Programme Policy Officer NOB

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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. WFP's mission is to achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry and that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food. WFP collaborates with various partners and stakeholders to enhance food systems and social protection programs, particularly in regions facing significant food security challenges.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer NOB position at WFP involves providing support to policy and program activities that effectively meet food assistance needs. The role requires contributing to the development of diverse projects and processes, ensuring alignment with WFP's program policies and guidance. The officer will provide project management support for specific programs of considerable size and complexity, ensuring compliance with WFP standards. Additionally, the officer will develop and coordinate data gathering and monitoring systems, conduct research and analysis on policy and operational issues, and prepare accurate reporting on programs and activities. The position also entails liaising with internal and external counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, supporting the identification and management of partnerships, and contributing to the capacity building of WFP staff and partners. The officer will guide and supervise junior staff, acting as a point of referral for analysis and queries, and perform other duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a wide variety of projects, plans, and processes, ensuring alignment with wider program policies and guidance.
• Provide project management support to specific and defined programs and projects of considerable size and complexity, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programs that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
• Develop and coordinate data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
• Research and analyze a range of policy and operational issues to inform the development of policies, programs, and activities.
• Contribute to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programs and activities that enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Liaise with internal and external counterparts to ensure effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects, and highlight potential risks to project delivery.
• Support the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships to collaborative working leading to improved food assistance packages.
• Support the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, e.g., through providing inputs into training materials.
• Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with analysis and queries. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of food assistance programs and policies, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

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. A first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may also be considered acceptable. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of food assistance and humanitarian programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of postgraduate professional experience in a related field. This experience should include exposure to project management, policy development, and program implementation within the context of humanitarian assistance or international development. Experience working in diverse cultural settings and collaborating with various stakeholders is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where WFP operates, enhancing communication and collaboration with local partners and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Fixed Term contract at the NOB grade level, with a duty station in Havana, Cuba. The initial duration of the contract is 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on organizational requirements. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.