Programme Policy Officer (CBT)

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 conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities. The organization has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts. WFP employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to the mission of saving and changing lives. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, and it offers opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (CBT) will play a crucial role in leading and supporting the Cash-Based Transfer (CBT) operations within the WFP in Bangladesh. This position involves overseeing the entire programme cycle, ensuring that the CBT initiatives are effectively designed, implemented, and evaluated to meet the needs of beneficiaries. The officer will be responsible for advancing WFP’s approach to CBT programming, which includes innovative solutions such as cash vouchers for hot meals. The role requires a strong focus on ensuring that all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for CBT processes are comprehensive and user-oriented. The officer will also be tasked with building the capacity of staff and partners to deliver CBT programmes effectively, which includes developing training modules and conducting learning sessions. The position demands a strategic mindset to diversify financial service providers and explore multi-channel payment platforms to enhance programme delivery. The officer will coordinate with various stakeholders, including the Cash Working Group and inter-agency coordination mechanisms, to ensure seamless operations and compliance with corporate requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the CBT team, providing overall coordination, oversight, and capacity building.
• Advance WFP’s approach to CBT programming in Bangladesh, ensuring effective and secure assistance to beneficiaries.
• Ensure that WFP’s SOPs for CBT processes are up-to-date and user-friendly.
• Develop and implement training modules and materials for staff and partners involved in CBT programmes.
• Create a Financial Service Provider (FSP) plan to diversify providers and explore innovative payment platforms.
• Ensure adherence to all CBT business processes for monthly planning and payment actions.
• Coordinate Cash Working Group meetings and document notes.
• Participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms as required.
• Perform additional duties related to CBT as necessary. 1
• Coordinate operational and policy decisions for identity management and data transfers with governments. 1
• Develop guidance on identity management, including data collection and protection. 1
• Review existing systems for cash and voucher operations and recommend improvements. 1
• Coordinate actions to establish a High-level Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Finance for accessing the Single Registry. 1
• Develop process flows for identity management processes using the Single Registry. 1
• Strengthen the Government to People (G2P) payment mechanism in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong educational background and relevant experience in the humanitarian sector. A minimum of five years of experience in humanitarian assistance, with at least four years focused on cash-based assistance programmes, is required. Candidates should have experience in planning, designing, and implementing humanitarian and development programmes, particularly in developing countries. Knowledge of WFP procedures and standard operating procedures with financial service providers is desirable. Strong technical skills in cash-based programme design and delivery are essential, along with a solid understanding of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livelihoods, and safety net programmes. Excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills are necessary for this role, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment.

Educational Background:
An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in International Affairs, Economics, Public Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international humanitarian or development assistance is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the socio-economic factors that influence programme implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with a strong emphasis on cash-based assistance programmes. Candidates should have a proven track record in the design, implementation, and evaluation of such programmes, particularly in challenging environments. Experience in planning and executing humanitarian and development initiatives at the country level is essential, as well as familiarity with the operational context in developing countries. Knowledge of WFP’s operational procedures and experience working with financial service providers will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the operational context in Bangladesh or the broader region.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Consultancy with a duration of 11 months. The duty station is Dhaka, Bangladesh, and there is one position available. The WFP emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment and 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 advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions will be based on merit and organizational needs.