The Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection) will report to the Social Protection Team Lead and Project Coordinator, with day-to-day coordination and oversight from MSSI leadership. The officer will be embedded within the MSSI, working alongside ministry staff to provide hands-on technical and operational support and to facilitate close collaboration between MSSI, WFP, ADB, and other relevant partners to ensure alignment with national priorities and effective delivery of project outputs.
Responsibilities
Serve as an embedded technical resource within the MSSI, working closely with ministry staff on a daily basis to provide hands-on support, foster collaboration, and ensure seamless integration of project activities led by different partners and stakeholders.
Provide day-to-day technical and operational support to MSSI, WFP, and partners to ensure effective implementation of project activities and alignment with national priorities.
Support the planning, execution, and monitoring of social protection activities, including the development and rollout of the poverty and vulnerability framework, household survey, social registry, and training programs.
Assist in the preparation and refinement of operational manuals, guidelines, and project tools for targeting, registration, grievance redress, and process monitoring.
Serve as the primary liaison between MSSI and WFP, and key development partners to ensure smooth communication and alignment of activities.
Coordinate and facilitate meetings of the Steering Committee, Technical Task Force, and relevant working groups, including agenda preparation, minute taking, and follow-up on action points.
Support the organization of project events, workshops, and municipal coordination meetings, ensuring broad participation and effective information flow.
Assist in developing, updating, and tracking project work plans, timelines, and deliverables in line with the INSPIRE TA Action Plan.
Support the preparation and timely submission of progress reports, meeting summaries, and technical briefs for MSSI, WFP, and ADB.
Monitor project milestones, flag implementation challenges, and propose solutions to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
Contribute to the design and implementation of project M&E frameworks, including data collection, process monitoring, and reporting on key performance indicators.
Support the synthesis and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices from pilot activities, ensuring feedback from both national and municipal levels is incorporated into ongoing implementation.
Facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building for MSSI staff and municipal partners, including supporting training sessions, workshops, and on-the-job learning.
Contribute to the development and refinement of operational manuals, guidelines, and project tools.
Support translation and interpretation of key project documents, reports, and communications between English and Tetum to ensure inclusive understanding and engagement across all stakeholders.
Ensure timely and clear information sharing between MSSI, WFP, ADB, and other partners at both national and municipal levels.
Requirements:
Advanced University degree in Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Development, Nutrition/ Health, or other field relevant to international development assistance.
First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience after obtaining a first university degree is desirable.
At least one (1) year of experience should be at the postgraduate professional level.
Experience working with government institutions, international organizations, or development partners in project management, coordination, or capacity building roles.
Proven experience in effective engagement and coordination with government institutions, particularly in the context of social protection.
Strong, relevant experience in project management, including planning, implementation oversight, and delivery of multi-stakeholder projects.
Experience in facilitating inter-ministerial and interagency networks, partnerships, strategies, resource mobilization and communications initiatives.
Demonstrated experience in organizing meetings, supporting project planning and reporting, and facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination.
Experience in translation and communication.
Fluency in Tetum and English (written and spoken); Portuguese is an asset.
