Programme Policy Officer (BNP - PMU Manager)

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 a pathway 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. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees are supported in their personal and professional development through various training and mobility opportunities. WFP's mission is driven by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (BNP PMU Manager) position is crucial for providing strategic leadership to the Programme Management Unit (PMU) of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme (BNP) in Pakistan. This role involves liaising between the Director General of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the WFP, WHO, and UNICEF Country Office Management. The officer will be responsible for formulating policies, providing technical advice, and ensuring effective implementation of the BNP, which aims to address maternal and child malnutrition through a comprehensive approach that includes cash transfers, health services, and nutrition support. The position requires a strong understanding of the operational realities in the field and the ability to connect headquarters strategies with local implementation. The officer will also oversee the PMU team, ensuring high performance and capacity building among staff, while contributing to emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulate BISP programme policies aligned with organizational strategy and field realities, developing guidance and operational modalities.
• Provide technical advice on programme and policy issues, including assessments, objectives, activities, and innovative approaches.
• Assist government counterparts and partners in planning and implementing social protection and nutrition programmes.
• Establish operational partnerships to enhance collaborative approaches and advocacy efforts.
• Coordinate research and evidence-building related to BISP programmes.
• Prepare and disseminate analytical reports and information products.
• Develop training programs to enhance PMU staff capacity.
• Lead and motivate PMU staff for high performance.
• Contribute to emergency preparedness and response planning. 1
• Oversee the BNP PMU, ensuring coordination of new capacities and alignment with BNP 3.0 objectives. 1
• Support BISP in digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. 1
• Manage strategic partnerships with stakeholders to enhance programme impact. 1
• Identify staffing and resource gaps for successful programme implementation. 1
• Coordinate with BISP and UN agencies to address programmatic issues. 1
• Ensure timely reporting and compliance with donor requirements. 1
• Plan adjustments to programme caseloads in consultation with UN agencies. 1
• Oversee report preparation and dissemination to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business, Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, Project Management, or a relevant field within Social Science. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of related work experience and/or training is acceptable. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant postgraduate professional-level work experience in project management, human capital development, or related fields. Experience in nutrition-responsive social protection programming and coordination in humanitarian or development contexts is essential, along with proven experience working with the Government of Pakistan and UN programmes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Business, Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, or Project Management is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. All educational documents must be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, and appointment is subject to submission of HEC-verified degrees.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant postgraduate professional-level work experience is required, particularly in project management, human capital development, nutrition, or health. Candidates should have experience in nutrition-responsive social protection programming and coordination in both humanitarian and development contexts, preferably within international organizations or the UN system. Familiarity with the governance system and policies of Pakistan regarding nutrition, health, and social protection is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. It is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and is open to UN staff only. The role offers a competitive benefits package, including salary, social security contributions, medical insurance, and various types of leave. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.