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's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a skilled workforce that embodies its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is recognized globally for its efforts, having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position at WFP is designed to provide essential support to policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs. This role involves contributing to the development of projects, plans, and processes that align with broader program policies and guidance. The officer will be responsible for project management support for specific programs and projects that are small to moderate in size, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures. The position requires a proactive approach to data gathering and monitoring, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and conducting research and analysis on policy and operational issues to assist senior colleagues in developing effective policies and programs. The officer will also play a key role in preparing accurate and timely reports that facilitate informed decision-making and ensure consistency of information presented to stakeholders. Collaboration with internal counterparts is crucial for effective project monitoring and partnership development, ultimately leading to improved food assistance packages. Additionally, the officer will support capacity building initiatives for WFP staff, partners, and national governments, ensuring preparedness and responsiveness to food assistance needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include:

• Contributing to the development of a limited number of projects, plans, and processes, ensuring alignment with wider program policies and guidance.
• Providing project management support to specific and defined programs and projects of small to moderate size, ensuring a coordinated approach that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
• Following data gathering and monitoring systems to maintain rigorous quality standards.
• Researching and analyzing policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programs, and activities.
• Preparing accurate and timely reports on programs and activities to enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Liaising with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitoring of ongoing projects.
• Supporting the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships to enhance collaborative working and improve food assistance packages.
• Assisting in the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national governments to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs through project management support of learning initiatives.
• Providing guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Policy Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or another field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses may be accepted.
• Fluency (level C) in the English language and the duty station’s language, if different, is mandatory.
• Experience in implementing technical programs, such as nutrition, is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in implementing programs and providing input into designing operations is essential.
• Experience in contributing to policy discussions and decisions is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and effectively contributing to WFP's mission.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have gained experience in implementing technical programs, such as nutrition, and to have a background in providing input into the design and implementation of operations. Candidates should also have experience in contributing to policy discussions and decisions, which is essential for the role of Programme Policy Officer.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with a requirement for proficiency in the local language of the duty station, if applicable. This ensures effective communication and collaboration within the diverse teams at WFP and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Vientiane, Laos. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits and opportunities for personal and professional development through various training programs, coaching, and mentorship. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are reminded that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the application process, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.