1. POSITION VACANT: CFNE Coordinator (Centre for Food and Nutrition Excellence), SAMS, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

2. ABOUT ORGANIZATION:

Our client, the World Food Programme (WFP), 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.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

WFP has been a longstanding partner of the State Government in food and nutrition security reforms over the decades, and at the request of the Odisha Government is establishing the Centre for Food and Nutrition Excellence (CFNE) to help accelerate efforts in addressing the food and nutrition security challenges.

In alignment with the State's priorities, leveraging WFP’s technical expertise and acting through its country office in India, CFNE will help fill critical evidence gaps and generate actionable knowledge to inform policy, pilot innovative solutions, scale proven interventions for strengthening systems capacity, compile and draw on global best practice, foster inter-sectoral convergence, and drive sustainability, ensuring improved nutrition security and long-term resilience in the State.

OBJECTIVE OF CFNE:

The objective of CFNE is to promote food and nutrition security in Odisha by acting as an institute of global standards for inter-disciplinary research, knowledge generation, policy analysis, convening and innovation. The Centre will inspire and support inter-departmental collaboration, pilot innovative solutions and scale-up proven solutions to address hunger and malnutrition amongst the most vulnerable groups.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

The CFNE Coordinator (CFNE-C) will oversee strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, sustain and develop partnerships and program implementation, driving innovative solutions to enhance food and nutrition security in Odisha in close co-ordination with the state and country office. This position requires exceptional leadership, coordination, and advocacy skills to align the Center's activities with WFP's strategic priorities and Government of Odisha’s (GoO) food and nutrition security goals.

The main responsibilities of the CFNE Coordinator (CFNE-C) include:

Key Job Responsibilities:

(1) Develop and implement the Center’s Annual Work Plan and Budget, aligning with objectives and strategic priorities of the centre;

(2) Lead the design and delivery of knowledge-sharing initiatives and capacity-building programs;

(3) Oversee and ensure effective planning, execution, and impact measurement;

(4) Coordinate with WFP Country Office, UN agencies, government partners, and other stakeholders;

(5) Foster collaborations with government agencies, private sector partners, and multilateral organizations;

(6) Support in the mobilization of resources and funding to support the Center's initiatives, ensuring sustainability.

(7) Ensure documentation and dissemination of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches among the relevant stakeholders and various forums as authorized;

(8) Ensure the effective management of the Center's resources, including financial, human, and logistical aspects;

(9) Monitor and evaluate the performance of programs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives;

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Advanced University degree from an institute of repute in any of the following disciplines: International Affairs, Nutrition/Agriculture, Economics, Agribusiness development, Agronomy, Rural Development, Technology, management or other related fields or First level University Degree with additional years of experience.

Experience:
(1) At least 05 years of professional experience in Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) in the broad area of e-Governance, social protection, Food and Nutritional security, Agriculture/ Climate Change/ Women Empowerment/ Nutrition/ &/ or related activities;
(2) Previous work experience within UN and with government agencies would be an added advantage;

Computer Skills:
Must have proficiency in the use of Internet based applications, Graphics, MS Word, MS Excel and MS Power Point and other related applications;

Languages:
(1) Fluency in English, Hindi required & Odia would be an advantage;

5. REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The CFNE Coordinator (CFNE-C) will report to the Country Director, WFP and work in close collaboration with the WFP team.

6. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the CFNE Coordinator (CFNE-C) is budgeted at INR 3,27,000/- Gross Per Month, depending upon qualifications, experience and remuneration in the last assignment. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.

7. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement initially offered for a period of one year. The contract is extendable based on performance and project requirements. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project.

8. LOCATION: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

9. REFERENCE: C-BO-SAMS

10. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

www.sams.co.in

11. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs, along with a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the position on or before February 7, 2026.

Our client is committed to promoting diversity and gender balance and follows a “zero-tolerance policies” in the workplace.