Programme Policy Officer - School Based Programme (WAE)

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 and employs thousands of individuals committed to its mission. The organization is recognized for its efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition, and it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in addressing global hunger. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer for the School Based Programme will play a crucial role in providing technical and coordination support to enhance the national school meal programme and the home-grown school feeding programme in Sri Lanka. This position is designed for a consultant who will work closely with the Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) at WFP. The primary focus will be on completing studies, strengthening systems, and enhancing policy and operational guidance while fostering linkages with government entities and key stakeholders. The role is vital in ensuring that the school meal programme effectively addresses the nutritional needs of children and contributes to their overall health and learning outcomes. The consultant will be expected to engage in various activities, including data collection, stakeholder engagement, and the development of strategic partnerships to improve programme outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include supporting the completion of the Value for Money (VfM) study, overseeing data collection and validation, coordinating with consultants and government officials, and ensuring timely delivery of reports. The officer will also monitor the distribution of fortified rice to schools, guide payment recovery processes, and support the implementation of clean energy initiatives for the school meal programme. Additional responsibilities include facilitating communication with stakeholders, preparing reports and documentation, and contributing to the development of strategic partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and academic institutions. The officer will also be involved in knowledge management, documenting best practices, and contributing to the development of knowledge products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in relevant fields such as Education, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience, particularly in school health and nutrition or school feeding projects. Strong experience working with government agencies in Sri Lanka and familiarity with WFP or other UN agencies will be advantageous. The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters) in fields related to international development assistance, such as Education, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Candidates with additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training or courses may also be considered. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of school feeding programs and the nutritional needs of children.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience, which should include work at both national and international levels in school health and nutrition or school feeding-related projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of collaborating with high-level government officials and a diverse range of partners. Experience working with WFP or other UN agencies is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational frameworks and standards of international humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, along with a working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the school meal programme.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract type for a duration of 2 months. The duty station is Colombo, and the vacancy is open exclusively to Sri Lankan nationals. The application deadline is set for 5 March 202

• WFP emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.