Budget & Programming Officer

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 to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of extreme weather. WFP operates in over 80 countries and feeds more than 90 million people annually. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a vision of a diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing workforce, selected on merit and operating in an inclusive environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP is also a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, which underscores its significant role in humanitarian efforts worldwide. To learn more about WFP, visit their official website and follow them on various social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Budget & Programming Officer position at WFP is a critical role within the Budget and Programming Unit (BPU) based in Juba, South Sudan. The officer will report directly to the Head of the BPU and will be responsible for creating and reviewing Country Portfolio Needs (CPN) and Implementation Plan (IP) budgets. This role involves monitoring actual performance against budget plans, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and providing analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis to optimize resource planning and utilization. The officer will also be tasked with reviewing and releasing budgets in WFP’s corporate systems, ensuring all supporting documents are in order and that feedback from review processes is addressed. Additionally, the officer will analyze Country Strategic Plan (CSP) budgets, guide functional units on closure activities, and manage resource pipelines to maximize operational effectiveness. The position requires a proactive approach to advising spending units on fund utilization, ensuring alignment with funding proposals and donor conditions. The officer will also consolidate quarterly expenditure plans, contribute to Resource Management and Allocation Committee (RMAC) meetings, and assist in preparing reports for donors. A key aspect of this role is capacity development, where the officer will coach and train Country Office staff in budgeting and fund management, ensuring they are equipped to handle day-to-day transactions effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Budget & Programming Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Creating and reviewing Country Portfolio Needs (CPN) and Implementation Plan (IP) budgets, ensuring adherence to WFP policies and guidelines.
• Monitoring ongoing performance against budget plans and providing financial analysis to optimize resource utilization.
• Reviewing and releasing budgets in WFP’s corporate systems, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and feedback is incorporated.
• Analyzing Country Strategic Plan (CSP) budgets and guiding functional units on closure activities, ensuring timely actions are taken.
• Managing resource pipelines to maximize operational effectiveness and advising on resource allocations based on pipeline shortfalls.
• Advising spending units on programming and utilization of funds, ensuring compliance with donor conditions and proposing corrective actions as needed.
• Consolidating quarterly expenditure plans and undertaking fund sub allotments as per procedures.
• Contributing to the preparation of reports for donors and ensuring compliance with contribution agreements.
• Supporting capacity development of CO staff through coaching and training in budgeting and fund management. 1
• Performing other relevant duties as required by the Head of the Budget & Programming Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in Business Administration, Statistics, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree (bachelor’s) in the relevant field with additional years of related work experience is acceptable. Additional professional training in project management, statistical analysis, or operational planning is desirable. Candidates should have a strong understanding of program operational requirements and resource management, enabling them to propose proactive recommendations for improvement. They should also have experience in coordinating operational planning and discussions around resource projections.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s degree or higher) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Statistics, Finance, or Economics. Candidates with a first university degree (bachelor’s) in these fields may also apply if they have additional relevant work experience. Additional professional training in areas such as project management or operational planning is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires three years of progressively responsible work experience in budget planning and management, operational pipeline management, or resource programming activities for candidates with a master’s degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree, at least five years of relevant experience is required. Candidates should have experience in performing analytics of medium complexity, managing operational budgets, and working with large datasets. A thorough understanding of information and financial systems is essential, along with the ability to apply operational planning and business processes consistently.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. It is open only to qualified South Sudanese candidates, with a strong encouragement for female candidates to apply. The recruitment process will also serve as a roster for lower grade levels for the same contract type or other short-term contract modalities, depending on future operational needs. WFP emphasizes an inclusive work environment and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.