Programme Policy Officer - Head of Programme

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 extreme weather shocks. 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's vision is to create a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that embodies its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. 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 globally. WFP is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Head of Programme position at WFP is a critical role responsible for designing and managing food assistance programs that meet the needs of vulnerable populations. This position requires a strategic thinker who can contribute to the formulation of WFP-wide program policies and translate these policies into actionable practices at the regional and country levels. The officer will provide technical advice and support to country offices on complex programmatic issues, ensuring alignment with WFP policies and executive board decisions. The role involves collaborating with government counterparts and partners to enhance the effectiveness of food security and nutrition programs, thereby strengthening community ownership. The officer will also be tasked with managing operational research, preparing analytical reports, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts for WFP projects. This position is based in Banjul and reports directly to the Deputy Country Director, making it essential for the officer to maintain strong operational partnerships and enhance WFP's leadership in relevant forums.

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

• Contributing to the formulation of WFP-wide program policies and ensuring their practical application in the field.
• Developing program guidance and implementation modalities to connect HQ and field operations effectively.
• Providing technical advice on program and policy issues, including assessments, objectives, activities, and innovative approaches.
• Assisting government counterparts in planning and implementing food assistance programs to enhance food security and nutrition.
• Establishing operational partnerships to identify collaborative opportunities and improve assistance packages.
• Enhancing WFP’s leadership status in forums related to food security and nutrition through active participation and information dissemination.
• Managing operational research and evidence building on food assistance issues.
• Preparing and disseminating analytical reports and information products for internal and external use.
• Contributing to resource mobilization efforts and managing project resource situations. 1
• Supporting the development of training programs to enhance WFP staff and partner capacities. 1
• Leading and developing a high-performing team. 1
• Ensuring effective use of financial resources within a moderate budget. 1
• Contributing to emergency preparedness and response planning.

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

• An advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field relevant to international development assistance.
• Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses may be accepted.
• Fluency in English (level C) and proficiency in the duty station's language, if different, are mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences. A first university degree with additional relevant work experience and training may also be considered acceptable. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of food assistance and program management in an international context.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience working across the program portfolio, including areas such as Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) and Nutrition. They should have led a sub-office or a small country/area office program team or a component of a country office program portfolio. Additionally, experience in engaging in policy discussions and providing input into policy decisions is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, and candidates should also be proficient in the local language of the duty station if it differs from English. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of one year, based in Banjul, The Gambia. It is important to note that only Gambian nationals are eligible to apply for this position. WFP encourages qualified female candidates to apply and emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for all employees. The application process requires candidates to submit their applications online in English, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. WFP also provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process.