Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Disaster Risk Reduction

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 people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, employing thousands of individuals dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP's mission is centered around the belief that food is a fundamental human right, and it strives to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people worldwide. WFP has received numerous accolades for its work, including the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting its significant contributions to global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security through its humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Disaster Risk Reduction will be instrumental in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WFP projects that focus on social protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and anticipatory actions (AA). This role is critical in ensuring that WFP's interventions are effectively coordinated at various levels, including government and local partners. The officer will be responsible for designing and managing programs that enhance food security, nutrition, and resilience to shocks, ensuring that all activities align with WFP standards and local contexts. The position requires a proactive approach to evidence generation, capacity building, and advocacy to strengthen national systems for AA, DRR, and social protection. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that WFP's mission is fulfilled and that the needs of vulnerable populations are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and monitor anticipatory actions (AA), disaster risk reduction (DRR), disaster management, and social protection programs that address food security and nutrition, ensuring alignment with WFP corporate policies.
• Lead the development of AA, DRR, and disaster management projects, plans, and processes consistent with program guidance.
• Provide project management support to AA, DRR, and social protection initiatives, ensuring coordination with wider programs and compliance with WFP standards.
• Maintain data collection, monitoring, and cash assistance reconciliation systems with government counterparts, ensuring rigorous quality standards in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Unit.
• Conduct research and analyze policy and operational issues, distilling best practices to inform program design and adaptation.
• Prepare accurate, timely reports on DRR and social protection programs, coordinating communication through the Community Feedback Mechanism Unit to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Support advocacy and evidence generation for stronger national systems in AA, DRR, and social protection in collaboration with government and partners.
• Engage civil society and communities in risk-sensitive planning, ensuring meaningful participation in DRR and social protection initiatives.
• Integrate gender analysis and nutrition-sensitive approaches into program design, advancing WFP’s Gender Equality strategy. 1
• Build and maintain partnerships with government entities, UN agencies, international financial institutions, academia, civil society, and development partners to strengthen systems for AA, DRR, and social protection. 1
• Strengthen the capacity of WFP staff, partners, and government for shock-responsive DRR and social protection through training and technical support. 1
• Provide guidance to staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting with analysis and queries related to DRR and social protection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Economics, Social Policy, Social Sciences, International Development, Disaster Management, or Disaster Risk Management. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with additional years of work experience may be considered. The role requires at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in a managerial, supervisory, advisory, or decision-making capacity in the relevant field. Candidates with three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree in related fields are preferred. Proven expertise in technical assistance, policy analysis, and operational support is essential, along with the ability to translate complex information into actionable recommendations for governments and partners. Experience in collaborating with UN agencies, donors, NGOs, and government institutions is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Economics, Social Policy, Social Sciences, International Development, Disaster Management, or Disaster Risk Management. A bachelor’s degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional relevant work experience. The emphasis is on candidates who have a strong academic foundation in areas that directly relate to social protection and disaster risk management.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates who have three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree. Experience should include roles that involve managerial, supervisory, advisory, or decision-making responsibilities. Candidates should demonstrate proven expertise in technical assistance, policy analysis, and operational support, with a strong ability to manage and prioritize workloads effectively. Familiarity with cash-based transfers and experience in cross-agency collaboration are also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with proficiency in Sinhala or Tamil. Strong communication skills in both written and spoken forms are essential for this role, as the officer will be required to engage with various stakeholders and produce reports and documentation in English.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Service Contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The duty station is Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the vacancy is open to nationals only. The WFP Leadership Framework guides the standards of behavior expected from employees, emphasizing integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, WFP does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and candidates are advised to be cautious when submitting personal information online.