Job Description

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 & professional 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).

About Job

Job Title:  Programme Associate (Payments)

Grade:   SC6

Type of contract: Service Contract                           

Duration:  12 Months 

Duty Station: Islamabad (BISP PMU)

Date of Publication: 8th May, 2025

Deadline of Application:  22nd May, 2025

This Vacancy Announcement is for Pakistan Nationals Only. 

Note: This vacancy announcement will also be used to build a roster of prequalified applicants for future opportunities within same job profile at the current or lower level in Pakistan.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary, pension, leave plus a medical insurance.

Important: All educational documents must be verified/attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Appointment will be subject to submission of HEC-verified degrees.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
Since 2020, the World Food Programme (WFP) has been providing technical support to the Government of Pakistan to implement their national nutrition sensitive social protection programme. Part of the support is through a dedicated Programme Management Unit based in government offices. The purpose of the assignment is to provide dedicated support for the conditional cash transfer component of this national programme to coordinate financial operations of the programme including bi-monthly payments, audits, and administrative services. The role ensures the program runs efficiently and provides data to support informed decision-making.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Based in the Benazir Income Support Programme offices and under the direct supervision of the Head of PMU and in coordination with WFP Country Office and BISP, the Programme Associate shall be responsible for the following:

• Contribute to the preparation and updating of payment protocols and parameters in accordance with the Program Payments Manual.
• Provide support to BISP Finance Team for the preparation and approval of the beneficiaries’ payment budgets.
• Timely provide data and statistics of beneficiaries’ payments made by partner banks to BISP Finance Team, in accordance with the Payment SOP.
• Monitor and reconcile the payment process, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement reporting by each partner bank to BISP; address and resolve any discrepancies or irregularities in coordination with partner banks.
• Annual performance evaluations of the payment system and suggest recommendations for enhancements of the Payment Generation, disbursement, and the Payment Complaint System under the program.
• Prepare supporting documentation and statistical data on beneficiary disbursements for donors, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), auditors, and BISP Management monthly or as required.
• Review the payment cycle to identify gaps or inefficiencies, propose solutions, and contribute to the development of relevant SOPs and policies.
• Liaise with internal, external, and federal auditors, and draft responses to queries related to payments and reconciliations under the program.

• Ensure accurate record keeping and compliance with financial regulations of BISP and WFP.
• Preparation of budgets, financial reports and reconciliation reports of program including payment generated vs disbursements made to beneficiary accounts (LMA).
• Contribute technical and professional knowledge and experience to improve program cash transfer operations.
• Conduct any other duties assigned by the Head of PMU.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:
First level university degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or equivalent.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, auditing including at least 2 years work experience with UN, non-governmental organizations, or with the government sector.

Knowledge & Skills:
•Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
•Strong analytical skills
•Excellent communication skills.
•Strong IT skills and knowledge of financial systems
•Positive attitude and ability to multi-task and work towards tight deadlines.
•Adheres to strong ethical professional values and
•Strong organizational and leadership skills
Languages:
Fluency in English language, Urdu, and other local language.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Islamabad-Pakistan-The-Islamic-Rep/Programme-Associate--Payments----SC6---Islamabad_JR112405?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=impactpool 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. 

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:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

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

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).


• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.


• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language


• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter


• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time


• Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application


• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.