation.

• Support implementation of the National School Feeding Programme in close collaboration with school managers and Field Support Units/Coordinators, in ensuring KOICA project interventions are integrated into planning, execution, and monitoring.

• Support capacity building through training and workshop activities jointly with relevant ministries focusing on KOICA funded project processes.

• Joint monitoring with ministries at municipal level to collect data, track progress, and monitor KOICA funded project implementation.

• Provide support for updates and reports on the progress under KOICA funded project school feeding implementation on a monthly basis.

• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and ministries, including schools at municipal level, on planning, programme delivery, and monitoring and evaluation under KOICA funded project.

• Support programme studies, reviews, and assessments related to school feeding.

• Promote local purchase of safe and nutritious foods, support strengthening linkages between schools and local farmers to improve sustainability and dietary diversity.

• Ensure food safety standards are integrated into KOICA funded project design and implementation, including training on safe food handling and monitoring of compliance

• Perform any other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Qualification:

• Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable or equivalent to bachelor. 

• Have at least more than 5 years experiences on programme implementation

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Windows, MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint Outlook email.

• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

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

 

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

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• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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.