Programme Policy Officer (IFI - Safeguards Compliance)

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 alleviating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its contributions to combating hunger and fostering peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. WFP is dedicated to creating a healthy and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's goals.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (IFI - Safeguards Compliance) position is crucial for the Sudan Country Office, which is currently undergoing significant operational development. This role focuses on the integration of various thematic areas and the expansion of complex initiatives funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank. The officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards, which are essential for the successful implementation of IFI-funded projects. This includes developing safeguard instruments, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to legal obligations. The officer will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all projects meet the required standards and that the organization maintains its reputation and accountability in safeguarding practices. The position requires strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure that the Sudan CO effectively manages social and environmental risks associated with its projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: providing strategic leadership and coordination for social and environmental safeguards across IFI-funded projects; developing and operationalizing project-specific safeguards instruments; conducting risk assessments and maintaining risk registers; overseeing safeguards implementation in sub-offices; ensuring compliance with legal requirements in procurement processes; conducting field monitoring for safeguards compliance; managing relevant safeguards processes; leading safeguards reporting and compliance assurance; strengthening capacity through training and technical support; supervising team members; and supporting stakeholder engagement to ensure compliance and organizational learning. The officer will also be responsible for delivering timely reports, maintaining effective communication with partners, and ensuring that all safeguards are integrated into WFP's systems and processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in fields such as Social Studies, Political Science, International Studies, Human Rights, or a related area. Additionally, candidates should have in-depth knowledge of social and environmental safeguard frameworks, particularly those of the World Bank and African Development Bank, as well as WFP's compliance requirements. Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with excellent communication, drafting, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Proven experience in drafting and monitoring safeguards instruments, engaging with partner agencies, and managing sensitive incidents is also required. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and effectiveness in high-pressure environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Social Studies, Political Science, International Studies, Human Rights, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of social and environmental safeguards and to effectively engage with various stakeholders involved in IFI-funded projects.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental and social risk identification and management. Experience working with projects funded by the World Bank and/or African Development Bank is considered an asset. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the officer can effectively navigate the complexities of safeguard compliance and risk management in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is preferred, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the officer's effectiveness in the Sudan context.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultant role at Level II, with a contract duration of 11 months. The role is based in Port Sudan, Sudan, and offers an attractive compensation package. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.