Programme Policy Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction

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 is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and invests in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer – Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) position at WFP Madagascar is crucial for enhancing the organization's capacity to address the challenges posed by recurrent disasters, particularly in a country that is highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, and droughts. The officer will play a pivotal role in supporting national institutions to strengthen disaster risk management frameworks and will be responsible for designing and implementing strategies that focus on flood risk management, risk financing, and urban resilience. This role requires a proactive approach to disaster prevention and preparedness, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and aligned with WFP's corporate policies and the government's disaster risk management strategies. The officer will also engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and technical partners, to foster collaboration and ensure effective implementation of DRR initiatives. The position demands a strong analytical mindset to assess risks and vulnerabilities, as well as the ability to communicate findings and recommendations effectively to diverse audiences.

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

• Designing and developing DRR projects and operational plans that align with WFP corporate policies and national frameworks.
• Providing project management support for DRR and resilience programs, ensuring quality implementation and compliance with WFP standards.
• Strengthening data collection and monitoring systems related to hydrometeorological hazards and urban risk profiling.
• Conducting research and analysis on DRR, climate risks, and risk financing mechanisms to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and decision-making.
• Preparing reports, briefs, and updates on DRR activities for internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaising with government counterparts and partners to facilitate coordinated DRR efforts and monitor progress.
• Developing partnerships with technical agencies and community organizations to enhance DRR solutions.
• Providing capacity strengthening support to WFP staff and partners through training and technical guidance.
• Guiding field teams involved in DRR activities and ensuring quality assurance in their work. 1
• Performing other related duties as required to support WFP Madagascar’s objectives in climate risk management and resilience building.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Risk Reduction, Meteorology, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional relevant work experience and training may be accepted. The role requires fluency in both oral and written communication in French, English, and Malagasy, ensuring effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of disaster risk management principles and practices, particularly in the context of climate change and urban resilience. Familiarity with risk assessments and monitoring systems is considered an asset, as is experience in capacity strengthening activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Risk Reduction, Meteorology, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. A first university degree combined with significant relevant work experience may also be acceptable. Continuous professional development through training and courses related to disaster risk management and climate resilience is highly valued.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in disaster risk reduction, climate risk management, emergency preparedness, or resilience programming. Experience in flood risk management, early warning systems, and urban disaster risk reduction is particularly relevant. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of supporting the design and implementation of DRR projects, working collaboratively with government counterparts and technical partners, and contributing to project management and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in French, English, and Malagasy is mandatory for this position, with a strong emphasis on both oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Service Contract (SC9) with a duration of 12 months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and offers an attractive compensation package. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of submitting applications through its online recruiting system.