Deadline: 18-Dec-2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a cooperating partner to implement and strengthen its School Feeding Programme in La Guajira, Colombia. The partner will manage training, food transport, kitchen maintenance, energy provision, hygiene services, and financial reporting. This opportunity plays a central role in improving nutrition, supporting education, and enhancing school operational systems for vulnerable children.

Overview

The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting organizations to serve as a cooperating partner for its School Feeding Programme in the Departamento de La Guajira, Colombia. This partnership focuses on improving school meal systems, ensuring that children receive safe, nutritious meals daily, and strengthening local operational structures that support healthy learning environments.

Key Objectives

• Strengthen school meal delivery systems.

• Provide operational, logistical, and administrative support.

• Improve hygiene, safety, and infrastructure in school canteens.

• Ensure compliance with WFP standards on nutrition, procurement, and reporting.

Core Responsibilities of the Cooperating Partner

1. Training and Capacity Building

• Coordinate and support training sessions for school personnel.

• Manage attendance lists, registration, and workshop logistics.

• Provide refreshments and ensure smooth execution of in-person training.

2. Hygiene, Safety, and Facility Standards

• Implement regular pest and rodent control services.

• Ensure school canteens comply with WFP hygiene and health regulations.

• Refill fire extinguishers using certified service providers.

3. Energy Supply and Cooking Operations

• Manage natural gas payments for connected institutions.

• Supply propane gas cylinders where needed.

• Guarantee uninterrupted fuel access for meal preparation.

4. Food Transportation and Logistics

• Transport prepared catering-type food from satellite canteens to beneficiary schools.

• Use vehicles that meet WFP sanitary and hygiene standards.

5. Maintenance and Equipment Management

• Oversee repair and maintenance of kitchen equipment.

• Hire certified technicians or authorized companies for technical servicing.

6. Administrative and Financial Compliance

• Follow WFP procurement rules, including competitive bidding with at least three suppliers.

• Provide complete monthly expense reports with documentation.

• Sign a performance bond to secure proper use of advance payments.

7. Human Resource Requirements

• Employ qualified full-time professional staff.

• Ensure staff follow WFP operational guidelines and standards.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible organizations typically include:

• NGOs with experience in food security, logistics, nutrition, or school programs.

• Institutions capable of managing large-scale procurement and financial compliance.

• Organizations with strong administrative, operational, and technical capacity.

• Entities able to hire qualified personnel and provide field-level support.

Why This Opportunity Matters

• Strengthens child nutrition in a region facing food insecurity.

• Enhances school environments, contributing to better attendance and learning outcomes.

• Builds local resilience through improved infrastructure and management systems.

• Supports WFP’s mission to ensure no child attends school hungry.

How to Apply (General Process)

While the exact process depends on WFP’s instructions, organizations generally should:

1. Register

• Register or update organization details in the WFP or UN partner systems.

2. Prepare Documentation

• Organizational profile and legal status.

• Technical proposal explaining capacity to deliver the required services.

• Financial proposal with cost breakdown.

• Evidence of experience in similar projects.

• Staffing plan and operational approach.

3. Submit Proposal

• Upload application through the designated WFP submission platform.

• Ensure all requested documents are complete and accurate.

4. Await Evaluation

• WFP will assess capacity, experience, financial robustness, and technical competence.

• Shortlisted applicants may undergo interviews or additional verification.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete financial documentation.

• Failing to demonstrate prior experience in logistics, nutrition, or facility management.

• Not providing a clear staffing plan.

• Overlooking WFP procurement and reporting requirements.

• Underestimating operational capacity needed for multi-school coordination.

FAQ

1. What is the purpose of the WFP School Feeding Programme?

Its goal is to provide safe, nutritious meals to students, improving health, education outcomes, and community resilience.

2. Which region does this opportunity cover?

The programme is based in the Departamento de La Guajira, Colombia.

3. What kind of organizations can apply?

NGOs, non-profits, and institutions with expertise in food assistance, logistics, health, or school system strengthening.

4. What are the main responsibilities of the partner?

Training staff, managing hygiene standards, providing energy supplies, food transportation, equipment maintenance, and financial compliance.

5. Does the partner need to hire dedicated staff?

Yes. Full-time qualified professionals must support implementation according to WFP guidelines.

6. Are there strict procurement rules?

Yes. Purchases must follow WFP competitive bidding processes and justification requirements.

7. What is a performance bond?

A financial guarantee ensuring proper management of advance payments and compliance with agreement terms.

Conclusion

This WFP opportunity offers organizations a significant role in strengthening school feeding systems and supporting child well-being in La Guajira. By coordinating logistics, improving infrastructure, and ensuring safe nutrition for students, the selected partner will contribute directly to healthier learning environments and long-term community development.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.