Programme Policy Officer

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 security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. WFP is dedicated to fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees can thrive and contribute to the mission of saving lives and changing lives through effective humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position at WFP is designed to provide critical support to policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs. This role is integral to the development and management of various projects and programs, ensuring they align with WFP's overarching policies and standards. The officer will work independently and manage junior staff, contributing to performance improvement and the successful execution of complex programmatic activities. The position requires a proactive approach to project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that all initiatives are well-coordinated and effectively communicated. The officer will also play a key role in capacity building for WFP staff and partners, enhancing their ability to respond to food assistance needs. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to the development of a variety of projects, plans, and processes that align with WFP's program policies and guidance.
• Providing project management support for specific programs and projects of considerable size and complexity, ensuring compliance with WFP standards.
• Developing and coordinating data gathering and monitoring systems to maintain rigorous quality standards.
• Conducting research and analysis on policy and operational issues to inform the development of effective policies and programs.
• Preparing accurate and timely reports on programs and activities to facilitate informed decision-making and ensure consistency of information for stakeholders.
• Liaising with internal and external counterparts to foster effective collaboration, monitor ongoing projects, and identify potential risks to project delivery.
• Supporting the identification and management of partnerships to enhance food assistance packages.
• Assisting in the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national governments to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, including the development of training materials.
• Guiding and supervising junior staff, acting as a point of reference for analysis and queries. 1
• Performing other duties as required to support the mission of WFP.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Policy Officer position include:

• An 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 years of related work experience and/or training courses may be considered.
• A minimum of three years of postgraduate professional experience in humanitarian, development, or program activities is essential.
• Candidates should demonstrate deep technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams and have experience in leading the implementation of programs.
• Experience in providing input into policy discussions and decisions is also desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development assistance and effectively contributing to WFP's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of postgraduate professional experience in humanitarian, development, or program activities. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex environments and managing projects that address food assistance needs. Experience in leading teams and contributing to policy discussions is highly valued, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate the intricacies of program implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in French (level C) is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Additionally, an intermediate level of proficiency in English (level B) is required, enabling effective collaboration in a multilingual environment. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the NOB level, with a duration of one year that is renewable upon confirmation of the probationary period. The duty stations for this role are Ampanihy and Manakara in Madagascar. 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, ensuring a fair and equitable hiring process. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the online recruitment system, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. WFP emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.