Programme Policy Officer (Programme Coordinator)

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 conflicts, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Founded in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably receiving 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. WFP's mission is to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally, and it operates with core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Programme Coordinator) position at WFP Nepal is integral to the organization's efforts in supporting the Government of Nepal in achieving its national and international commitments related to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. The role involves engaging with local governments across Karnali province to provide program coordination and leadership, ensuring that WFP's initiatives align with the country's strategic plan for food systems transformation. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders to implement the Mid-day Meal Programme, which is a significant social safety net for children in Nepal. This position requires a proactive approach to address challenges such as food price increases, limited market access, and the impacts of climate change. The officer will also be responsible for providing technical assistance and capacity building to local governments, ensuring that the home-grown school feeding framework is effectively operationalized.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a range of key accountabilities, including:

• Identifying and establishing sustainable partnerships to provide integrated technical assistance to the government.
• Supporting project management for active WFP programming across Karnali, including anticipatory action and nutrition-sensitive social protection.
• Providing technical assistance on nutrition-sensitive social protection programs, including school meals and resilience initiatives.
• Collaborating with the Provincial Ministry to prepare and implement annual workplans that incorporate Food Systems Transformation activities.
• Strengthening local government capacity to implement the home-grown school feeding framework through coaching and mentoring.
• Building collaborative relationships with local authorities to enhance preparedness and response to food assistance needs.
• Representing WFP in coordination structures and providing oversight to WFP staff in the province.
• Offering guidance and support to staff, assisting with analysis and queries.
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) in education, nutrition, agriculture, food systems, public health, development studies, social sciences, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be considered. The role requires strong project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's) in relevant fields such as education, nutrition, agriculture, food systems, public health, development studies, social sciences, or international development is required. A first university degree with additional relevant experience may also be acceptable.

Experience:
At least one year of post-graduate professional experience in implementing technical assistance programs at the field level is required. Experience in multisectoral platforms and coordinating diverse stakeholder groups is essential. A proven track record in designing and implementing programs related to food systems transformation and nutrition-sensitive social protection is necessary. Additional years of experience in negotiations, communications, and resource mobilization are considered valuable assets.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English and Nepali are mandatory. Knowledge of other local languages is advantageous, and Nepali typing skills are considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract (SC) at Level SC L8, with a contract duration of 12 months and the possibility of extension. The duty station is Surkhet, Nepal. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary and health insurance through CIGNA. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.