Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist)

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 nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging individuals from various backgrounds to contribute to its mission. WFP is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, ensuring that all employees feel valued and included.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist) position at WFP is crucial for implementing interventions aimed at strengthening local agri-food value chains and enhancing the nutritional quality of foods available to vulnerable populations. This role is part of WFP’s broader nutrition strategy for the West and Central Africa region, focusing on food fortification initiatives that aim to improve access to safe and nutritious foods while reducing malnutrition. The selected candidate will provide high-level technical support for food processing and fortification initiatives, contributing to analytical and operational activities aligned with WFP guidelines and strategic objectives. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including nutrition colleagues, program teams, and supply chain units, to ensure the integration of nutrition objectives across WFP interventions. The incumbent will also engage with local producers and private-sector actors to promote value chain approaches that connect smallholder farmers with consumers, ensuring that safe and nutritious food products are accessible to local populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist) will be responsible for a range of duties, including: providing tailored technical and programmatic support on local food production and fortification; assisting local producers of fortified foods with food technology and fortification areas such as product formulation and quality assurance; collaborating with national food technologists and nutritionists to ensure high-quality food products are accessible; supporting Country Offices in engaging with diverse private-sector actors; incorporating Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) approaches into food production initiatives; providing technical support for the design and implementation of large-scale food fortification programs; contributing to knowledge management and documentation of best practices; and performing any other duties as required by the Team Leader, Food Quality and Strategy (FQS).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Agrobusiness, Health Sciences, Nutrition, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of food fortification and processed food commodities, along with the ability to apply a client-oriented approach and exhibit mature judgment in communication and interpersonal skills. A high sense of responsibility and courtesy is also essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Food Technology, Food Engineering, Agrobusiness, Health Sciences, or Nutrition. This advanced degree is critical for understanding the complexities of food systems and nutrition-sensitive interventions, which are central to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least three years of postgraduate professional experience in a similar field, either domestically or internationally. Experience working in the WACARO region and familiarity with its procedures will be considered an asset. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate can effectively contribute to the objectives of the position and the organization.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the NOB level, based in Dakar, Senegal, with a duration of one year, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role may require travel within the West African and Central African regions. WFP offers an attractive compensation package and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.