Programme Policy Officer- Head of Cooperating Partners Management

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 climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the belief that food is a fundamental human right. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian efforts. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a multicultural working environment across its numerous country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The position of Programme Policy Officer - Head of Cooperating Partners Management is crucial for the WFP Ethiopia Country Office. The selected candidate will oversee the management of partnerships with NGOs and government entities, ensuring that these collaborations align with WFP’s Country Strategic Plan activities. This role involves supervising the Cooperative Partners Management Team and providing technical and operational support to area and field offices. The officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance with corporate standards in partnership engagement processes, managing program budgets, and facilitating the preparation of implementation plans. The position requires a strategic mindset to translate program policies into practical applications at the regional and country levels, while also advising on complex issues to ensure consistency with WFP policies and executive board decisions. The officer will play a key role in resource mobilization and capacity building for WFP staff and partners, contributing to the overall effectiveness of food assistance programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Policy Officer include managing the engagement processes with cooperating partners, ensuring adherence to WFP corporate standards, and overseeing the issuance of Expressions of Interest, Requests for Proposals, and Field Level Agreements. The officer will facilitate the preparation of semi-annual and annual implementation plans and budgets, contribute to the formulation of program policies, and provide advice on complex operational issues. Additionally, the officer will assist government counterparts in identifying opportunities for food assistance, establish operational partnerships, manage the preparation of analytical reports, and contribute to resource mobilization efforts. The role also involves leading and developing a high-performing team, ensuring effective use of financial resources, and contributing to emergency preparedness initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. The position requires at least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in program and policy management, particularly in cooperating partners management or grant management. Strong experience in preparing agreements with partners and reviewing budgets and reports is essential, along with knowledge of UN system policies and regulations.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree is preferred, but a first university degree combined with relevant experience may also be considered. The educational background should be in fields pertinent to international development assistance, such as International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or Social Sciences.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program and policy management, with a focus on cooperating partners management or grant management. Experience in negotiating and maintaining partnerships, managing complex portfolios, and translating operational requirements into financial plans is highly desirable. Supervisory experience is also important, as the role involves leading a team and ensuring high performance.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Consultant Level II and is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The contract duration is eleven months. WFP emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes. Candidates are encouraged to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate before applying.