BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

To oversee the school meals programme in Karamoja and manage the urgent transition to a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) approach. This role will integrate nutrition, livelihoods, agriculture production, and climate adaptation to enhance the sustainability and impact of school meals in the sub-region. The Programme Policy Officer will ensure that the programme that is implemented in 315 schools and serves about 220,000 students supports local agricultural production, improves dietary diversity, strengthens community livelihoods, and builds resilience to climate change.

KEY ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Management 

1. Develop, implement, and manage the transition plan for the school meals programme to a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) model.
2. Ensure the integration of nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, and climate adaptation into the school meals programme to enhance food security and nutritional outcomes for school children.
3. Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and comprehensive programme delivery.

Agricultural Support and Livelihood Integration

1. Establish and manage systems for local procurement of food supplies to support local farmers and boost the local economy.
2. Provide training and support to local farmers on sustainable climate-smart agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, and nutrition-sensitive farming.
3. Develop and promote income-generating activities for communities, particularly those linked to agricultural production, and food supply for schools.

Nutrition and Health

1. Ensure that the meals provided meet the nutritional standards necessary for the healthy development of school children.
2. Implement nutrition education programmes within schools to promote healthy eating habits among children.
3. Work with health professionals to monitor and evaluate the health and nutritional status of children receiving school meals.

Climate Adaptation

1. Promote climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance resilience to climate change and reduce environmental impact.
2. Implement strategies to mitigate climate-related risks affecting agricultural production and food security.
3. Support the development of sustainable water and soil management practices to enhance agricultural productivity.
4. Promote clean cooking or energy-efficient cooking practices including greening initiatives and environmental conservation initiatives in schools and communities around them.

Community Engagement

1. Lead community awareness and education campaigns on the benefits of home-grown school feeding, nutrition, and climate adaptation.
2. Foster strong relationships with community leaders, parents, school administrations, and district local government officials to promote community ownership and sustainability of the programme.
3. Encourage and facilitate the active participation of parents and caregivers in the school meals programme.

Monitoring & Evaluation

1. Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of programme data to inform decisions and measure impact.
2. Conduct regular assessments of the programme to evaluate its effectiveness, identify challenges, and implement improvements.
3. Prepare regular reports on programme progress, challenges, and achievements for WFP and donor requirements.

Policy Development

1. Advocate for policies that support the integration of nutrition, agriculture, livelihoods, and climate adaptation into school feeding programmes at local and national levels.
2. Develop and update guidelines and standards for the HGSF programme to ensure consistency and quality across the sub-region.
3. Perform any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: