Food security
Food security
Global Warming Key to Food Security
The United Nation World Food Programme (WFP) says global warming plays a big role in food security.
WFP Southern Africa spokesperson, David Orr points out that there has been an increase in flooding in Southern Africa.
Orr, who adds that the crop land has been pushed back by desert and drought has increased worldwide, says that the WFP is helping poor African nations with projects like building dams, irrigation canals and water harvesting systems, in the global fight against poverty.
To read article titled “Global warming plays key role in food security” click here.Source:SABC NewsUnited Nations World Food Programme: Information Technology Assistant
United Nations World Food ProgrammePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, November 25, 2013The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger worldwide.Opportunity type:Employment
The United Nations WFP seeks to appoint a Information Technology Assistant, based in Johannesburg.
Internal Vacancy Announcement: OMJ/VA 26/2013
Position Grade: G5 (fixed term)
Responsibilities:
- Assist in training and support of users of technology and systems, such as audio / videoconferences, meetings, databases, registries, networks, etc;
- Assist in the deployment / dissemination of standard material, such as, computer hardware and/or software, applications, programs, directories, telephony, web content, publications, database content, training material, etc;
- Assist in the maintenance of systems and equipment by carrying out routine tasks, such as backing up data, monitoring network and systems, servers and peripherals, running systems diagnostics, patch management and systems optimisation, removing viruses and bad data, etc;
- Administer user access to systems and databases, monitor system and application usage;
- Assist in resolution of problems by monitoring inboxes and responding to queries, identifying and forwarding issues to the appropriate person;
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Completion of secondary school education (Grade 12 or equivalent), supplemented by technical training in electronic or telecommunications, computers technology or other related fields;
- Minimum of four years of progressively responsible support in Information Technology such as WAN/LAN networking, operating systems or similar;
- Experience in client support, such as, a Help Desk or User Support Unit, web design team, telephone maintenance service or similar;
- Alternatively, recent graduate with relevant degree / Higher diploma with limited working experience;
- Knowledge of standard computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets and knowledge of common basic software packages;
- Knowledge of commonly used office equipments;
- Fluency in both written and oral English.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the World Food Programme, refer to www.wfp.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Follow news, information and updates from SANGONeT and NGO Pulse on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SANGONeT.United Nations World Food Programme: Logistics Assistant
United Nations World Food ProgrammePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, November 25, 2013The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger worldwide.Opportunity type:Employment
The United Nations WFP seeks to appoint a Logistics Assistant, based in Johannesburg.
Internal Vacancy Announcement: OMJ/VA 21/2013
Position Grade: G4 (fixed term)
The Logistics Assistant will be under the direct supervision of Senior Regional Logistics Officer.
Responsibilities:
- Update Logistics Unit Leave plans and calendar;
- Prepare daily attendance and absence record for HR (attaching leave slips or other documentation) as required;
- Update and maintain a reliable filing system;
- Arrange travel for the unit (in liaison with administration) and preparing TA’s and TEC’s as required;
- Maintain and regularly update inventory of Logistics Unit items;
- Assist the Head of Unit with organising all the Logistics Workshops, Meetings including hotel and conference bookings, transport, ticketing, workshop materials and all administrative work required. Request for security clearance from United Nations Security office for the visiting staff members;
- Take Minutes of the Logistics meetings and disseminate the same once approved by relevant officer;
- Maintain and regularly update 'Invoice Tracking System';
- Provide overall admin assistance to the Logistics Unit;
- Assist when needed to process invoices for contractors including Clearing and Forwarding Agents, Transporters, and other services providers;
- Assist to create Service Entry Sheets for cross-border cargo in WFP corporate system (WINGS – which is SAP based);
- Follow-up with WFP vendors regarding credit notes or any outstanding documentation for payments;
- Prepare Commodity Tracking reports (i.e. the Consolidated Delivery Report generated from the corporate system, COMPAS) and other supporting documents required for invoice processing;
- Assist when needed to capture waybill data, vessel discharges, physical stock in WFP commodity tracking system;
- Provide daily dispatch reports to Country Offices;
- Prepare periodic reports showing status of Logistics commitments posted in WINGS;
- Prepare periodic reports showing Vendors Payment Status;
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Completion of secondary school education (Grade 12 or equivalent), preferably supplemented by courses in a field related to Logistics activities;
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible support or secretarial work experience including at least two years in the field of accounting, transport, insurance, statistics, operations or other related field;
- Minimum of one year at G3 level or equivalent;
- Knowledge of standard computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets;
- Knowledge of ERPs (SAP, Oracle or similar software packages and systems) and/or use of data base an advantage;
- Fluency in both written and oral English.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the World Food Programme, refer to www.wfp.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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United Nations World Food Programme: National Programme Officer
United Nations World Food ProgrammePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, November 25, 2013The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger worldwide.Opportunity type:Employment
The United Nations WFP seeks to appoint a National Programme Officer, Resource Management Analyst, based in Johannesburg.
Internal Vacancy Announcement: OMJ/VA 20/2013
Position Grade: NOC (fixed term)
The National Programme Officer will be under the direct supervision of the Regional Resource Management Analyst, the National Programme Officer: Resource Management Analyst will be accountable for the below duties.
Responsibilities:
Budget Planning
- Review budget and revised budget plans for new and ongoing projects to provide expert advice on budgetary adjustments required for effective utilisation of funds by COs;
- Recommend follow up actions in respect to approval process for all projects so that all documentation is in line with the Programme Review Committee (PRC) recommendations and data in WFP corporate systems is accurate; and
- Provide comprehensive analysis on project performance and financial surplus / deficit, and recommend appropriate actions to be undertaken by CO management.
- Monitor level and conditions for unassigned funds in projects to alert Fund Managers on approaching deadlines and actions to be taken;
- Monitor the use of resources assigned to projects and provide expert advice to Fund Managers on actions to be taken in case of potential shortfalls and surpluses;
- Provide input into the design of tools to facilitate monitoring of resource utilisation and identification of surpluses and shortfalls;
- Support the preparation of advance financing requests by providing recommendations; monitor and provide advice on all internal and external borrowing and repayment arrangements;
- Advise on actions required for closure of operations; and
- Provide expert advice on regulations and procedures related to resource management and financial reporting.
- Support the preparation of various documents, e.g. funding proposals and assignment plans, budgets for donor proposals, import parity forms and presentation of costs versus benefits of local purchases, etc;
- Monitor commodity and cash requirements, availability and shortfalls (pipeline) for all operations in the region;
- Ensure that CO pipeline submissions are accurate and reflect project requirements and situation on the ground;
- Collate operational pipeline data and prioritise operations within the RB according to severity of pipeline shortfalls;
- Advise RB management and Headquarters (HQ) on resource allocations;
- Support the preparation of pipeline reports and strategy definition for the utilisation of resources during emergencies;
- Coordinate or advise on coordination of commodity loans and borrowings between countries within the region and between regions; and,
- Provide food-demand plan aggregated by common corridors to support management of the Forward Purchase Facility (FPF) and provide information to guide Regional Bureau decision-making when multiple projects compete for the same FPF stock;
- Prepare and disseminate comprehensive regular / ad hoc analytical reports related to resource management to facilitate forecasting and decision making process;
- Oversee accuracy of data in all operational reports prepared by COs or HQ;
- Develop staff capacity in budget planning, fund management and operational planning through training and coaching ;
- Contribute to corporate initiatives in support of funds and budget management and corporate system enhancements; and,
- Perform other duties as required.
- University degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics or other related field with advanced training / courses in management of resources or other related field. Advanced university degree in the above-mentioned fields is an asset;
- Minimum of five years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in financial, budgeting and accounting systems in commercial enterprises, national governments or international organisations;
- Knowledge of standard computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets;
- Knowledge of ERPs (SAP, Oracle or similar software packages and systems) and/or use of database;
- Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices and understanding of resources planning, monitoring and reporting including the linkages to operational effectiveness;
- Knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures;
- Fluency in written and oral English. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese an advantage.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the World Food Programme, refer to www.wfp.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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United Nations World Food Programme: Staff Assistant
United Nations World Food ProgrammePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Monday, November 25, 2013The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations, and the world's largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger worldwide.Opportunity type:Employment
The United Nations WFP seeks to appoint a Staff Assistant for the Programme unit, based in Johannesburg.
Internal Vacancy Announcement: OMJ/VA 18/2013
Position Grade: G5 (fixed term)
The Staff Assistant will be under the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Programme Adviser.
Responsibilties:
- Update Programme Unit Leave plans - on a weekly basis;
- Prepare daily attendance and absence record for HR (attaching leave slips or other documentation) - (by end of first week of every month);
- Update Unit Calendar on a daily basis;
- Maintain various mailing lists (in consultation with IT) so that they are always up to date;
- Arrange travel for the unit (in liaison with administration) and preparing TA’s and TEC’s as required;
- Arrange meeting rooms / conference calls as required;
-
Make the administrative arrangements for workshops:
- Prepare budget
- Source venues ensuring Admin and Procurement requirements are followed
- Liaise with HQ / facilitators
- Prepare logistics note
- Prepare participants and itinerary lists
- Organise accommodation and airport transfers
- Prepare documentation and providing assistance during the workshops
- Raise PR’s and following up on invoice payments - as required;
- Prepare Unit Procurement Plan (organising stationary) - every quarter;
- Maintain project documents/project cycle filing by country - on daily basis;
- Post documents on SharePoint or other corporate IT knowledge transfer tool;
- Perform liaison duties with other units by supporting supervisor in consolidating documents and reports, following up on the deadlines for various correspondence and on a range of assignments to ensure timely response to all clients;
- Perform other related duties as required.
- Completion of secondary school education (Grade 12 or equivalent), preferably supplemented by courses in a field related to WFP programme activities;
- Minimum of four years of progressively responsible support or secretarial work experience including at least two years in the field of accounting, transport, insurance, statistics, operations or other related field;
- Minimum of one year at G4 level or equivalent;
- Knowledge of standard computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets. Knowledge of ERPs (SAP, Oracle or similar software packages and systems) and/or use of data base an advantage;
- Fluency in both written and oral English.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the World Food Programme, refer to www.wfp.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Need to upgrade your NGO's technology capacity and infrastructure? Need software and hardware at significantly discounted prices? Refer to the SANGOTeCH online technology donation and discount portal at www.sangotech.org.One in Eight People Chronically Undernourished - UN Agencies
One in eight people around the world are chronically undernourished, states the United Nations (UN) food agencies’ report. The agencies warn world leaders that some regions would fail to halve the number of hungry people by 2015.
The agencies further state that the countries which have previously experienced conflict during the past two decades are more likely to have witnessed significant setbacks in reducing hunger.
“Policies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food availability were crucial in reducing hunger even where poverty was widespread” the UN agencies said.
To read the article titled, “One in eight people chronically undernourished, Africa tops list: UN,” click here.Source:Times LiveFood & Trees for Africa: Community Trainers
Food & Trees for AfricaPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, October 30, 2013Food & Trees for Africa is the first and only South African social enterprise addressing sustainable development through climate change action, food security and greening, with a strong focus on environmental and global warming education and awareness.Opportunity type:Employment
Food & Trees for Africa seeks to appoint qualified and experienced Community Trainers, based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Requirements:- Formal training qualification or at least three years experience in conducting agri training;
- Exposure to sustainable farming methods particularly organic farming and / or permaculture;
- Familiar with AgriSETA requirements and compliance;
- Ability to work under minimal supervision;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Valid and clean code 8 driver’s licence;
- Computer literate;
- Team player; and
- Have traceable references.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about Food & Trees for Africa, refer to http://trees.co.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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Need to upgrade your NGO's technology capacity and infrastructure? Need software and hardware at significantly discounted prices? Refer to the SANGOTeCH online technology donation and discount portal at www.sangotech.org.
Food & Trees for Africa: Agriculture Officers
Food & Trees for AfricaPlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Wednesday, October 30, 2013Food & Trees for Africa is the first and only South African social enterprise addressing sustainable development through climate change action, food security and greening, with a strong focus on environmental and global warming education and awareness.Opportunity type:Employment
Food & Trees for Africa seeks to appoint qualified and experienced Agriculture Officers, based in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
Requirements:- Formal training and qualification in agricultural science; or at least three years working experience preferably in a commercial farming environment;
- Formal training or practical exposure to sustainable farming methods particularly organic farming and / or permaculture will be an added advantage;
- Familiar with AgriSETA requirements and compliance;
- Ability to work under minimal supervision;
- Ability to work under pressure;
- Valid and clean Code 8 driver’s licence;
- Computer literacy;
- Communication skills – verbal and written;
- Team player; and
- Have traceable references.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about Food & Trees for Africa, refer to http://trees.co.za.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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SA’s Food Security Policy Criticised
According to an opinion by Glenn Ashton, “We are what we eat and on the whole South Africans are unhealthy” because the increasingly industrialised food chain they eat far too much refined, processed food.
Ashton points out that the poor are exceptionally exposed to this pernicious trend, with the cheapest maize meal consisting disproportionately of husks, which provide very little nutritional benefit.
He argues that in some cases, diets consist of more than 90 percent of maize meal, adding that, “What passes as food is too often a simulacrum, counterfeit.”
To read the article titled, “Failing to feed our People - South Africa's lacklustre food security policy,” click here.Source:All AfricaWorld Food Programme: Admistrative and Travel Assistant
World Food ProgrammePlease note: this opportunity closing date has passed and may not be available any more.Opportunity closing date:Friday, September 13, 2013The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food aid branch of the United Nations,and the world's largest humanitarian organisation addressing hunger worldwide.Opportunity type:Employment
The United Nations WFP seeks to appoint a Administrative and Travel Assistant, based in Johannesburg.
This is 6-month special service agreement contract position.
Position Title: A G5
Internal Vacancy Announcement: OMJ/VA 015/2013
WFP have been the main provider of common services for UN organisations housed in Merafe House, Sunninghill, Johannesburg. Inorder to streamline processing various administrative request there is a need to establish a post for an Administrative Travel Assistant under the current common services status quo.
Under the guidance and supervision of the WFP Administrative Officer, the successful candidate will support the efficient execution of administrative processes related to travel and requisitions. The Assistant will work closely with OCHA and UNESCO Administrative Staff to ensure efficient and smooth processing of various travel and requisition requests.
Responsibilities:
Travel Administration:
- Ensure that the WFP travel policy and procedures are followed respectively;
- Obtain quotations for air tickets and coordinate travel bookings as per travel requests;
- Process purchase orders for air tickets and dispatch POs to travel agent, ensuring that the most direct and most economical route is chosen as per the UN rules and regulations and any deviation is recorded on a note to file;
- Liaise with the Travel Center’s designated travel agent, National and International airlines;
- Calculate the staff members entitlements and generate the daily subsistence allowance ( DSA) in the system;
- Monitor and review travel claims and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, reasonableness, validity, and conformity with UN Rules;
- Load traveller profiles on Agency database;
- Arrange Hotel bookings as per UN security requirement, as and when required;
- Coordinate land transport for airport pick up and drop offs, as and when required;
- Check invoices from travel agent and certify accuracy for payment;
- Reconcile accounts to ensure that payment of travel invoices is up to date.
- Assist with the issuance of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) for all non-food related services for further processing though WFP Procurement Unit;
- Reconcile invoices against the PRs/POs and process for payment;
- Posting of GRN / SESs and maintain a proper record of invoices.
- Undergo training on WFP internal rules and regulations;
- Perform any other duties as requested and assigned by the supervisor.
- All travel requests, DSA payments, request for procurements are processed in a timely manner;
- Unforeseen shortcomings addressed with targeted support and guidance from supervisor and admin support team;
- Improved and consistent client satisfaction.
- Demonstrates commitment to UN’s mission, vision and values;
- Displays integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity.
Professionalism
- Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures;
- Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
- Ability to meet commitments and observe deadlines;
- Solid problem solving skills;
- Shows pride in work and in achievements;
- Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns, shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
- Remains calm in stressful situations;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
- Ability to plan own work;
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure of tight and conflicting deadlines;
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity.
- Considers all those to whom services are provided as clients and seeks to see things from their point of view;
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Identifies clients' needs and matches appropriate solutions;
- Keeps client informed of progress or problematic issues.
- Interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment and respects diversity;
- Works collaboratively with colleagues and encourages office staff to share knowledge to achieve organisational goals.
- Completion of secondary school or its equivalent technical or commercial school;
- Supplementary training in administration or a travel related discipline is highly desirable;
- Knowledge of UN travel policies and processes is highly desirable;
- Minimum of four years of relevant experience of which preferably preferably one year in the UN or other humanitarian agency;
- Knowledge of travel related UN regulations and rules is highly desirable;
- Experience managing multiple deadlines is desirable;
- Experience working in emergencies is desirable;
- Experience in the use of the Computer Reservations Systems (CRS) Amadeus and Galileo is highly desirable;
- Knowledge of written and oral English;
- Positive and constructive attitude.
To apply, submit a CV and motivational letter and/or nited Nations Personal History Form (P.11) to HR.Johannesburg@wfp.org, quoting Announcement No: 015/2013.
Please quote the source of this advertisement in your application - NGO Pulse Portal.
For more about the World Food Programme, refer to www.wfp.org.
For other vacancies in the NGO sector, refer to www.ngopulse.org/vacancies.
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