Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace and prosperity. WFP utilizes food assistance to support people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. We are committed to a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, operating with integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion.

Job Purpose

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening WFP's capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to natural shocks and other emergencies across the Asia and Pacific region. This position involves designing and leading emergency preparedness initiatives, including multi-hazard risk and contingency planning, capacity building for disaster management actors, and enhancing early warning systems. The role also entails leading the design and delivery of timely and effective emergency food and cash-based assistance operations, ensuring coordination with government counterparts, UN agencies, and NGOs. The officer will contribute to enhancing national disaster management systems, supporting anticipatory action, and managing complex multisectoral projects, ultimately aiming to save lives and improve livelihoods in vulnerable communities.

Responsibilities

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking experienced professionals to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities in the Asia and Pacific region, particularly in Timor Leste, due to the looming El Nino effect. Responsibilities will focus on strengthening emergency preparedness and disaster management systems, which includes assessing capacity gaps, designing and implementing preparedness plans, leading contingency planning and simulations, and enhancing early warning systems. This also involves supporting anticipatory action planning and working with national disaster management partners and other humanitarian actors. Additionally, the role involves leading the design and delivery of emergency food and cash-based assistance operations, from programme design and targeting to distribution and accountability. Project Manager roles will also encompass managing complex, multisectoral projects, identifying risks, and engaging in high-level coordination with governments and partners. Candidates must have prior WFP experience in emergency preparedness and response, be willing to work in the Asia Pacific region, and be available to start by August 2026. The positions require a strong understanding of WFP processes and the ability to build strategic partnerships.

Work Experience

Candidates must have at least 7 years of professional experience in relevant fields, with a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience. Specific requirements include prior experience working with WFP, including knowledge of its internal processes, policies, and systems. Experience in designing and leading food and cash-based assistance programs, particularly in response to natural shocks, is essential. For Project Manager roles, more extensive experience may be preferred. Availability to start in person in the region by August 2026 is also required.

Skills

Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Management Systems Strengthening, Emergency Response Operations, Food Assistance Program Design, Capacity Building, Contingency Planning, Anticipatory Action, Risk Communication, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Partnership Building, Logistics Coordination, Supply Chain Management, Needs Assessment, Disaster Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Aid, Cash-Based Assistance, Nutrition Response, Monitoring and Evaluation, Policy Development

Explore related opportunities