Disability Inclusion Officer

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 who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger. WFP is recognized for its rapid response capabilities in delivering food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves and operates in a healthy and inclusive work environment. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, providing opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Disability Inclusion Officer position is crucial for the integration of disability inclusion within WFP’s policies, programs, and operations. This role is based at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy, or can be performed remotely. The officer will work under the supervision of the Senior Disability Inclusion Advisor and will be responsible for leading engagement with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), promoting accessibility, and providing technical assistance to country offices. The officer will also support the development of guidelines and frameworks that ensure inclusivity and representation of persons with disabilities in WFP’s operations. This position requires a strong understanding of disability inclusion principles and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance WFP’s programming and operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Disability Inclusion Officer will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Leading engagement with OPDs to foster partnerships that are mutually beneficial.
• Updating guidelines for consultation with persons with disabilities to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness.
• Streamlining systems for consultation with OPDs globally.
• Promoting accessibility in WFP’s built environment and ensuring compliance with minimum programming standards.
• Providing technical assistance and capacity building to regional and country offices on disability inclusion.
• Supporting the integration of disability inclusion in Country Strategic Plans and ensuring data collection for reporting.
• Delivering accessible training on disability inclusion topics.
• Collaborating with Human Resources to enhance recruitment practices for persons with disabilities.
• Contributing to the development of future strategies on disability inclusion and capacity strengthening plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social sciences, development studies, international relations, sociology, or a related field. They should have at least six years of progressively responsible professional experience in development projects or humanitarian assistance, with a minimum of two years dedicated to disability inclusion. Demonstrated field and policy-oriented experience in disability inclusion is essential, along with strong analytical and writing skills. Previous experience with the UN, particularly with WFP, is highly desirable. Candidates should also exhibit the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and demonstrate initiative and creativity in their work.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, development studies, international relations, or sociology is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of disability inclusion within humanitarian and development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least six years of professional experience in development projects or humanitarian assistance, with a specific focus on disability inclusion for at least two years. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in operational research and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design related to disability inclusion, demonstrating both field experience and policy-oriented expertise.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role, while knowledge of another UN language is strongly desirable. This linguistic proficiency is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse WFP environment and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is at the Consultant level III and is expected to last for 11 months. The role can be based in Rome, Italy, or performed remotely, offering flexibility in work location. WFP emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Compensation details are outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement, and WFP does not charge any fees for the application process.