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 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position at WFP involves providing critical support to policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs. The role is designed for individuals who are eager to contribute to humanitarian efforts and are capable of working under the guidance of more experienced professionals. The job entails engaging in program or policy activities that require analytical skills and a collaborative approach. The officer will be expected to contribute to the development of projects and plans, ensuring they align with WFP's broader program policies and guidance. The position also involves project management support for defined programs, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures, and maintaining rigorous quality standards in data gathering and monitoring systems. The officer will play a vital role in researching and analyzing policy issues to support senior colleagues and will be responsible for preparing accurate reports that facilitate informed decision-making.

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 that are relatively straightforward in nature, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programs that complies with WFP standards and procedures.
• Follow data gathering and monitoring systems ensuring that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
• Research and analyze policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in 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 counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitor ongoing projects.
• Support the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships to enhance 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 project management support of learning initiatives.
• Provide guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in humanitarian emergency preparedness and response, as well as Disaster Risk Management. Experience in project design and management is essential, along with experience in emergency coordination during disaster response and contingency planning. Familiarity with Emergency Operations Centres and Civil Defense, as well as Civ-Mil coordination, is preferable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of EPR-related areas and have excellent coordination skills with government and international agencies. Experience in facilitating or training in strategic Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) planning is a plus. Strong interpersonal skills, consistency in follow-up, and the ability to work with diverse teams are crucial. Candidates should also possess the capability and initiative to provide timely technical advice and facilitate coordinated planning and follow-up on implementation and reporting. Action management and results orientation are important, as well as the ability to identify early warning indicators and respond accordingly. Candidates must demonstrate strong capabilities in managing and collaborating across organizational units and have proven capacity to coordinate and communicate effectively with government officials and cooperating partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have 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 relevant training or courses may be acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have gained experience in implementing technical programs, such as nutrition, and in providing input into the design of operations. Candidates should have experience in implementing programs and contributing to policy discussions and decisions.

Languages:
Oral, written, and spoken fluency (level C) in both English and Spanish is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Spanish are mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a multicultural environment. WFP is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers an attractive compensation package and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. WFP has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.