Programme Policy Officer - Fortification Technical Advisor

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 numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing food assistance and addressing the root causes of hunger. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a strong emphasis on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization has received recognition for its efforts, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, offering opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer will be seconded to the Coordinating Ministry of Food in Indonesia, focusing on providing technical expertise in rice fortification, food safety, and nutrition. This role is critical in facilitating coordination among various ministries and advancing the implementation of rice fortification initiatives. The officer will work closely with government stakeholders to ensure the successful integration of fortified rice into national food programs, particularly the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with key government entities, develop pilot implementation models, and support evidence-based planning for scaling up rice fortification efforts. The overarching goal is to address micronutrient deficiencies in the population through effective food assistance strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Policy Officer will be responsible for several key areas:

• Technical Leadership & Delivery: Lead the development of a pilot design package for the integration of fortified rice into the MBG program, translating policy and technical priorities into actionable pathways. Provide targeted technical advice to government counterparts.
• Coordination & Institutional Alignment: Facilitate structured coordination across relevant ministries and agencies, ensuring alignment between policy, technical, and operational inputs.
• Evidence & Decision Support: Develop decision-support materials, including briefs and presentations, to assist the government in identifying operational options and trade-offs.
• Partnerships & Resource Mobilization: Mobilize technical expertise from WFP, partners, and the private sector, facilitating knowledge sharing and identifying opportunities for scaling initiatives.
• Strategic Liaison Function: Act as a strategic interface between WFP and the government, ensuring smooth communication and early identification of risks and opportunities. The officer will also be accountable for delivering a government-endorsed pilot design package, establishing a functional inter-ministerial coordination mechanism, and providing a decision-support briefing pack with consolidated evidence and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Technology, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or relevant trainings or courses may be acceptable. Fluency in both written and spoken English and Bahasa is mandatory. The role requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in program management, government coordination, or related areas, with demonstrated expertise in food fortification, particularly in rice fortification, food safety, and nutrition analysis. Relevant competency certifications in food fortification, nutrition, public health, or program management are highly desirable. Experience working with governments or UN agencies is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Health, Nutrition, Food Technology, or other areas relevant to international development assistance. Candidates with a first university degree may be considered if they have additional years of related work experience and/or relevant trainings or courses. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food systems and nutrition-sensitive approaches within national programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in program management, government coordination, or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in food fortification, preferably within the Indonesian context, with proven expertise in rice fortification, food safety, and nutrition analysis. Relevant competency certifications in food fortification, nutrition, public health, or program management are also important. Prior experience working with government entities or UN agencies will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English and Bahasa is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for engaging with diverse stakeholders and facilitating coordination among various ministries and agencies.

Additional Notes:
The Programme Policy Officer will be seconded to the Coordinating Ministry of Food and will work closely with relevant government counterparts. The position will involve direct supervision and overall technical guidance from the Head of School Meals at the WFP Indonesia Country Office. WFP will provide overall coordination support, while the officer will be responsible for day-to-day engagement, technical inputs, and coordination within government structures. The role is expected to be full-time, and the successful candidate will be accountable for delivering key outputs, including design packages, decision-support materials, and partnership mobilization efforts. The position is subject to regular updates and periodic reviews of progress, with priorities and tasks potentially adjusted based on evolving needs.