Programme Policy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflicts, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to providing a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has a significant presence in numerous countries, working with a diverse team of skilled professionals dedicated to humanitarian efforts. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position is situated within the Emergency Unit of WFP, specifically in Juba, South Sudan. This role is critical in shaping the organization's response to food insecurity and humanitarian crises in the region. The officer will be responsible for driving performance across the Emergency Unit’s crisis response portfolio, which includes managing emergency programming and ensuring alignment with corporate policies and guidelines. The position requires collaboration with technical colleagues and stakeholders to develop and implement effective emergency assistance strategies. The officer will also be involved in data gathering, monitoring systems, and reporting, which are essential for informed decision-making and grants management. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks associated with project delivery, as well as supporting the capacity building of WFP staff and partners to enhance their response capabilities. The Programme Policy Officer will work closely with a team of 5-6 individuals and may be required to travel to field locations as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and coordinating data gathering and monitoring systems to produce reliable information for grants management.
• Drafting accurate and timely reports and preparing documents that interpret data for decision-making.
• Contributing to the development of emergency programming in alignment with corporate policies and guidance.
• Providing project management support to established emergency programs, ensuring effective coordination with stakeholders.
• Analyzing policy and operational issues to inform the development of country office-level policies and activities.
• Coordinating with internal and external counterparts to ensure effective collaboration and monitoring of ongoing projects.
• Supporting the identification and management of partnerships for improved food assistance packages.
• Assisting in the capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and national governments in food assistance response.
• Guiding and supervising junior staff, providing support with analysis and queries. 1
• Producing other deliverables and supporting various tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, land/water resource management, economics, development, environment, public administration, public health, social sciences, disaster risk management, international affairs, law, or business management. For those with a master's degree or higher, a minimum of four years of progressively responsible professional experience in emergency assistance design, coordination, or management is required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have at least six years of relevant experience. Specific knowledge and work experience in areas such as grants management, relief to resilience programming, food insecurity analyses, refugee and IDP programming, cash-based modalities, and monitoring & evaluation are essential. Familiarity with the UN system is preferred, along with strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in one or more of the following disciplines: agriculture, land/water resource management, economics, development, environment, public administration, public health, social sciences, disaster risk management, international affairs, law, or business management. A master's degree is preferred, as it allows for a reduction in the required years of experience.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position varies based on educational qualifications. Candidates with a master's degree or higher should have at least four years of progressively responsible professional work experience in emergency assistance at the country or field level, preferably within a UN organization, cooperating partner, or NGO. For candidates with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of six years of relevant experience is required, demonstrating a solid background in emergency programming and project management.

Languages:
Advanced proficiency in English (Level C) is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication, drafting reports, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as a Service Contract at Level 9 (SC-9) and is based in Juba, South Sudan, with a duration of 8 months, subject to renewal based on performance and budget availability. The recruitment process will also serve as a roster for future operational needs at the same or lower grade level and different contract modalities. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. The WFP emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all employees. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.