DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

28 August 2026-23:59-GMT+05:30 India Standard Time (Kolkata)

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 world’s 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 & career 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).

VACANCY DETAILS

Job Title: SSA Consultant (Team Leader)

Grade: Level 8

Type of Contract: Special Services Agreement Contract

Duration: Till 31st Dec 2026

Reporting To: Mission Director in the State Rural Livelihood Mission, Uttar Pradesh

Unit: Nutrition & School Feeding Unit

Duty Station: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Date of Publication: 26 August 2026

Deadline of Application: 28 August 2026

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This vacancy is open to Indian National only
This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted
A Written test will be used for Screening Candidates
Only recommended candidates will be retained on roaster for a period of two years and may be considered for similar positions from roaster
The Base Salary for this position is INR 1,41,618/- per month , also employee will be covered with medical benefits as per WFP 's Plan. All Tax liability for payments from this contract are to be borne by the subscriber.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (Not all inclusive)

The SSA Consultant (Team leader), under the direct guidance of the Mission Director at UPSRLM, the overall guidance of the Head of the Nutrition and School Feeding and in close coordination with the Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) based at the WFP CO, will be responsible for the following:

Support to on-ground implementation of the project:

- Conduct capacity building of the women led microenterprises as well as the SRLM mission staff at all levels on different aspects of seamlessly running the THR production unit.
- Ensure that the THR production units across the State meet the daily and monthly production targets.
- Set up systems and processes for smooth and streamlined functioning of all the THR units in the State.
- Develop the bid documents for State and unit level procurement of the different raw materials for production of take-home rations in collaboration with UPSRLM and follow up with vendors as required.
- Regularly research and analyse operational issues and challenges with respect to the functioning of the THR unit to undertake corrective action and inform/revise policy and processes as appropriate.

Monitoring the project:

- Regularly visit the THR production units across the State to monitor the implementation of the project, identify gaps in implementation at the Unit level and suggest mid-course correction to the unit staff as well as to the UPSRLM district staff . The incumbent is expected to travel about 7-8 days per month.
- Develop and monitor data gathering systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
- Review on a monthly basis the implementation of the project along with the Project Management team, WFP and UPSRLM
- Develop regular reports for the consumption of different stakeholders in UPSRLM on the project status.

Coordination

- Coordinate with government counterparts at both State and district level across DWCD and SRLM as need be to facilitate implementation of the project including follow up for financial receipt submission/reimbursement.
- Liaise with project stakeholders for timely implementation and speedy resolution of issues identified in the projects
- Ensure necessary coordination between UPSRLM, WFP CO, SO, field staff and others for quality implementation of the project.
- Liaise with internal and external counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects and highlight potential risks to project delivery.
- Support the identification, development and management of potential partnerships in discussions with UPSRLM to improve the financial viability of the THR production units.





Staff management

- Provide guidance to the PMU members and field staff responsible for implementing the projects in consultation with the supervisor and assist them with analysis, queries etc.
- Hold regular meetings and/or use other innovative and effective ways to ensure proper information sharing and communication within the team/staff members
- Meet with staff members under supervision on a regular basis to review progress, provide feedback, support development, provide support and coaching as necessary.

Documentation and knowledge management

- Design knowledge products and training modules for building capacity of the women and SRLM staff engaged in the production of the THR.
- Compile and identify best practices in the implementation of the project in the different production units for wider dissemination
- Assist in the development of information, education and communication material and strategies relevant to the larger project.

Perform other related duties as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree in Management, Marketing, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Social Sciences or other field relevant to rural development, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

EXPERIENCE

1 years of progressively responsible work experience preferably in the development sector. Previous experience of working in partnership with the government/UN agency/INGO or on projects targeted at addressing malnutrition at the community level is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

- Has gained experience in implementing technical programs on ground
- Has implemented programmes and provided input into designing operations.
- Has worked closely with government counterparts
- Has led large teams
- Excellent interpersonal skills required, including strong professionally communication ability;
- Advocacy and networking skills with a broad range of stakeholders including government, private sector, civil society, academia, NGO and international cooperation
- Knowledge of research methods with familiarity in quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Windows, Microsoft office.
- Knowledge of UN system would be an asset.
- Knowledge of WFP programmes is an advantage
- Ability to handle pressure and in high pressure situations.
- Tact and diplomacy

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

- Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of actors from government, private sector and civil society.
- Very strong communications skills, both in writing and speaking
- Solid planning and problem-solving skills and action oriented
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and simultaneously manage multiple tasks in an autonomous manner;
- Maturity, initiative, courtesy, tact and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds
- Ability to handle any other additional tasks as requested by the supervisor.
- Ability to undertake travel within the country.

LANGUAGE

Fluency in spoken and written English and Hindi is a key requirement.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The World Food Programme (WFP), operating in India since 1963, aims to provide technical support to strengthening the government’s food safety-nets programmes in order to improve access to nutritious food for millions of vulnerable households throughout the country. Through its Country Strategic Plan (2023-27), WFP India aims to support India in achieving their targets under Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 17. Strategic Outcome (SO) 2 of WFP’s current CSP is aimed at reducing all forms of malnutrition in India,

This primarily translates into WFP working with National and State governments to improve the nutritional status of the population through introduction of nutritionally viable solutions and best practices in existing systems and enhancing the nutritional effectiveness of the three food based safety nets namely the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the PM POSHAN scheme and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Social behaviour change communications (SBCC) accompanies all activities to help target audiences to know more about the benefits of good nutrition, appropriate child feeding practices and appropriate health and hygiene practices.

WFP Collaboration with the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and the Department of Women & Child Development (DWCD) in Uttar Pradesh





Aligned to this overarching vision around improved nutrition, WFP has been working in Uttar Pradesh across several Departments and with various stakeholders including the State Rural Livelihood Mission and the Department of Women & Child Development to ensure the availability and consumption of nutritious, quality assured and safe take home rations through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Under this project, a total of 204 Supplementary nutrition production units have been set up across the State to cater to ICDS requirements in 43 districts; these units will be run by women led microenterprises. Each unit will produce a variety of different food products for different ICDS beneficiary groups such as children between 6 months to 6 years of age, adolescent girls and pregnant/ lactating women. This model will then be expanded across the State in a phased manner to cover all the districts.

WFP works closely with both SRLM and DWCD for the roll-out of the supplementary nutrition production through a combination of technical assistance and direct support to set up the supplementary nutrition production units.

WFP provides technical assistance at the State level and also to the various units set up across the State, in tandem with the officials of SRLM. WFP technical assistance is focussed primarily on the processes around the production of the supplementary nutrition. WFP also provides technical assistance for monitoring the implementation and production across the units; identifying gaps/ areas for improvement and helping to fill the gaps through proven solutions.

WFP has already set up block level production units in Bighapur, Unnao and Malwa, Fatehpur districts-these fully automated production plants function as Centres of Excellence and are used for training workers from other districts for the scale up of the production units in the remaining districts in the State.

To support the roll out of this alternative model for production of supplementary nutrition, WFP in close collaboration with UPSRLM has set up a Project Management Unit in UPSRLM to efficiently support the implementation of the project. Under the PMU, staff with different skill sets are positioned at various levels and team lead is expected to lead the PMU.

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.

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: [email protected]

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

- 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.

- We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

- If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

- 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.

📌 SSA Consultant Team Leader (Lucknow)
🏢 World Food Programme
📍 Lucknow