Programme Policy Officer (Humanitarian Access Specialist)
Job Description
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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP's mission is centered around the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 2020, WFP emphasizes the importance of a skilled and high-performing workforce, committed to making a difference in the lives of those they serve. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.
Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Humanitarian Access Specialist) will play a crucial role in supporting WFP's efforts to ensure safe, timely, and principled humanitarian access to populations affected by food insecurity, displacement, conflict, and other emergencies in Northern Ethiopia. The position involves providing technical leadership, operational coordination, and stakeholder engagement to identify and mitigate access constraints that may hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Access Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing access strategies, conducting context and access analysis, and engaging with various stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian operations. This role is vital in addressing the complex challenges faced in regions impacted by both natural and man-made crises, ensuring that WFP can effectively deliver life-saving assistance to those in need.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this position include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Law, or Public Administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and frameworks, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to engage constructively with diverse stakeholders. Strong report-writing and information management skills are also essential, along with the ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing operational contexts.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Law, or Public Administration. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience may also be considered sufficient for this role.
Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as humanitarian access, humanitarian affairs, programme management, civil-military coordination, security risk management, conflict analysis, and negotiations. Experience working in complex emergencies or fragile settings with humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or government institutions is essential. Prior experience in Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa region is highly desirable, along with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and operational coordination in challenging environments.
Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and operate effectively in the region.
Additional Notes:
This position is a six-month contract under the International CST II type of contract, based in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, with frequent travel throughout Northern Ethiopia, including the Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. The role reports to the Head of Area Office for administrative supervision and the Head of Field Coordination for technical supervision. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.
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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP's mission is centered around the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in 2020, WFP emphasizes the importance of a skilled and high-performing workforce, committed to making a difference in the lives of those they serve. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms.
Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Humanitarian Access Specialist) will play a crucial role in supporting WFP's efforts to ensure safe, timely, and principled humanitarian access to populations affected by food insecurity, displacement, conflict, and other emergencies in Northern Ethiopia. The position involves providing technical leadership, operational coordination, and stakeholder engagement to identify and mitigate access constraints that may hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Access Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing access strategies, conducting context and access analysis, and engaging with various stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian operations. This role is vital in addressing the complex challenges faced in regions impacted by both natural and man-made crises, ensuring that WFP can effectively deliver life-saving assistance to those in need.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this position include:
- Access Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and standard operating procedures to ensure the safe delivery of WFP assistance. Provide technical advice on access-related risks and opportunities.
- Context and Access Analysis: Monitor and analyze access trends and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security dynamics, producing regular reports and assessments to support decision-making.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Negotiation: Establish relationships with government authorities and humanitarian partners, facilitating dialogue to resolve access constraints.
- Operational Support and Coordination: Provide guidance to field offices on access-related issues and coordinate with various teams to ensure integrated approaches to access management.
- Humanitarian Principles and Risk Management: Promote adherence to humanitarian principles and advise management on risks associated with access negotiations.
- Information Management and Reporting: Maintain access-related databases and prepare timely updates for senior management.
- Capacity Strengthening: Provide training and support to WFP staff and partners on humanitarian access concepts and negotiation approaches.
- Partnership and Coordination: Strengthen collaboration with UN agencies and NGOs to promote a coordinated approach to access challenges.
- Other Responsibilities: Perform additional access-related duties as assigned to support WFP's humanitarian response.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Law, or Public Administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and frameworks, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to engage constructively with diverse stakeholders. Strong report-writing and information management skills are also essential, along with the ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing operational contexts.
Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Security Studies, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Law, or Public Administration. A first-level university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience may also be considered sufficient for this role.
Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as humanitarian access, humanitarian affairs, programme management, civil-military coordination, security risk management, conflict analysis, and negotiations. Experience working in complex emergencies or fragile settings with humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or government institutions is essential. Prior experience in Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa region is highly desirable, along with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and operational coordination in challenging environments.
Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and operate effectively in the region.
Additional Notes:
This position is a six-month contract under the International CST II type of contract, based in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, with frequent travel throughout Northern Ethiopia, including the Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions. The role reports to the Head of Area Office for administrative supervision and the Head of Field Coordination for technical supervision. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and harassment. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.
Info
Job Posting Disclaimer
This job posting is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the job description, qualifications, and other details mentioned is the sole responsibility of the employer or the organization listing the job. We do not guarantee the validity or legitimacy of this job posting. Candidates are advised to conduct their own due diligence and verify the details directly with the employer before applying.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.