Programme Policy Officer, SO2 Manager (Human Capital Development – Nutrition and School Meals)

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 in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Human Capital Development) position is crucial for leading the design, implementation, and quality assurance of WFP's nutrition and school meals portfolio in Malawi. This role is aligned with WFP's strategic objectives and national priorities, particularly focusing on enhancing human capital development through improved nutrition and education outcomes. The officer will work closely with various teams within WFP and external partners to ensure that the school meals and nutrition programs are effectively integrated and contribute to the overall goal of achieving Zero Hunger by 203

• The position requires strategic leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to manage complex programs that address the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring that the programs are sustainable and progressively handed over to national authorities, fostering local ownership and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include providing strategic leadership for the Human Capital Development team, overseeing the implementation of school meals and nutrition programs, and ensuring alignment with national policies and WFP's strategic objectives. Specific duties include:

• Leading the development of an integrated human capital development approach that utilizes schools and communities for nutrition interventions.
• Managing annual work planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking for the portfolio.
• Overseeing the implementation of Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) initiatives and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborating with government ministries to support the national school meals program and contribute to policy development.
• Strengthening partnerships with food system actors to enhance the availability of nutrient-dense foods.
• Monitoring program outcomes and ensuring robust reporting mechanisms are in place.
• Engaging in resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for school meals and nutrition initiatives.
• Mainstreaming gender equality and protection measures within program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in nutrition, public health, education, or related fields. Required qualifications include:

• Advanced university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Education, Agriculture, or a related field, or a first university degree with additional relevant experience.
• At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in school feeding, nutrition, education, or security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-programming" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security programming.
• Proven experience in managing donor-funded programs and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and policy briefs.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in team management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Education, Agriculture, Food Science, International Development, Economics, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of related work experience and/or training may be acceptable. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition and education systems and for effectively contributing to WFP's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of post-graduate professional experience in areas related to school feeding, nutrition, education, or food security programming. Candidates with five or more years of experience are preferred. Experience working with the Government of Malawi is considered an advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with local policies and systems. The role also demands a track record of managing complex programs and engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a proficiency level of C. Additionally, knowledge of Chichewa, the local language, is required to effectively communicate with stakeholders and beneficiaries in Malawi. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. The role is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and requires regular travel to districts and sub-offices, approximately 30 percent of the time. The position is classified at the NOB level, indicating a mid-level professional role within the organization. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, including benefits related to health, travel, and professional development opportunities. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.