Programme Policy Officer - Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR)

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 on the belief that food is a fundamental human right and that no one should go hungry. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries around the world, providing humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need. The organization has received recognition for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment that aligns with its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) plays a crucial role in the World Food Programme's mission to combat hunger and enhance security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in vulnerable populations. This position is situated within the Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa, where the officer will be responsible for monitoring regional risk analyses and early warning indicators to inform emergency preparedness efforts in WFP Country Offices. The officer will support the maintenance of minimum emergency readiness and strengthen the emergency preparedness and response capacities of government counterparts and other stakeholders. The role involves planning and designing emergency response programs, providing technical advice for food assistance strategies, and ensuring that emergency programs are integrated with longer-term recovery and resilience outcomes. The officer will also contribute to the formulation of corporate emergency preparedness policies and engage in capacity strengthening initiatives through training and workshops. This position requires a proactive approach to managing emergencies and a commitment to enhancing the capabilities of WFP Country Offices in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer - EPR will undertake a variety of duties, including: conducting regular monitoring of regional risk analyses and early warning indicators; supporting Country Offices in maintaining emergency readiness through the Emergency Preparedness Checklist; enhancing the emergency preparedness and response capacities of government and private partners; monitoring hazard analyses to support WFP’s Corporate Alert System; assisting Country Offices in planning and designing emergency response programs; providing strategic guidance and operational support during emergencies; ensuring integration of emergency programs with recovery outcomes; coordinating regional forced displacement programs; organizing trainings and workshops to enhance staff capacity; contributing to corporate emergency preparedness policies; collaborating with Country Offices on refugee reports; leading reports and analyses related to EPR; disseminating lessons learned and best practices; and deploying to Country Offices as needed to support humanitarian operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in Disaster Management, Economics, International Affairs, Agriculture, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. The position requires a strong understanding of disaster risk management principles and frameworks, as well as experience in emergency preparedness and response operations. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical and writing skills, particularly in English, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse teams are essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in a relevant field such as Disaster Management, Economics, International Affairs, Agriculture, or Social Sciences. A first university degree with additional relevant work experience may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and the socio-economic factors influencing food security and disaster response.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in humanitarian organizations or government institutions, with a proven track record in emergency preparedness and response. Experience in managing and coordinating emergency response operations and food distributions to crisis-affected populations is essential. Additionally, experience engaging with government entities at a senior level, particularly in disaster risk management or humanitarian action, is highly desirable. Familiarity with issues related to internally displaced persons and refugee populations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English is mandatory for this position. A good knowledge of Kiswahili and French is highly desirable, as these languages will facilitate communication with diverse stakeholders in the region and enhance the effectiveness of emergency response efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may involve extensive travel throughout the Eastern and Southern Africa region. The role is full-time and offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions will be based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.