Mission and objectivesThe World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. As the international community has committed to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition by 2030, one in nine people worldwide still do not have enough to eat. Food and food-related assistance lie at the heart of the struggle to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.
ContextMalawiโs food systems are predominantly driven by smallholder agriculture, with maize serving as the main staple crop and primary food source. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including low agricultural productivity, widespread food insecurity, and high vulnerability to climate change and economic shocks. Achieving sustainable and nutrition-sensitive food systems requires targeted interventions to improve market access, diversify agricultural production, and strengthen land tenure systems. The Food Systems Unit at WFP Malawi is actively addressing these challenges by developing and implementing solutions that enhance resilience, promote inclusivity, and contribute to national food security goals.
Task DescriptionUnder the supervision of the Food Systems Lead, the UNV will support the following activities in a learning and supporting capacity: 1. Planning and Coordination of Food Systems Operations: - Contribute to the coordination and implementation of local and regional food procurement operations aimed at improving nutrition, crop diversification, and enhancing smallholder livelihoods. - Support the design and execution of field-level supply chain activities in collaboration with procurement, resilience, and school feeding units. - Assist in coordinating the implementation of Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiatives to ensure integrated approaches to diet diversification and smallholder farmer inclusion. 2. Supply Chain Analysis and Operational Optimization: - Support food systems-related supply chain analysis and contribute to assessments for identifying gaps and opportunities across value chains (e.g., cowpea, sorghum, sesame). - Assist in conducting rapid market assessments, value chain mapping, and network analysis to inform supply chain planning and improve market integration of smallholder farmers. - Assist with data collection, financial tracking, and reporting to support effective planning, budgeting, and cost-efficiency analyses. 3. Partnership Engagement & National Capacity Strengthening: - Support coordination with government counterparts, especially food and agriculture ministries, farmer organizations, and national food agencies, to align activities with national policies and strategies. - Assist with the planning and facilitation of training workshops for public agencies on topics such as food safety, fumigation, and warehouse management. - Contribute to joint planning sessions and documentation of collaborative activities with NGOs, UN agencies, and the private sector to ensure effective partnerships. 4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management: - Help prepare internal and external reports, briefing notes, dashboards, and presentations to support informed decision-making and visibility of food systems activities. - Document best practices, lessons learned, and operational innovations across value chains and food procurement activities. - Participate in reviews and provide inputs into policy documents and operational tools for continuous improvement.
Competencies and valuesโAccountability โโAdaptability and Flexibility โโโCommitment and Motivation โโโCommunication โCreativity Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-making Knowledge Sharing โLeadership โManaging Performance โPlanning and Organizing โProfessionalism โRespect for Diversity โโTechnological Awareness โVision โWorking in Teams
Living conditions and remarksMalawi is a peaceful and hospitable country in southeastern Africa, often referred to as โThe Warm Heart of Africaโ due to the friendliness of its people. While it offers a culturally rich and scenic environment, living conditions can vary widely between urban and rural areas. Over 70% of the population lives below the income poverty line. The country's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, making it vulnerable to climatic shocks, stressors and natural disasters. Major cities such as Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Mzuzu have access to basic amenities including electricity, internet, running water, health services, and a variety of housing options. The cost of living is generally low compared to many countries. Security is stable, and expatriates usually live comfortably in urban centres. Housing options are available from $500 and UN staff including volunteers have the option to be allocated a UN government house (depends on availability & is relatively affordable).