Programme Policy Officer (Partnership, Data and Programme Resource Management)

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 improving nutrition. WFP's vision is to create a future workforce that is diverse, skilled, and high-performing, operating in an inclusive environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to strive for excellence in humanitarian assistance through partnerships and innovative solutions.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer will play a crucial role in overseeing partnerships with cooperating partners (CPs) and government entities to support the implementation of WFP’s Strategic Engagement Plan activities in the designated Area Office. This position requires collaboration with various teams, including the Partnership Unit, Programme colleagues, and technical staff, to ensure effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. The officer will be responsible for engaging with CPs, documenting challenges and opportunities, and contributing to the overall strategy for partner engagement. The role also involves capacity assessments, quality assurance measures, and ensuring compliance with WFP’s corporate tools and guidelines. The officer will be expected to contribute to internal data process improvements and maintain accurate records of WFP activities, ensuring that all operations align with WFP procedures and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement the Somalia Country Office strategy for partner engagement by actively engaging with CPs, NGO-Consortium, Government Institutions, and other INGOs in the area.
• Document challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned from CP engagements to enhance the quality of assistance provided to beneficiaries.
• Profile potential NGOs in the Area Office and advise on strategic engagement opportunities.
• Participate in NGO Partnerships Unit reviews and facilitate the piloting of CP management activities.
• Conduct quality capacity assessments of CPs and coordinate the implementation of improvement plans in collaboration with technical units.
• Review and revise tools, guidelines, and SOPs to address audit issues and implement NGO guidance recommendations.
• Ensure CPs understand and utilize WFP corporate tools and guidelines in their operations.
• Assess potential risks in CP engagements and recommend mitigation measures.
• Assist NGOs in adhering to FLA reporting requirements and coordinate training on WFP’s corporate strategy and policies. 1
• Implement spot checks and CP monitoring activities at the Area Office level. 1
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of payment requests based on agreements and schedules. 1
• Contribute to the accurate recording of WFP activities in the COMET system, including preparation of distribution plans and reports. 1
• Drive internal data process improvements by automating manual processes and optimizing data delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, Economics, Finance/Accounting, Nutrition, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, Management, International Development, or Project Management. Alternatively, a First University Degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training.
• At least one year of relevant experience with an advanced degree or three or more years of experience with a first degree in partnership management, resource, and funds management in humanitarian operations.
• Experience in a similar position is an added advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team and establish relationships with diverse individuals.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, Economics, Finance/Accounting, Nutrition, Food Security, Management, International Development, or Project Management. Alternatively, a First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training is acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an advanced University Degree. For those with a First University Degree, a minimum of three years of experience in partnership management and resource management in humanitarian operations is required. Experience in a similar role will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluent knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English and Somali is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to qualified Somali national candidates only, with a strong encouragement for female candidates to apply. WFP Somalia promotes female-friendly spaces in the workplace. The role is full-time and may involve working in a multicultural environment. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees during the application process and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications through the official online recruiting system.