Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection and Disaster Risk 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 core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities. The organization has received numerous accolades for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant role in addressing global hunger and food insecurity. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection and Disaster Risk Finance Expert) position is a critical role within the World Food Programme, focusing on enhancing disaster risk financing and social protection mechanisms in Pakistan. This role is part of the Global Shield against Climate Risks initiative, which aims to provide better protection for vulnerable populations against climate-related losses and damages. The incumbent will work closely with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and other stakeholders to implement effective disaster risk financing strategies and social protection measures. The position requires a deep understanding of the local context, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to design and implement interventions that address the protection gaps identified in the country. The expert will contribute to institutional strengthening, stakeholder coordination, and the effective monitoring and reporting of the support package's implementation, ensuring alignment with Pakistan's disaster risk financing and social protection priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Reviewing the existing capacities of the MoCC&EC and the Implementation and Monitoring Cell on disaster risk financing and social protection, identifying gaps, and suggesting mechanisms for institutional strengthening.
• Conducting a comprehensive mapping of stakeholders involved in disaster risk finance and social protection in Pakistan to enhance collaboration and maximize contributions to the support package.
• Providing technical support on social protection and disaster risk financing, coordinating with key stakeholders at various levels.
• Supporting monitoring activities related to the implementation of the support package, focusing on disaster risk financing and social protection components.
• Embedding disaster risk financing and social protection considerations into communication and advocacy efforts, including the preparation of key documents and presentations.
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and reporting, ensuring alignment with Global Shield principles.
• Coordinating with federal and provincial stakeholders, donors, and international partners to ensure effective implementation of the support package.
• Preparing regular progress updates and technical reports for submission to the Pakistan Climate Change Council.
• Performing any other technical tasks as assigned during the assignment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Disaster Risk Finance, Public Finance, Risk Management, or Environmental Science. A PhD in these areas is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of Pakistan’s social protection landscape and disaster risk financing policies. They should demonstrate strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively in both Urdu and English. Experience working with government entities, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations in humanitarian response and social protection is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s) in fields related to economics, public policy, disaster risk finance, public finance, risk management, social protection, or environmental science. A PhD in these areas is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile. It is also essential that all educational documents are verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, as this is a prerequisite for appointment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk finance and/or social protection. This experience should include working with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in humanitarian response and social protection initiatives. The ability to engage effectively with government at both national and local levels, as well as with donors and development partners, is crucial for success in this role. Demonstrated experience in stakeholder coordination and technical support in related fields will be highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Urdu 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 a Service Contract for a duration of 12 months, specifically targeting Pakistan Nationals. The role offers a competitive benefits package, including salary, social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security contributions, medical insurance, and various types of leave. The appointment is contingent upon the submission of HEC-verified educational documents. The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and is part of a broader initiative to build a roster of prequalified applicants for future opportunities within the same job profile.