Programme Policy Officer (Refugees Transition & Self Reliance)

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 in providing food assistance and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks. WFP is committed to creating a work environment that is inclusive and supportive, ensuring that all employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer for Refugees Transition and Self-Reliance will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing WFP’s contributions to refugee solutions in Ethiopia. This position is designed to address the challenges faced by over one million refugees in the country, particularly those residing in camps due to ongoing conflicts and severe droughts in neighboring regions. The officer will be responsible for driving WFP Ethiopia’s refugee self-reliance portfolio, providing strategic direction and technical oversight to ensure effective implementation of the self-reliance model. This includes leading WFP’s engagement with UNHCR on sustainable refugee solutions, developing partnerships with various stakeholders, and designing integrated livelihood packages aimed at enhancing employment prospects for both refugees and host communities. The role requires a strong commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda for refugee response and ensuring that WFP’s interventions are coherent, scalable, and impactful.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Drive the refugee self-reliance portfolio, providing strategic direction and technical oversight for effective implementation.
• Joint Strategic Dialogue: Lead engagement with UNHCR on sustainable refugee solutions, including advocacy, policy dialogue, and evaluations.
• Partnership Development: Build alliances with government, private sector, and international organizations to expand economic opportunities for refugees.
• Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment: Design integrated livelihood packages to enhance employment and market access for refugees and host communities.
• Implementation of Mekatet Roadmap: Spearhead support activities under the Mekatet framework, ensuring coherence and measurable impact.
• Sustainability Agenda: Coordinate with RRS and UNHCR on the self-reliance model, ensuring programmatic integration with humanitarian assistance.
• Evidence-Based Advocacy: Co-lead data analytics initiatives to identify refugee skills and capabilities, translating findings into advocacy messages.
• Livelihood Support Packages: Lead implementation of livelihood packages targeting urban refugees, overseeing program tracking and evaluation.
• Two-Way Referral Mechanism: Serve as focal point for WFP’s referral mechanism, engaging partners to utilize it for recruitment opportunities. 1
• Data Sharing Agreements: Support establishment and management of data-sharing agreements with UNHCR and other partners. 1
• Other Responsibilities: Perform additional tasks as required to advance WFP’s refugee self-reliance agenda.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Economics, International Affairs, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or related fields; or first university degree with additional years of related work experience.
• At least one year of postgraduate professional experience in livelihoods, employment, or development projects.
• Demonstrated experience in formulating long-term strategies and managing change processes.
• Proven technical knowledge in Livelihood Programming, Job Placement Activities, or Development Programs.
• Extensive knowledge of the livelihoods sector and development actors in Ethiopia, particularly in refugee contexts.
• Strong understanding of labor market dynamics and economic empowerment approaches.
• Experience in coordinating with external partners and stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Economics, International Affairs, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of related work experience is acceptable. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and the specific challenges faced by refugee populations.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in areas related to livelihoods, employment, or development projects. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in formulating and operationalizing long-term strategies and managing change processes. Proven technical knowledge and hands-on experience in Livelihood Programming, Job Placement Activities, or Development Programs are essential, as well as strong project management experience in the private sector.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly languages relevant to the refugee populations in Ethiopia.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time contract for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and private sector actors. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes benefits and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.