Programme Policy Officer (Head of Asset Creation, Livelihoods and Social Safety Nets)

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 people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the belief that food is a fundamental human right and that everyone deserves access to it. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization employs thousands of individuals across various countries, working collaboratively to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people worldwide. WFP's values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Head of Asset Creation, Livelihoods and Social Safety Nets) will provide strategic direction and operational leadership for the asset creation and social safety nets portfolio in South Sudan. This role is crucial in managing budgets, fundraising, and capacity building of cooperating partners and field offices. The incumbent will develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical manuals, manage staff, and coordinate efforts to deliver conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, and environmentally compliant programs. The position requires occasional travel to field offices outside of Juba, depending on operational needs. The overarching goal is to support the most vulnerable populations in South Sudan, who are facing extreme food insecurity and the compounded effects of climate-induced shocks and instability. The role will involve designing and implementing integrated support systems that enhance resilience and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for households, thereby reducing reliance on emergency assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Social Protection & Safety Nets: Lead the development and implementation of WFP’s Social Protection Strategy, contributing to design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and national social programs. Strengthen linkages between social safety nets and other WFP program areas. Document lessons learned and best practices in social safety net design and implementation.
• Asset Creation & Livelihoods: Design and implement resilience programs, providing technical guidance on climate-smart assets and livelihoods. Ensure alignment with WFP corporate standards and support ecosystem restoration activities.
• Government Engagement & Partnerships: Engage with government counterparts to plan and coordinate ACL and SSN programs, building operational partnerships with UN agencies and NGOs.
• Evidence & Knowledge Generation: Ensure quality data collection and analysis for adaptive programming. Support operational research and produce analytical reports.
• Resource Mobilization & Financial Oversight: Lead the development of concept notes and proposals, monitor resource utilization, and ensure efficient use of funds.
• Capacity Strengthening: Build capacity of WFP staff and partners through training and mentorship.
• Cross-cutting Commitments: Ensure integration of gender equality, youth inclusion, and environmental safeguards in program design.
• Internal Coordination & Team Management: Support coordination of ACL and SSN activities across WFP units and lead the ACL and SSN team to ensure high performance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree or a university degree with relevant experience in disciplines such as economics, international development, social policy, or agriculture. A minimum of five years of postgraduate experience (for master's degree holders) or seven years (for bachelor's degree holders) in rural development, resilience, agriculture, or related fields is required. Hands-on field experience in implementing climate-smart asset creation and livelihoods activities is essential, along with practical experience in social protection and safety nets. Strong program design skills and proven coordination with government and multi-sector partners are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics, international development, social policy, agriculture, or related disciplines is required. Alternatively, a university degree with relevant training and experience in these fields may be acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires five years of postgraduate experience for candidates with a master's degree or seven years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience should be progressively responsible and job-related, particularly in rural development, resilience, agriculture, or similar fields. Hands-on experience in implementing climate-smart asset creation and livelihoods activities is crucial, as is practical experience in social protection and safety nets.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory. Proficiency at level C is required, indicating a high level of competence in communication.

Additional Notes:
The contract is for a duration of 11 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and budget availability. The position is full-time and based in Juba, South Sudan. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and supports individuals with disabilities by offering reasonable accommodations 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 and individual qualifications.