Programme Policy Officer (Agriculture and Value Chain)

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 received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Agriculture and Value Chain) will play a crucial role in providing technical and operational support to agriculture, livelihood, and market-focused programs in alignment with WFP Nepal's Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and government policies. This position involves collaborating with various technical units within WFP, including school feeding, nutrition, and evidence generation. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that WFP’s programs are implemented effectively, contributing to climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, sustainable agribusiness, and improved market linkages for smallholder farmers. The role requires a deep understanding of agricultural policies, market systems, and value chain development, as well as the ability to conduct research and analyze relevant data to inform program strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include:

• Implementing WFP Nepal’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and ensuring alignment with national policies related to agriculture and livelihoods.
• Conducting research and analyzing technical documents, strategies, and data to inform WFP’s thematic focus areas.
• Contributing to business development by designing project concepts and proposals related to climate-resilient agriculture and agribusiness.
• Developing and reviewing technical materials and guidelines for WFP’s agricultural value chain initiatives.
• Providing technical oversight and project management support to WFP staff and partners.
• Establishing partnerships with government agencies and other organizations to enhance program implementation.
• Assessing capacity-building needs and developing training materials for partners and beneficiaries.
• Facilitating market-driven linkages among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
• Supporting result-based management and knowledge management of projects. 1
• Participating in meetings, workshops, and field visits to foster collaboration and partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters) in a relevant field such as agriculture, agricultural economics, or agribusiness. Alternatively, a first university degree in a related field combined with additional years of relevant work experience may be considered. The role requires a strong understanding of agricultural policies and programs, particularly in the context of Nepal, as well as experience in business development and project management. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters) in agriculture, agricultural economics, plant and crop science, agribusiness, or a related field. Candidates with a first university degree in a relevant discipline and additional years of related work experience or training may also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and value chain development.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required after obtaining an advanced university degree. This experience should be in areas such as agriculture value chain development, market linkage, agribusiness, and climate change adaptation in agriculture. Candidates should have a proven track record of liaising with government partners and possess strong negotiation skills. Experience in policy discussions and decision-making processes is also advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in both oral and written English and Nepali is mandatory for this position. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills in both languages, as they will be required to produce technical documents and engage with various stakeholders. Familiarity with additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Service Contract at Level 9, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The duty station for this role is Kathmandu, Nepal. WFP promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers an attractive compensation package and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. All applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.