Programme Policy Officer - Cooperating Partner and Risk Management

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the belief that food is a fundamental human right. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and promotes an inclusive work environment, reflecting its values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, allowing staff to work across different country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Cooperating Partner and Risk Management position is crucial for WFP Rwanda, which provides nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition assistance to refugees and supports national priorities aimed at achieving zero hunger and sustainable development. The officer will play a key role in managing partnerships with a variety of Cooperating Partners, including national NGOs, INGOs, community-based organizations, and government entities. This role requires both operational and strategic leadership to ensure effective partnership management, compliance with corporate guidelines, and the establishment of risk management activities. The officer will be responsible for enhancing partner capacity, ensuring accountability, and optimizing WFP resources. The position involves overseeing the lifecycle of partnerships, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with WFP’s policies and procedures, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include overseeing the use of the UN Partner Portal for the registration and selection of potential Cooperating Partners, coordinating the partnership selection process, and establishing partnership agreements in compliance with corporate guidelines. The officer will conduct capacity assessments, ensure timely preparation of Field Level Agreements (FLAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and track the implementation of these agreements. Additionally, the officer will conduct regular oversight and spot checks, analyze partnership data, and lead the development of tools and guidelines to address audit recommendations. In terms of risk management, the officer will contribute to embedding risk management in planning and decision-making, support risk assessments, and facilitate the updating of the Business Continuity Plan. The role also involves training and orienting relevant units and partners on partnership management processes and risk management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, the ability to assess situations and take initiative, and demonstrate maturity of judgment. Excellent negotiation skills, both oral and written communication abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a team are essential. The officer should be adept at developing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders and exhibit a professional demeanor towards internal and external partners. A willingness to explore innovative ideas and approaches is also important. Previous experience in partnership or stakeholder management with UN agencies is considered an advantage. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel is required, and familiarity with standard WFP systems is beneficial.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in law, development studies, public administration, international development, audit, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with an additional four years of relevant work experience and/or training in audit, performance, and risk management or other fields relevant to international development assistance is acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of progressive experience in risk management, partnership management, contracts management, or program implementation within humanitarian or developmental contexts. This experience should demonstrate the ability to manage partnerships effectively and ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory. Fluency in Kinyarwanda is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC8) with a duration of 12 months, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and involves full-time engagement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.