Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer - Food Systems & Private Sector Engagement Consultant

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity. WFP operates in emergencies and supports recovery from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and invests in employee development, offering a dynamic and impactful career path.

Job Purpose

The Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening coordination and managing private sector partnerships for WFP Sierra Leone's new Country Strategic Plan (2026–2030). This position focuses on linking technology and investments effectively to smallholder farmers, processors, and market actors, particularly within the context of home-grown school feeding initiatives. The officer will act as a key liaison between the Programme Unit, private sector entities, and external stakeholders, ensuring the successful implementation of activities aimed at promoting climate-resilient, market-oriented food systems. This involves coordinating project execution across various teams, facilitating collaboration with development partners, and identifying opportunities to enhance value addition and market access for smallholder farmers, ultimately contributing to food security and resilience in Sierra Leone.

Responsibilities

The Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening coordination and managing private sector partnerships to enhance Sierra Leone's food systems. This involves ensuring that technological advancements and investments effectively reach smallholder farmers, processors, and market actors, including those involved in home-grown school feeding programs. The officer will act as a liaison between the Programme unit, private sector entities, and external stakeholders to guarantee timely project delivery and alignment with objectives. Key responsibilities include leading engagement with private sector partners in areas like mechanization and processing, coordinating with development partners such as JICA, and ensuring project investments are linked to smallholder farmers and market demand. The role also entails supporting collaboration between partners, government, and program teams, identifying opportunities to strengthen value addition and private sector participation, and promoting sustainable service ecosystems. Additionally, the officer will assist in preparing donor updates, documenting lessons learned, and capturing success stories to inform future programming and enhance visibility. This position is vital for implementing WFP Sierra Leone's Country Strategic Plan, which aims to improve food security and resilience by fostering climate-resilient, market-oriented food systems.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in programme implementation, project management, partner engagement, private sector engagement, or value chain development. Experience in food systems, agricultural development, or rural livelihoods programmes is also necessary. Strong skills in time management, partnership, and teamwork are essential, along with knowledge of donor reporting requirements, particularly from Japan.

Skills

Programme Implementation, Project Management, Partner Engagement, Private Sector Engagement, Value Chain Development, Food Systems Analysis, Agricultural Development, Rural Livelihoods, Donor Reporting, Teamwork, Time Management, Coordination, Communication

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