Programme Policy Officer

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 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 for its work, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to addressing hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer position at WFP is a critical role that involves providing strategic leadership, technical guidance, and program oversight for various initiatives, particularly in Nutrition, Emergency, and related programs. The officer will be stationed in Lahore, Punjab, and will report directly to the Head of Office Punjab. This role is pivotal in leading the planning, implementation, coordination, monitoring, and strategic development of programs aimed at improving food security and nutrition outcomes in Punjab. The officer will engage with provincial departments, government officials, and development stakeholders to support policy dialogue and program implementation, ensuring that WFP's strategic objectives are met. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for program expansion and innovation, as well as a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and high-quality program delivery.

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

• Leading the planning, implementation, and oversight of nutrition, food systems, and school meals interventions in Punjab to achieve WFP program objectives.
• Providing technical and strategic guidance to program teams to ensure high-quality implementation, monitoring, and reporting of program activities.
• Identifying opportunities for program expansion, innovation, and integration across nutrition, food systems, and school meals portfolios.
• Supporting the development of annual work plans, implementation strategies, budgets, and operational plans aligned with provincial priorities and WFP strategic objectives.
• Positioning WFP as a trusted technical partner to the Department of Health and the Provincial Government of Punjab on nutrition, food systems, and school meals programming.
• Maintaining strategic engagement with senior government officials to support policy dialogue and program coordination.
• Providing technical inputs into provincial strategies, action plans, policies, and operational frameworks related to nutrition and food security.
• Leading coordination with cooperating partners to ensure efficient implementation of program activities.
• Developing and maintaining strong partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, and development stakeholders. 1
• Ensuring robust monitoring systems are in place to track program performance and quality standards. 1
• Leading regular program reviews and performance assessments to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. 1
• Supporting institutional capacity strengthening of government counterparts through technical assistance and mentoring. 1
• Supervising program staff and providing technical guidance and performance feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Policy Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with an additional two years of relevant work experience and/or training.
• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in nutrition, food systems, food security, public health, program management, or related fields.
• Experience in government engagement, program coordination, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated experience in assessments, data analysis, monitoring, and program reviews.
• Strong understanding of nutrition, food systems, and school meals programming, along with excellent report writing, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional relevant work experience and training may be considered. It is essential that all educational documents are verified and attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan, as appointment will be contingent upon submission of HEC-verified degrees.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as nutrition, food systems, food security, public health, or program management. Candidates should have experience in government engagement and program coordination, as well as managing cooperating partners and multi-stakeholder initiatives. Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments, data analysis, and program reviews is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within WFP and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of Urdu is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better engagement with local partners and government officials in Punjab.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is classified at the NOB grade level, and WFP offers a competitive benefits package that includes salary, social security contributions, medical insurance, and various types of leave. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. 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.