Programme Officer – Cooperating Partnerships

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 and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which underscores its commitment to humanitarian work and the importance of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security in global peace efforts. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries alike. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to contribute to its mission. For more information, visit the WFP website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and insights into their work.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer – Cooperating Partnerships position is crucial for establishing an effective oversight function between operational partnership processing and delegated approvals. This role is designed to enhance fiduciary assurance and improve transparency and accountability in partner engagement. Reporting directly to the head of programme, the Programme Officer will supervise the Cooperating Partnerships Management Team (CPMT) and collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including Cooperating Partners, Area Offices, Finance, Supply Chain, Compliance/Risk, and the Regional Office. The position requires providing technical leadership and oversight over downstream partnership processes, ensuring compliance with WFP corporate policies and country-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Additionally, the role involves identifying, mitigating, and escalating fiduciary and reputational risks, while advancing the Uganda localisation policy as part of the Country Strategic Plan. This position is integral to ensuring that WFP's partnerships are effective, accountable, and aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnership Governance, Coordination, and Team Supervision: Provide functional supervision, coaching, and technical guidance to CPMT staff. Ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities within CPMT, particularly between operational processing and oversight functions, and monitor the implementation of segregation-of-duties principles across CPMT functions. Provide technical oversight and guidance for all downstream partnership processes, ensuring consistency with WFP corporate frameworks and Country Office SOPs. Oversee the development and periodic updating of partnership SOPs, guidance notes, and tools, and support training of CPMT, programme, and field staff on partnership governance, Field Level Agreements (FLAs), and budget oversight. Conduct partner capacity assessments, performance reviews, and due diligence processes in line with corporate requirements, ensuring objectivity and consistency. Support the implementation of the Country Office Localisation Policy within the CSP 2026-2030, ensuring progress towards objectives in collaboration with HQ and the regional bureau. Foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Localisation Strategy Implementation: Advance the implementation of the WFP Uganda Localisation Strategy (2026–2030), promoting equitable partnerships and increased engagement of national NGOs, community-based organisations, refugee-led organisations, government institutions, and local private sector actors. Monitor progress against localisation targets and indicators, and provide technical advice on integrating localisation principles into partner selection, capacity strengthening, and partnership management processes. Liaise with HQ, the Regional Bureau, and relevant internal units to ensure alignment with WFP corporate localisation commitments and share good practices and lessons learned.
• Partner Selection, Field Level Agreement (FLA) Quality Assurance: Review and provide technical clearance on cooperating partner selection processes facilitated through the UN NGO portal. Conduct independent technical and fiduciary reviews of cooperating partner project proposals and budgets. Review FLAs, amendments, and addenda to ensure they reflect approved proposals, budgets, and risk mitigation measures, advising on corrective actions where contractual or compliance issues are identified. Provide quality assurance and technical clearance prior to submission for signature by delegated authority. Provide technical leadership and secretariat oversight to the Cooperating Partner Committee (CPC) and ensure CPC submissions are complete, compliant, and supported by adequate analysis and documentation.
• Compliance and Assurance: Act as a technical focal point for audits, internal reviews, and oversight missions related to cooperating partnerships. Support the implementation and tracking of audit and assurance recommendations affecting partnerships. Advise on risk mitigation measures for high-risk or complex partners. Review significant performance issues, integrity concerns, or partner disputes and advise on escalation and corrective actions. Promote consistent application of partnership standards across all operational areas.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced university degrees in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields are required.
• Experience: A minimum of 6–8 years of relevant professional experience in programme operations, partnership management, compliance, or risk management is essential. Demonstrated experience in reviewing partner proposals, budgets, and contractual arrangements is necessary. Experience working within UN agencies, especially WFP in Cooperating Partner Management, is highly desirable. Proven ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and sound judgment is crucial.
• Knowledge and Skills: A strong understanding of UN partnership and compliance frameworks is required. Candidates should possess analytical skills and the ability to provide independent technical assessments. Strong interpersonal and coordination skills in multicultural environments are necessary, along with the ability to translate policy requirements into practical operational guidance.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess advanced university degrees in fields such as International Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related disciplines. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of partnership management and compliance within the humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6–8 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass programme operations, partnership management, compliance, or risk management. Candidates should have a proven track record of reviewing partner proposals, budgets, and contractual arrangements. Experience within UN agencies, particularly with WFP in Cooperating Partner Management, is highly desirable, as it provides insight into the specific operational and compliance frameworks that govern partnerships in humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency (Level C) in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Kampala, Uganda. The role is part of a broader effort to enhance WFP's operational effectiveness and accountability in partnership management. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. WFP does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and all applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.