Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer – Food Systems & Private Sector Engagement

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 vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and the importance of a healthy work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are encouraged to contribute to the organization's goals. WFP has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer will play a crucial role in the effective implementation of WFP's projects aimed at enhancing food systems and private sector engagement in Sierra Leone. This position is designed to address the significant constraints faced by the country's food systems, which are exacerbated by climate shocks and limited market access for smallholder farmers. The officer will be responsible for strengthening coordination among various stakeholders, managing partnerships with the private sector, and ensuring that technological advancements and investments are effectively linked to smallholder farmers and market actors. The role requires a proactive approach to resolving bottlenecks in project implementation and ensuring alignment with WFP's strategic objectives. The officer will report to the Head of Programme and will engage regularly with various teams to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer include leading engagement with private sector partners, coordinating project implementation across various teams, ensuring effective linkages between project investments and smallholder farmers, and supporting the development of sustainable service ecosystems. The officer will also be responsible for preparing donor updates and partnership-related communications, capturing key developments and lessons learned, and promoting partnerships that enhance market access and value addition. Additionally, the officer will facilitate linkages between school feeding initiatives and other program activities, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards common goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Agriculture, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, International Relations, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program implementation, project management, partner engagement, or value chain development, particularly in the context of food systems and agricultural development. Strong knowledge of donor reporting expectations, especially related to Japan, is essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage time effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or International Relations. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food systems and the socio-economic factors affecting agricultural development in Sierra Leone.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program implementation, project management, partner engagement, or value chain development. Candidates should have a proven track record in food systems, agricultural development, or rural livelihoods programs, demonstrating their ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities within these sectors.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the projects.

Additional Notes:
This position is a contract for 11 months at CST Level II. 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 their online recruiting system. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions will be based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.