Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Specialist

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 to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing food assistance and support to those in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 2020, WFP continues to strive for excellence in humanitarian assistance, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization is dedicated to ensuring effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people worldwide, and it operates with a diverse workforce across its country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) Specialist will play a crucial role in the design and operationalization of DRF systems, ensuring that mechanisms for the effective use of insurance payouts and contingency financing are aligned with national response and public financial management systems. This position involves strengthening end-to-end systems that link early warning, triggers, financing, and delivery, ensuring that assistance is timely, predictable, and scalable across various shock scenarios. The DRF Specialist will also be responsible for fostering collaboration with key actors, including other UN agencies, to advance the DRF agenda in the Pacific region. The role requires a proactive approach to regional engagement and technical advisory support, contributing to the development of local and regional operational plans that integrate DRF with anticipatory action frameworks and preparedness plans. The specialist will also support community feedback mechanisms and promote accountability and continuous learning within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the design and operationalization of DRF systems, ensuring effective use of insurance payouts and contingency financing.
• Strengthen systems linking early warning, triggers, financing, and delivery for timely and scalable assistance.
• Align DRF initiatives with national systems and WFP priorities, optimizing funding streams for efficiency.
• Collaborate with PCRIC and other UN agencies to advance the DRF agenda in the Pacific.
• Contribute to regional DRF frameworks by providing technical inputs and strengthening linkages between financing instruments and delivery mechanisms.
• Develop operational plans that connect DRF with anticipatory action frameworks and adaptive social protection systems.
• Provide technical advice on trigger parameters, payout structures, and risk layering approaches.
• Monitor and report on DRF corporate indicators and support post-distribution monitoring and After-Action Reviews.
• Strengthen the capacity of government institutions and WFP teams on DRF through training and knowledge transfer. 1
• Promote risk-informed decision-making and sustainability of systems through stakeholder engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of disaster risk financing mechanisms and systems integration. They should have experience in developing operational plans and frameworks that link financing with early warning systems. Strong analytical skills and the ability to provide technical advice on risk management and financing strategies are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate effective collaboration skills, particularly in working with government institutions and other stakeholders in the humanitarian sector. A commitment to promoting accountability and continuous learning within the organization is crucial.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in finance, economics, disaster management, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in disaster risk management or related disciplines will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of public financial management systems and disaster risk financing principles.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in disaster risk financing, public financial management, or related fields is required. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and implementing DRF systems and frameworks, as well as experience in capacity building and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Pacific region would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Suva, Fiji. The contract duration is subject to organizational needs and funding availability. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, including benefits and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.