Programme Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship opportunities, and internal mobility, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow their social media channels for updates on their initiatives and impact.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer will play a crucial role in designing and leading the implementation of WFP’s school feeding program in Sudan. This position requires close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective coordination and strategic thinking around school feeding initiatives, which are vital for addressing the educational and nutritional needs of children in the region. The officer will be responsible for adapting the program to the unique challenges faced by Sudan’s education sector, which has been severely impacted by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity. The role involves not only overseeing the operational aspects of the school feeding program but also integrating it with broader social protection and community resilience strategies. The officer will contribute to the development of proposals and reports, ensuring that the program is well-supported and aligned with WFP’s mission to provide reliable assistance to vulnerable populations. This position is essential for sustaining and scaling up school feeding efforts, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting millions of children in Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: leading the design and implementation of the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) program in targeted states; ensuring adherence to operational plans; identifying opportunities for improvement across relevant sectors such as education, agriculture, and nutrition; developing fund proposals and donor briefs; conducting regular monitoring visits to support field staff and partners; coordinating with various functional units to ensure effective planning and timely distributions; managing day-to-day HGSF activities; engaging with government counterparts and stakeholders to advocate for the program; supporting monitoring and evaluation processes; generating knowledge products and reports; ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and organizational policies; and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the program. The officer will also be expected to document lessons learned and successes to inform future program implementation and scale-up efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least five years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and scaling Home-Grown School Feeding programs, ideally in both emergency and development contexts. Proven technical expertise in school feeding, nutrition, social protection, and resilience programming is essential. Strong coordination and problem-solving skills in complex environments are required, along with the ability to engage in strategic planning and policy dialogue. A demonstrated track record of working collaboratively with government entities, development partners, and communities to build sustainable systems is crucial. Experience in capacity strengthening and systems development to enhance program quality and impact is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or specialized training may be considered. Candidates should have a solid understanding of integrated programming across sectors such as nutrition, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and social protection, particularly in relation to school feeding initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of relevant professional experience in school-based programs, with a minimum of two years specifically focused on designing and implementing home-grown school feeding initiatives in complex humanitarian operations. This experience should include a strong emphasis on program management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is considered an added advantage. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages to engage with diverse stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation of the program.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Port Sudan, Sudan. The role involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and local communities. The successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently within the country to oversee program implementation and engage with partners. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits related to health, travel, and professional development opportunities. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.