Programme Policy Officer - Human Capital Development Consultant Level II

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 extreme weather. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP's mission is to achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes, focusing on ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry and that the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, have access to nutritious food. WFP is also a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, which underscores its commitment to humanitarian efforts and global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - Human Capital Development Consultant Level II position is based in the WFP Country Office in Mogadishu, Somalia. This role is pivotal in integrating school feeding and social protection responsibilities into a cohesive human capital development function. The officer will work closely with operational partners and key stakeholders to ensure that programming quality is improved and that government capacity is built. The position requires a strategic approach to policy engagement, operational learning, partnership management, resource mobilization, and capacity strengthening. The officer will be responsible for leading improvements in programming quality implementation and ensuring coherence across various initiatives. This role is essential for advancing WFP's mission in Somalia, particularly in the context of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2026–2030, which aims to support Somalia's transition from humanitarian crises to greater resilience and self-reliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include serving as the principal technical focal point for strategic donor-funded initiatives, such as those supported by the World Bank and FCDO. The officer will support policy dialogue and technical discussions on social protection reforms and expansion pathways. They will also strengthen the Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) and Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) agenda through the social protection platform. The officer will provide strategic and operational leadership on WFP's school meals portfolio, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and donor commitments. Responsibilities also include leading the integration of school meals programs with broader social protection and nutrition initiatives, providing technical oversight for program implementation, and ensuring compliance with WFP standards. The officer will contribute to the development of social registries and beneficiary targeting systems, strengthen partnerships with government ministries and development partners, represent WFP in technical working groups, and support resource mobilization efforts. Additionally, the officer will lead research and evidence-generation agendas that enhance social protection and school meals programming, and provide technical assistance to government counterparts and implementing partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in Social Protection, Public Policy, Economics, International Development, Education, Nutrition, Social Sciences, or related fields. Alternatively, a First University Degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. A combination of social protection, public policy, development programming, and economics is preferred. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, the ability to conceptualize complex issues, and the capacity to produce thorough reports and policy recommendations. Strong interpersonal skills are also essential for effective collaboration with partners and colleagues, especially in challenging environments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Advanced University Degree in relevant fields such as Social Protection, Public Policy, Economics, International Development, Education, Nutrition, or Social Sciences. A First University Degree may be considered if accompanied by significant relevant work experience. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of social protection systems and development programming, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance and food security.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five (5) years of relevant experience with an Advanced University Degree or a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience with a First University Degree. Experience in program management, government engagement, donor coordination, and partner relationship management is essential. Familiarity with social protection systems and the implementation of World Bank-funded programs/projects is highly desirable. Prior experience working with government counterparts and multi-stakeholder initiatives is an added advantage, as is experience in humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second UN language is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to qualified international candidates, specifically those who are nationals of countries other than Somalia. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, and WFP Somalia promotes female-friendly spaces in the workplace. The role is full-time and may involve travel within the country and to other regions as necessary. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring an equitable opportunity for all candidates.