Programme Policy Officer (Disaster Governance and Public Finance Expert)

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 emphasizes the importance of a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive work environment, embodying values such as Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in addressing global hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women and people with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Disaster Governance and Public Finance Expert) position is crucial for assessing and enhancing disaster risk financing mechanisms in Nepal. The role involves leading a comprehensive analysis of existing climate and disaster risk financing systems, focusing on the policy, institutional, and operational frameworks at various government levels. The incumbent will build on previous WFP work, including social protection schemes and disaster risk management strategies, to provide a clear and practical analysis of funding flows and access mechanisms. This position aims to identify strengths and gaps in the current systems, ultimately recommending improvements to enhance financial preparedness and response capabilities in times of disaster. The successful candidate will be expected to produce detailed reports and action plans that facilitate the integration of disaster risk financing with social protection measures, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely and effective support during crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive review of disaster risk management funding instruments and national financing frameworks at federal, provincial, and local levels, evaluating their effectiveness in supporting timely and adequate emergency responses.
• Assessing the maturity and operational capacities of existing social protection systems, including cash-based interventions and digital payment systems, to determine their responsiveness to climate and disaster-related shocks.
• Identifying opportunities for institutional and operational integration of climate and disaster risk financing with social protection systems, providing recommendations for enhancing financial resilience and early action triggers.
• Developing integrated approaches that strengthen national and local response capacities, ensuring that disaster management funds are effectively utilized.
• Delivering analytical reports and action plans that outline the governance structures, budgetary allocations, and operational procedures related to disaster management funds in Nepal.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, International Development, Sociology, Anthropology, Climate and Disaster Studies, or Social Science. A first university degree (bachelor's) in a relevant field, combined with additional years of related work experience or training, may also be considered acceptable. Strong knowledge of Nepal’s governance system, disaster risk reduction architecture, and public financial management systems is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to design and refine standard operating procedures and possess strong facilitation and coordination skills with local governments and relevant agencies.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree (master’s degree) in fields related to economics, public policy, international development, or social sciences. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, along with additional training or work experience, may also be acceptable. This educational background ensures that candidates have a solid understanding of the complexities involved in disaster governance and public finance management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of post-graduate professional work experience in areas such as disaster management, governance, public finance management, or social protection. This experience should be gained after obtaining a master’s degree and should demonstrate a strong understanding of the operational and policy frameworks that govern disaster risk financing and management.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Nepali is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in these two languages to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce necessary documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a Special Service Agreement (SSA) contract type, with a level designation of SSA L

• The contract duration is for 60 workdays spread over four months, with the duty station located in Kathmandu, Nepal. WFP provides a competitive benefits package, including salary and health insurance through CIGNA. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates should ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying.