Market Development Officer

About the Role

The World Food Programme (WFP), the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world's largest humanitarian organization, is seeking a Market Based Officer to join our team in Caracas, Venezuela. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to WFP's mission of saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts.

As a Market Based Officer, you will play a crucial role in providing analytics and contributions to supply chain activities while supporting field supply chain operations. This position follows an effective and integrated supply chain approach to meet the food assistance needs of beneficiaries and service provision requirements for partners. You will work closely with experienced professional staff members as part of our diverse, committed, and high-performing teams operating in an inclusive work environment.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Implementation:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of supply chain plans and procedures aligned with WFP's global supply chain strategy and regional/functional strategies
• Support the design and implementation of supply chain and market development plans to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
• Participate in strategic supply chain planning initiatives that enhance operational performance

Operational Analysis & Support:

• Conduct comprehensive country context analyses and manage end-to-end operational supply chain and retail networks
• Collect, analyze, and interpret supply chain data to identify opportunities for improvement and effective operationalization
• Perform market analysis and supply chain network mapping to support selection of appropriate operation modalities
• Conduct financial analysis and budget reviews, providing recommendations for maximizing resource utilization

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Ensure close collaboration with Cash Working Groups (CWG), Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM), and other stakeholders
• Partner at operational levels with counterparts across key supply chain functions to maintain integrated approaches
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to align supply chain activities with market-based interventions

Operational Implementation:

• Provide technical input and support procurement and contracting processes for retailers, Financial Service Providers (FSPs), and traders
• Support supply chain projects and day-to-day operational activities in compliance with established strategies, policies, and procedures
• Monitor supply chain activities to ensure appropriate internal controls and increase operational efficiency
• Support management of service providers, vendors, port operations, fleet management, and warehouse operations

Reporting & Documentation:

• Prepare accurate and timely reports, dashboards, and visual materials on supply chain activities
• Support preparation of complex analytical reports for informed decision-making and stakeholder communication
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of supply chain processes and performance metrics

Emergency Response & Preparedness:

• Contribute to preparedness actions and support rapid emergency response capabilities
• Assist in deploying food and resources efficiently at the onset of humanitarian crises
• Support crisis response coordination and resource mobilization efforts

Team Leadership & Development:

• Guide and mentor support staff, serving as a point of reference for analysis and operational queries
• Provide technical guidance and knowledge transfer to junior team members
• Contribute to capacity building initiatives within the supply chain function

Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field
• Alternatively, First University degree with additional relevant work experience and specialized training

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of relevant professional experience in supply chain management, logistics, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing operational contexts, trends, and supply chain performance
• Proven background in supporting analytical and conceptual work on supply chain strategy and implementation
• Experience in designing operational plans and scenarios in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Hands-on experience with end-to-end supply chain operations analysis and optimization
• Proficiency in working with supply chain information systems and data management platforms
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities in operational environments

Language Skills:

• Fluency in English (Level C proficiency required)
• Fluency in Spanish (duty station language requirement)

Technical Competencies:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to interpret complex data
• Proficiency in supply chain management software and information systems
• Knowledge of humanitarian supply chain principles and best practices
• Understanding of market-based programming and cash transfer modalities
• Experience with budget analysis and financial planning processes

Personal Attributes:

• Strong commitment to WFP's values: Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills