Programme Policy Officer (Markets, Economic Recovery and Resilience)

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 people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition assistance to those in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are supported in their professional development through various training and mentorship programs. WFP is also recognized as a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Markets, Economic Recovery and Resilience) will play a crucial role in operational planning, design, delivery, and field-level assurance of market, food systems, and economic recovery activities in Gaza. This position is essential in ensuring that WFP's interventions are aligned with the needs of the population, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. The officer will lead the design and implementation of market-based programming and food systems recovery initiatives, focusing on enhancing local market functionality and promoting sustainable economic recovery. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, food systems, and resilience-building strategies, as well as the ability to coordinate effectively with various stakeholders to achieve programmatic objectives. The officer will also be responsible for managing a national staff team and providing technical leadership in the analysis and recovery of key food value chains, ensuring that interventions are tailored to local needs and market conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of market-based programming and food systems recovery initiatives in Gaza, ensuring alignment with WFP policies and guidance.
• Manage a national staff team, providing day-to-day management and capacity-building support.
• Conduct technical analysis of key food value chains, identifying constraints and opportunities for intervention.
• Develop strategies and operational frameworks that enhance food systems resilience and promote sustainable economic recovery.
• Engage with private sector actors to identify collaboration opportunities and improve program delivery.
• Design and implement resilience and economic recovery interventions, including cash-for-work programs.
• Coordinate closely with various WFP functions to integrate market insights into program design and operations.
• Represent WFP in technical working groups and coordination forums related to food systems and economic recovery.
• Facilitate dialogue with market actors to identify emerging challenges and opportunities. 1
• Document lessons learned and innovative program models to support organizational learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in Project Management, Economics, Business Management, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience related to cash-based transfers (CBT), market-based interventions, resilience, value chains, economic recovery, and/or food systems.
• Field-level experience in operations within hardship contexts.
• Strong background in operations, delivery, and/or assurance.
• Experience working with suppliers, market actors, and government counterparts.
• Exposure to contracting and logistics is considered an asset.
• Experience in the MENA region is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Project Management, Economics, Business Management, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for effective program management and implementation in complex humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas related to cash-based transfers, market-based interventions, resilience, value chains, economic recovery, and food systems. Candidates should have field-level experience in operations, particularly in challenging environments, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex situations and deliver effective results. Experience working with various stakeholders, including suppliers and government counterparts, is crucial, as is a strong understanding of contracting and logistics processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for collaboration and coordination with various stakeholders. A working knowledge of Arabic is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate engagement with local partners and enhance the effectiveness of program implementation in Gaza.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultant role under the CST II contract type, with a duty station in Gaza. The contract duration is for 11 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, and the organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying. WFP emphasizes a commitment to an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.