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 is to create a future where every person has access to the food they need to live a healthy and active life. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian efforts and global 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. The role involves working closely with experienced professionals, contributing to the development of projects and plans that align with WFP's broader program policies. The officer will be responsible for project management support for specific programs, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to data gathering and monitoring, as well as research and analysis of policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues. The officer will also play a key role in preparing accurate reports that facilitate informed decision-making and stakeholder communication. Additionally, the role includes liaising with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and support the capacity building of WFP staff and partners in responding to food assistance needs. The Programme Policy Officer will also contribute to the integration of WFP’s protection and accountability policies across operations in Burundi, ensuring that humanitarian principles are upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of a limited number 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 small to moderate size, ensuring a coordinated approach that complies with WFP standards.
• Follow data gathering and monitoring systems to maintain rigorous quality standards.
• Research and analyze policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in developing policies and programs.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports on programs and activities for informed decision-making.
• Liaise with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitor ongoing projects.
• Support the identification and management of partnerships to enhance food assistance packages.
• Assist in capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national government in food assistance response.
• Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral for analysis and queries. 1
• Offer technical support for integrating WFP’s protection and accountability policy, gender policy, and humanitarian frameworks across operations. 1
• Manage feedback and complaint mechanisms, ensuring accessibility and functionality. 1
• Lead the development and implementation of the country office’s action plan on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), delivering training as needed. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training may be accepted. Candidates should 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 effectively.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is 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 may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant work experience and training. Candidates should have a solid foundation in the principles of international development assistance and food security.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have gained experience in implementing technical programs, such as nutrition or related fields. Experience in designing operations and providing input into policy discussions and decisions is also desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing projects and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Bujumbura, Burundi. The World Food Programme offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits such as training and professional development opportunities. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.