Programme Policy Officer

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, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities, and encourages a culture of innovation and teamwork across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (PPO) position is crucial for leading the School Meals team within the Kenya Country Office of WFP. The PPO will be responsible for coordinating the transition towards School Feeding 2.0, which aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of school meal programs in Kenya. This role involves overseeing the implementation of the Changing Lives Transformation Fund (CLTF) initiative, which focuses on supporting refugees' transition towards self-reliance. The PPO will work closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and UN agencies, to ensure that the school meals program aligns with WFP's strategic priorities and contributes to the broader goals of food security and resilience in the region. The position requires a proactive approach to program management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that WFP's initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented at all levels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include leading the implementation of the School Meals Programme (SMP) in Kenya, ensuring strategic alignment and quality implementation. The PPO will provide technical support for high-level engagements with government and partners, oversee the SMP portfolio, and drive innovation in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. Additionally, the PPO will coordinate the implementation of the Changing Lives Transformation Fund, ensuring coherent delivery across units and effective grant management. The role also involves strategic engagement with UN and other partners, contributing to key program priorities, and identifying opportunities for policy improvement and program effectiveness. The PPO will be responsible for drafting project proposals, managing knowledge sharing, and acting as Officer in Charge for the Strategic Outcome 3 team as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. The position requires at least ten years of professional experience in international development, with a strong emphasis on field exposure. Candidates should have a combination of policy experience at headquarters and field experience in middle-income countries, particularly in areas related to climate-resilient food systems and adaptive social protection. A solid understanding of strategic pathways for transitioning refugees and vulnerable communities to self-reliance is essential, along with experience in facilitating capacity strengthening initiatives and leading work across social protection and safety nets. Familiarity with Kenya's political context and prior experience with the three Rome-Based UN Agencies are considered assets.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences, or other disciplines relevant to international development assistance. This advanced education is critical for understanding the complexities of program management and policy development in the context of humanitarian assistance and food security.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in international development, with a strong emphasis on field exposure. Candidates should have relevant experience in facilitating country capacity strengthening initiatives and leading work across social protection, safety nets, and resilient food systems in middle-income country settings. Experience in engaging donors on innovative financing opportunities and implementing environmental and social safeguards is also important. Prior working experience with the three Rome-Based UN Agencies is an asset, as is familiarity with Kenya's political context regarding social protection and resilience building.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of WFP. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where WFP operates, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is part of WFP's ongoing efforts to enhance its programs in the region. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications through its online recruiting system.