Annual Country Reports Consultant, Level I

The ACR consultant will work with the team to ensure effective, accurate, and timely reporting of the Annual Country Reports ((ACR). The ACR consultant will specifically coordinate, and support countries to effectively report on progress, results and lessons learned: to demonstrate the impact of WFP’s food assistance on the lives of the beneficiaries. The ACR consultant will also work very closely with the Regional technical teams and the ACR working group that comprises Data Team, and M&E to deliver cross-functional ACR training and holistic support to the COs during the planning, drafting, and review process. The consultant will also review and support the clearance of ACRs in the region and ensure that reports from COs, adequately report on CSP outcomes, meet the corporate requirements, and are of good quality with the understanding that these reports are WFP’s key donor product, used to justify and advocate programmatic excellence.

The Regional Bureau (RB) for East Africa requires the services of a consultant to support the ACRs process including the review of Country ACRs for quality, consistency, and ensuring the ACRs meet the corporate guidelines and donor standards

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit, Programme Cycle Management, and direct supervision of the Regional OIM and Performance Reporting Officer, the Operational ACR consultant will:

• Work closely with the Regional OIM and Performance Reporting Officer (ACR coordinator) to ensure there is efficient coordination of the internal regional ACR process including CO submission status, RBN Reviewer status, and management review and clearance.
• Provide guidance to COs and contribute to the improvement of the ACR reporting process to ensure the production of high-quality ACRs that demonstrate WFP’s organizational performance through its Annual Country Reports.
• Support in coordination to ensure ACRs are published within the corporate deadlines of 31 March. 2023.
• Provide support and advice to COs on the ACR guidance; ensure that all sections are compliant with the ACR guidance and meet quality for donors and on any corrections to be made and ensure that the deadlines are met for each ACR.
• Provide technical assistance and support to nine countries in the region including in technical writing of ACRs when needed as part of CO surge capacity support.
• Collaborate with other functional areas in RB including COMET and M&E, programme team, and supply chain for enhanced access to accurate data, and information, to advocate and effectively communicate WFP’s work and impact to Donors and partners.
• Maintain open communication with CO ACR focal points, including scheduling meetings to address specific requirements for ACR section(s) and liaising with regional reviewers and HQ to provide guidance.
• Review submitted ACRs to assess the quality of reports objectively and identify lessons learned throughout the exercise, and develop Lessons Learned report for the 2022 exercise.
• Support in organizing and delivering regional ACR training.
• Support in the development of Regional post-ACR publications including identifying innovative solutions/ideas to support COs and the region to disseminate ACRs to host governments, donors, partners, and donors.
• Support in clearing and releasing ACRs in the system when all requirements have been fulfilled.
• Participate in the ACR working group at the regional office including supporting in chairing the working group.
• Any other duties as assigned and as required to ensure quality reporting in the Regional Bureau of Nairobi.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:  Advanced courses/training in one or more of the following disciplines: political science, sociology, economics, business management, operations management, development studies, and international development. Additional qualifications in computer science, information management, and statistics are desirable.
• Language: Fluency in written and spoken English, and French will also be an added advantage.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Over 2 years of WFP experience in reporting on developmental/humanitarian operations
• Minimum 2 years’ experience coordinating and drafting ACR at CO/Regional level

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of information management and Results based Reporting; excellent written and oral communication capacity, inclusive of demonstrated presentation skills, and Excellent analytical and report writing skills.
• Knowledge of UN system policies and functions; proficiency in MS Office; knowledge of WFP reporting and data systems would be an advantage.
• Ability to deliver results through planning and organizing own activities effectively.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple analysis and reporting requests in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent cross-group collaboration skills and the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations with persons of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.