Programme Policy Officer (Early Warning Systems Specialist)

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 is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. WFP's mission is to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, and it strives to create a healthy and inclusive work environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Early Warning Systems Specialist) position is a consultancy role aimed at providing high-level technical advisory support for the establishment of an end-to-end Early Warning System (EWS) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This role is crucial for ensuring that the various components of the EWS, including monitoring infrastructure, forecasting models, and anticipatory action mechanisms, are well-integrated and aligned with international standards. The consultant will work closely with the WFP team and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the system, ensuring it meets the needs of national and sub-national stakeholders. The position is designed for a short-term engagement, focusing on strategic guidance and quality assurance rather than implementation tasks. The consultant will be expected to contribute to the formulation of WFP-wide programme policies, provide technical advice, and enhance WFP's leadership status in relevant forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the formulation of WFP-wide programme policies that align with organizational strategy and field operations.
• Provide advice on complex issues to ensure consistency with WFP policies and guidance.
• Offer technical expertise on programme and policy issues, including assessment and analysis, and the development of strategies to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
• Assist government counterparts in identifying opportunities for food assistance and support the planning and implementation of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-programs" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security programs.
• Establish operational partnerships to improve assistance packages and support advocacy work.
• Enhance WFP’s leadership in forums related to food security, nutrition, and resilience through participation and information sharing.
• Manage operational research and evidence building on food assistance issues.
• Review outputs from national EWS consultants and provide independent technical feedback.
• Advise on the integration of system components into a coherent EWS. 1
• Provide on-demand technical support to WFP and partners, clarifying expectations and identifying risks. 1
• Offer strategic advice on institutional arrangements for the sustainability of the system. 1
• Support targeted technical sessions or workshops on impact-based forecasting and decision support tools. 1
• Contribute to quality assurance by reviewing project milestones and providing actionable recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical recommendations for diverse stakeholders. The consultant should have a proven track record of working in early warning systems and disaster risk management, particularly in developing countries. Familiarity with institutional arrangements for disaster risk management is considered an asset. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission, and be able to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in Meteorology, Hydrology, Climate Science, Environment, Disaster Management, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the technical aspects of early warning systems and their implementation in the context of climate resilience and disaster risk management.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in the design and implementation of early warning systems, with a focus on flash flood forecasting and risk management. Experience working in developing country contexts is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in disaster risk management.

Languages:
Excellent written and spoken English is mandatory (level C). Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is for a duration of 11 months, and it is open to non-Pakistani nationals only. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary and medical insurance. The role is primarily advisory, focusing on strategic inputs rather than direct implementation. The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and technical partners, to ensure the successful establishment of the Early Warning System.