Programme Policy Officer - Activity Manager NOA
World Food Programme (WFP)
Colombo
Sri Lanka
January 8, 2026
Full-timeJanuary 8, 2026
Programme Policy Officer - Activity Manager NOA
World Food Programme (WFP) About
Founded in 1961 and assisting 80 million people in around 80 countries each year, the World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.
WFP’s efforts focus on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid and special operations. Two-thirds of its work is in conflict-affected countries where people are three times more likely to be undernourished than those living in countries without conflict.
In emergencies, WFP is often first on the scene, providing food assistance to the victims of war, civil conflict, drought, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, crop failures and natural disasters. When the emergency subsides, WFP helps communities rebuild shattered lives and livelihoods. WFP also works to strengthen the resilience of people and communities affected by protracted crises by applying a development lens in its humanitarian response.
WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation implementing school feeding programmes worldwide and has been doing so for over 50 years. Each year, WFP provides school meals to between 20 and 25 million children across 63 countries, often in the hardest-to-reach areas.
Job Description
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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background or identity. WFP is dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission.
Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Activity Manager) NOA plays a crucial role in providing operational support to WFP programs focused on resilience and reducing vulnerability to natural hazards, climate change, and other risks. This position involves engaging in program or policy activities that require analytical work of limited complexity. The Activity Manager will be responsible for ensuring that WFP's programs align with broader policies and guidelines, facilitating cross-functional coordination, and providing direct project management support for various initiatives related to social protection, resilience, and disaster management. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with stakeholders, including government ministries and community-based organizations, to ensure effective implementation of WFP-supported programs. The successful candidate will also be accountable for budget management and ensuring that program designs advance WFP’s Gender Equality and nutrition-sensitive frameworks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer (Activity Manager) include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in an international organization if they hold a Master's degree, or 5 years of professional experience if they hold a Bachelor's degree. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge or professional qualifications in areas such as social protection, resilience, livelihoods, disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree in fields such as International Development, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Social Protection, or Disaster Management. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree and additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training may also be considered. A strong academic background in relevant disciplines is essential for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and effectively contributing to WFP's mission.
Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record of working in areas related to social protection, resilience, livelihoods, disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness. Experience in institutional capacity building and familiarity with WFP's work or similar portfolios within the UN system is highly desirable. The role requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to manage projects effectively and engage with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives.
Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language of the duty station (if different) is also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term contract (NOA) with a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension. The duty station for this role is Colombo, Sri Lanka, and it is open only to Sri Lankan nationals. The WFP Leadership Framework guides the standards of behavior expected from employees, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes, and candidates are advised to be cautious when submitting personal information online.
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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background or identity. WFP is dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission.
Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Activity Manager) NOA plays a crucial role in providing operational support to WFP programs focused on resilience and reducing vulnerability to natural hazards, climate change, and other risks. This position involves engaging in program or policy activities that require analytical work of limited complexity. The Activity Manager will be responsible for ensuring that WFP's programs align with broader policies and guidelines, facilitating cross-functional coordination, and providing direct project management support for various initiatives related to social protection, resilience, and disaster management. The role requires a proactive approach to engage with stakeholders, including government ministries and community-based organizations, to ensure effective implementation of WFP-supported programs. The successful candidate will also be accountable for budget management and ensuring that program designs advance WFP’s Gender Equality and nutrition-sensitive frameworks.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer (Activity Manager) include:
- Providing technical support and engaging in the development of diverse projects and plans related to social protection, resilience, livelihoods, disaster management, and emergency preparedness.
- Offering direct project management support for initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and building resilience among vulnerable populations.
- Facilitating coordination among various technical and functional workstreams to ensure comprehensive program implementation.
- Coordinating data gathering and monitoring systems to maintain high-quality standards in reporting and decision-making.
- Liaising with internal and external counterparts, including technical working groups, to foster collaboration and effective program delivery.
- Supporting the identification and development of partnerships that enhance program effectiveness.
- Building the capacity of WFP staff, partners, and national government entities in areas related to social protection and disaster management.
- Engaging community stakeholders in risk-sensitive planning processes to ensure that local needs are addressed.
- Managing budgets related to strategic objectives and activities, ensuring accountability and transparency. 1
- Ensuring that program designs incorporate WFP’s Gender Equality and nutrition-sensitive dimensions, contributing to the overall mission of the organization.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in an international organization if they hold a Master's degree, or 5 years of professional experience if they hold a Bachelor's degree. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge or professional qualifications in areas such as social protection, resilience, livelihoods, disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree in fields such as International Development, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Social Protection, or Disaster Management. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree and additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training may also be considered. A strong academic background in relevant disciplines is essential for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and effectively contributing to WFP's mission.
Experience:
Candidates should have a proven track record of working in areas related to social protection, resilience, livelihoods, disaster risk management, and emergency preparedness. Experience in institutional capacity building and familiarity with WFP's work or similar portfolios within the UN system is highly desirable. The role requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to manage projects effectively and engage with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives.
Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language of the duty station (if different) is also required. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Additional Notes:
This position is a Fixed Term contract (NOA) with a duration of 1 year, with the possibility of extension. The duty station for this role is Colombo, Sri Lanka, and it is open only to Sri Lankan nationals. The WFP Leadership Framework guides the standards of behavior expected from employees, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes, and candidates are advised to be cautious when submitting personal information online.
Info
Job Posting Disclaimer
This job posting is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the job description, qualifications, and other details mentioned is the sole responsibility of the employer or the organization listing the job. We do not guarantee the validity or legitimacy of this job posting. Candidates are advised to conduct their own due diligence and verify the details directly with the employer before applying.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
