Programme Policy Officer (Gender, Protection & School Feeding)

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 is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. The organization has been recognized globally, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace. WFP's work is guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which shape its approach to humanitarian assistance and partnerships with governments and other stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Gender, Protection & School Feeding) position at WFP is designed to support the implementation of gender-responsive school feeding programs in Cameroon. The officer will work closely with the Government of Cameroon, particularly the Ministry of Basic Education (MINEDUB), to strengthen the evidence base linking school feeding initiatives to gender equality and educational outcomes. This role involves conducting research, analyzing barriers to girls' education, and developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of school feeding programs in promoting gender equality. The officer will also be responsible for generating evidence to support resource mobilization efforts and the design of gender-responsive programs that empower girls and women. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that school feeding programs are effectively integrated into national strategies and contribute to improved educational opportunities for all children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include: conducting a comprehensive desk review of existing evidence on the relationship between school feeding, gender equality, and educational outcomes; identifying barriers affecting girls' education and assessing how school feeding can address these challenges; reviewing and proposing enhancements to monitoring frameworks for school feeding programs; analyzing program data to identify trends and gaps; developing recommendations for integrating gender considerations into the National School Feeding Strategy; supporting research and data collection related to school feeding and gender; creating training materials and facilitating workshops for stakeholders; preparing knowledge products and advocacy materials; assisting in the development of funding proposals and resource mobilization materials; contributing to innovative program designs that leverage school feeding to promote educational outcomes; and documenting best practices and lessons learned to inform policy dialogue and program improvement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Programme Policy Officer position should possess strong analytical and research skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations. They should have experience in gender analysis, education, and social protection, particularly in the context of school feeding programs. Proficiency in monitoring and evaluation frameworks, as well as familiarity with data analysis tools, is essential. The ideal candidate should also have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and present findings clearly. A strong understanding of gender equality issues and their intersection with education and food security is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a master's degree in social sciences, gender studies, education, international development, or a related field is required for the Programme Policy Officer position. Candidates with relevant certifications or additional training in gender analysis, program evaluation, or education policy will be considered favorably. A strong academic background that demonstrates a commitment to gender equality and social justice is essential.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in program management, research, or policy development related to gender equality, education, or social protection. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts, is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully implementing gender-responsive programs and engaging with government and non-governmental stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication with stakeholders in Cameroon. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in the region would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is offered as an International Consultant contract for a duration of 2 months, based in Yaounde, Cameroon. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work collaboratively with WFP staff and government counterparts. The compensation package will be competitive and commensurate with experience. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruiting system, and candidates are encouraged to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.