Programme Officer – Social Protection

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 who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP is also a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, which highlights its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer – Social Protection will be responsible for designing and managing food assistance programs that meet the needs of vulnerable populations. This role involves contributing to the formulation of WFP-wide program policies, translating these policies into practical applications at the regional and country levels, and providing technical advice on program strategy and implementation. The officer will work closely with government counterparts and partners to identify opportunities for food assistance and support the planning and implementation of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition programs. The position requires a strong understanding of the complexities of food assistance and the ability to navigate policy discussions effectively. The officer will also be expected to enhance WFP's leadership status in relevant forums and manage operational research to inform program development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the formulation of WFP-wide program policies and translate them into regional and country-level practices.
• Develop program guidance and implementation modalities to ensure alignment between headquarters and field operations.
• Provide technical advice on program and policy issues, including assessment and analysis, objectives, activities, and transfer modalities.
• Assist government counterparts in identifying opportunities for food assistance and provide support for the planning and implementation of food assistance programs.
• Establish and maintain operational partnerships to improve assistance packages and support advocacy work.
• Enhance WFP's leadership status in forums related to food security, nutrition, and resilience through participation and information dissemination.
• Manage operational research and evidence building on food assistance issues.
• Prepare and disseminate analytical reports and proposals for internal and external use.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts for WFP projects. 1
• Develop functional training to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partners. 1
• Lead and motivate a team to achieve high performance. 1
• Ensure effective use of financial resources within a moderate budget. 1
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response planning.

Required Qualifications:

• 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 7 years of related work experience and/or training.
• Fluency in English and the local language of the duty station, if different, is mandatory.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop partnerships with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's level) in social sciences, public policy, development studies, food security, nutrition, economics, or a related field. A first university degree with additional relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in designing and implementing social protection policies and programs. Experience in managing social safety net projects utilizing cash transfers is essential, along with proven experience in collaborating with government counterparts and inter-agency coordination, particularly with UN agencies and international financial institutions. Familiarity with adaptive and shock-responsive social protection systems is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required, both spoken and written. Knowledge of local languages is an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Niamey, Niger, and reports to the Head of Unit. The role is full-time and may involve travel within the country and region. The WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.