Programme Policy Officer – Emergency Response & Capacity Strengthening (SC8)

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 individuals 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 equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a workforce that is diverse, skilled, and high-performing, and it operates in numerous countries around the world, providing humanitarian assistance to millions of people in need. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow them on social media for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer – Emergency Response & Capacity Strengthening will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of emergency response and preparedness activities. This position is vital for strengthening the capacities of government counterparts and partners in emergency management. The Officer will contribute to the development of emergency preparedness and response measures, including contingency planning and early warning systems, ensuring that interventions are gender-sensitive and inclusive. The role also involves skills development and knowledge transfer across various disaster management and social protection structures, ensuring that emergency interventions are effective and sustainable. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that emergency response activities are integrated with resilience-building efforts and social protection programs, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of humanitarian assistance.

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

• Emergency Preparedness & Response: - Contributing to the development of emergency preparedness and response projects, ensuring alignment with WFP policies and objectives. - Providing technical support to government disaster management authorities for integrating emergency preparedness and response protocols into national plans. - Supporting the strengthening of early warning systems and operational readiness measures in collaboration with relevant agencies. - Facilitating the development of contingency plans and emergency SOPs. - Coordinating with government entities and humanitarian partners to ensure coherent preparedness and response efforts. - Providing timely situational updates and analysis to support emergency decision-making. - Linking emergency response activities with resilience-building and social protection components.
• Capacity Strengthening: - Designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives for government counterparts and community institutions on emergency preparedness and response. - Providing technical assistance to authorities on embedding emergency functions within institutional systems. - Developing tools, guidelines, and training materials to strengthen national emergency management capabilities. - Facilitating knowledge exchange and documentation of lessons learned to promote continuous improvement. - Strengthening coordination platforms and partnerships across sectors. - Promoting gender-responsive and nutrition-sensitive approaches in capacity-strengthening efforts. - Supporting resource mobilization efforts for emergency and capacity development initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in fields such as Economics, Social Policy, Social Sciences, International Development, Disaster Management, or related areas. Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with additional relevant work experience is acceptable. Candidates should possess at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in a managerial, supervisory, advisory, or decision-making role in the relevant field. Desirable qualifications include three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree in disaster management, social protection, or humanitarian sectors. Proven expertise in technical assistance, policy analysis, and operational support is essential, along with experience in collaborating with UN agencies, donors, and NGOs.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Economics, Social Policy, Social Sciences, International Development, Disaster Management, or related disciplines. A bachelor’s degree is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant work experience. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of emergency management and the socio-economic factors that influence humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field, with a preference for candidates who have experience in managerial, supervisory, advisory, or decision-making roles. Candidates with three years of experience with a master’s degree or five years with a bachelor’s degree in disaster management, social protection, or humanitarian sectors are preferred. Experience in collaborating with UN agencies, donors, and NGOs is also highly valued, as is familiarity with Cash-Based Transfers and the ability to manage cross-agency collaboration.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with proficiency in either Sinhala or Tamil. This language requirement is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC) with a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension. The duty station is Colombo, and the position is open to Sri Lankan nationals only. The application deadline is set for April 2, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+05:3

• 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 applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system.