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 nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization 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. WFP is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to apply for positions within the organization. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on various social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position at WFP is designed to provide essential support to policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs. The role involves working closely with senior colleagues and contributing to the development of projects, plans, and processes that align with WFP's broader program policies and guidance. The officer will engage in project management support for specific programs and projects, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to data gathering and monitoring, as well as research and analysis of policy and operational issues to support the development of effective policies and programs. The officer will also be responsible for preparing accurate and timely reports that facilitate informed decision-making and maintain consistency in information presented to stakeholders. Overall, the role is crucial in ensuring that WFP's food assistance initiatives are effectively implemented and that the organization can respond to the needs of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include:

• Contributing to the development of a limited number of projects, plans, and processes, ensuring alignment with wider program policies and guidance.
• Providing project management support to specific and defined programs and projects of small to moderate size that are relatively straightforward in nature, ensuring a coordinated approach with wider programs that comply with WFP standards and procedures.
• Following data gathering and monitoring systems to ensure that rigorous quality standards are maintained.
• Researching and analyzing policy and operational issues to support senior colleagues in the development of policies, programs, and activities.
• Contributing to the preparation of accurate and timely reporting on programs and activities that enable informed decision-making and consistency of information presented to stakeholders.
• Liaising with internal counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitor ongoing projects.
• Supporting the identification, development, and management of potential partnerships to enhance collaborative working leading to improved food assistance packages.
• Supporting the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national government to prepare for and respond to food assistance needs, including project management support of learning initiatives.
• Providing guidance to support staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with analysis and queries. 1
• Contributing to the development of the social protection portfolio by conducting background research, supporting the formulation of funding proposals, and engaging with relevant national counterparts. 1
• Engaging in dialogue on the government’s Social Protection priorities and assisting government counterparts in identifying and analyzing policy problems while providing or mobilizing support and technical expertise for the design and delivery of suitable social protection solutions, including support for the development of the social registry. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

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 another field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses may be accepted. - At least two years of directly relevant work experience in social protection and economic inclusion programs that promote poor households' income-generating capacity and resilience. An undergraduate degree with an additional three years of experience can also be accepted. - A strong understanding of social protection policies and shock-responsive social protection mechanisms is essential. - Extensive knowledge of social protection delivery systems and social registries is required. - Previous experience working with World Bank funding and a strong understanding of World Bank operations and lending mechanisms are desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other relevant areas related to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or specialized trainings or courses may be considered sufficient for this role.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of directly relevant work experience in social protection and economic inclusion programs that enhance the income-generating capacity and resilience of poor households. Candidates with an undergraduate degree may qualify with an additional three years of relevant experience. A strong understanding of social protection policies and mechanisms, as well as experience with social protection delivery systems and social registries, is essential. Previous experience with World Bank funding and operations is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in French (level C) is mandatory for this position, along with intermediate knowledge of English (level B). Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in these languages to effectively communicate and collaborate within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Service Contract (SC) Level 8, based in Bujumbura, Burundi. The role is full-time and involves working within the Global Headquarters (GHQ) and/or Country Offices (COs) of WFP. The selected candidate will receive close support and guidance from a more experienced professional staff member and will be involved in program or policy activities of limited complexity. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.