National Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection and Disaster Risk Financing

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 conflicts, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive workforce, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. WFP operates in numerous countries, working closely with local governments and partners to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The National Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection and Disaster Risk Financing will play a crucial role in supporting the strengthening of shock-responsive social protection and disaster risk financing systems in Laos. This position involves collaboration with the Government of Lao PDR, UN agencies, and development partners to contribute to policy development, program implementation, capacity strengthening, partnership coordination, and knowledge management. The officer will focus on improving disaster preparedness, resilience, and assistance delivery for vulnerable populations. The role requires a deep understanding of the connections between financing mechanisms and social protection delivery systems, ensuring that initiatives are designed and implemented effectively to enhance the resilience of communities affected by disasters. The officer will also engage in monitoring and reporting activities related to social protection and disaster risk financing interventions, ensuring that WFP's efforts align with national and regional strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Programme Policy Officer will report directly to the Social Protection Specialist and will be responsible for providing technical support to WFP's social protection portfolio, focusing on shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) and disaster risk financing (DRFI) preparedness. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the design and implementation of initiatives that strengthen the link between DRFI mechanisms and social protection systems.
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with relevant ministries to enhance adaptive and shock-responsive social protection systems.
• Conducting policy and operational analysis to inform the development of national social protection policies and strategies.
• Contributing to effective national engagement with government, UN agencies, and development partners.
• Developing knowledge products and technical guidance to strengthen WFP's positioning in social protection and resilience building.
• Supporting capacity strengthening initiatives for government counterparts and partners.
• Documenting and sharing lessons learned and best practices from SRSP and DRFI initiatives.
• Monitoring and reporting on SRSP and DRFI interventions, including donor reporting and technical updates.
• Performing any other duties as required to support WFP's objectives in social protection and disaster preparedness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Policy, Public Administration, International Development, International Relations, Economics, Social Sciences, Disaster Risk Management, Finance, or Insurance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training in related fields is acceptable. Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in national development programs, policies, and strategies related to social protection, disaster risk management, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Experience in policy development and program cycle management is essential, along with a strong understanding of social protection systems and disaster risk financing.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields is required, with a focus on public policy, international development, or related disciplines. A first university degree combined with extensive relevant experience may also be considered. Candidates should have a solid foundation in social protection, disaster risk financing, and related areas, supported by relevant training or certifications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to social protection, disaster risk management, and financing. Experience working with UN organizations, government institutions, or NGOs is highly desirable. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of policy development, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement in the context of social protection and disaster risk financing.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Lao is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Service Contract (SC8) with a duration of 12 months and is non-renewable. The role is based in Vientiane, Laos PDR. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying.