Programme Policy Officer - Community Infrastructure SC8

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's work is guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP has received numerous accolades for its efforts, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its role in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Community Infrastructure SC8 position is designed to support WFP's policy and program activities that effectively address food assistance needs, particularly through the creation and rehabilitation of community assets. The role involves working closely with local communities to enhance their resilience against climate-related shocks and disasters. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing community-based asset creation programs, ensuring that these initiatives align with WFP's Country Strategic Plan outcomes. This includes strengthening community resilience, supporting national institutions in managing food security, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders. The position requires field visits to monitor project implementation, integrate gender and environmental considerations, and document lessons learned to contribute to WFP's monitoring and evaluation efforts. The role is critical in addressing the challenges posed by increasing disaster frequency and severity in Sri Lanka, particularly in light of recent events such as Cyclone Ditwah, which severely impacted local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Infrastructure & Natural Resource Management: Lead or support the design and implementation of small irrigation structures and provide technical guidance on soil and water conservation measures. Ensure activities align with climate-risk assessments and nature-based solutions.
• Programme Management & Reporting: Contribute to project development, ensuring compliance with WFP standards, and prepare accurate reporting to support decision-making.
• Partnerships & Coordination: Liaise with internal counterparts and coordinate with government and community stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery.
• Capacity Building & Staff Support: Support the capacity building of WFP staff and partners to prepare for food assistance needs.
• Community Engagement & Participatory Planning: Facilitate community consultations and ensure inclusive asset planning.
• Asset Creation & Quality Assurance: Monitor and verify the quality of community assets created under food assistance activities.
• Field Monitoring & Reporting: Conduct field missions to collect and analyze data using digital tools.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Support multi-stakeholder planning and implementation processes.
• Safeguards, Protection & Inclusion: Integrate gender equality and protection principles into project activities. 1
• Climate Change & Resilience Building: Apply knowledge of climate adaptation and resilience-building approaches in project design. 1
• Capacity Strengthening: Design and deliver training for community groups and local government officers. 1
• Results & Learning: Document lessons learned and contribute to evaluations and reviews. 1
• Digital & GIS Competencies: Utilize GIS mapping and digital platforms for asset planning and reporting. 1
• Operational Backstopping: Provide technical support to Field Offices on resilience activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong technical background in civil or environmental engineering, irrigation management, or related fields. They should demonstrate experience in community engagement, participatory planning, and the implementation of food security and natural resource management policies. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in digital tools for monitoring and reporting is highly desirable, as is experience in training and capacity building.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, land and water development, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience may be considered. Candidates should have a solid understanding of disaster risk management and resilience studies.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as irrigation scheme rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, and community infrastructure is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in implementing minor irrigation schemes with community participation and a proven ability to manage land and water interventions in vulnerable areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language is preferred. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Service Contract role based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and is open to nationals only. The application deadline is set for September 9, 202

• WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes a diverse and inclusive work environment and does not charge any fees during the application process.