Programme Policy Officer (Emergency Preparedness and Response)

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's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide their operations and interactions with partners and communities. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in addressing hunger and promoting peace. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and actively supports the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Emergency Preparedness and Response) will play a crucial role in leading WFP’s emergency preparedness and response initiatives in Nepal, aligning with the Country Strategic Plan for 2024-202

• This position involves engaging with government institutions and local stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to emergency preparedness and response systems. The officer will be responsible for developing and implementing projects related to Emergency Preparedness, Anticipatory Actions, and Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP), ensuring that these initiatives are tailored to local contexts and supported by strong government ownership. The role requires a deep understanding of disaster risk management, climate adaptation, and resilience strategies, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with various partners, including government agencies, UN organizations, NGOs, and civil society. The officer will also contribute to WFP’s advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by generating evidence on the effectiveness of anticipatory actions and disaster preparedness strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing projects related to Emergency Preparedness, Anticipatory Actions, and Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) in alignment with WFP’s policies.
• Providing technical assistance to the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRRMA) and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) to integrate disaster risk management approaches into government policies and operational plans.
• Coordinating with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure effective planning and implementation of early warning systems and anticipatory actions.
• Acting as WFP’s focal point for partnerships with relevant government ministries and departments, supporting initiatives like the Early Warning for All (EW4ALL).
• Supporting the government in coordination" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">cluster coordination for food security, nutrition, logistics, and emergency telecommunications.
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for various disaster scenarios, detailing anticipatory actions and stakeholder roles.
• Overseeing the operations of WFP-managed Humanitarian Staging Areas, ensuring they function effectively for humanitarian logistics.
• Providing technical assistance in operationalizing anticipatory action frameworks and integrating them into disaster risk management and climate adaptation plans.
• Contributing to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts by generating evidence on the effectiveness of anticipatory actions. 1
• Performing other tasks as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s) in climate change, environment, earth sciences, hydrology and meteorology, disaster risk reduction/management, natural resource management, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s) with additional relevant work experience is acceptable. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant post-graduate professional experience, or additional years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, demonstrating expertise in programme design and implementation in humanitarian assistance, disaster risk management, and climate change adaptation. Proven experience in providing technical assistance and capacity strengthening support to government entities is essential, along with experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government ministries, UN agencies, and NGOs. Leadership experience in implementing programmes and contributing to policy design is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s) in relevant fields such as climate change, disaster risk management, or natural resource management. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s) is acceptable if accompanied by significant relevant work experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of emergency preparedness and response, as well as the technical aspects of climate adaptation and resilience strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant post-graduate professional experience in areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster risk management, and climate change adaptation. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have additional years of relevant experience. The role demands demonstrated expertise in programme design and implementation, as well as experience in providing technical assistance to government entities and engaging with a range of stakeholders, including NGOs and civil society. Leadership experience in implementing programmes and contributing to policy design is highly valued.

Languages:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Nepali are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages is considered an added advantage, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC) at Level SC L9, with a contract duration of 12 months and the possibility of extension. The duty station is Kathmandu, Nepal. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary and health insurance through CIGNA. The organization encourages applications from female candidates and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.