Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist)
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. WFP works in emergencies and uses food assistance to support recovery from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and invests in employee development.
Job Purpose
The Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist) will play a crucial role in strengthening local agri-food value chains and enhancing the nutritional quality of foods for vulnerable populations in West and Central Africa, particularly through food fortification initiatives. This position supports WFP's regional nutrition strategy by improving access to safe, nutritious, and affordable foods and strengthening food environments. The incumbent will provide high-level technical expertise in food processing, fortification, and nutrition value chains, collaborating with country offices, private sector actors, and government stakeholders. Key responsibilities include providing technical assistance to local producers, ensuring product safety and quality, supporting the design and implementation of fortification programs, and contributing to knowledge management and best practice dissemination.
Responsibilities
The Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist) role focuses on strengthening local agri-food value chains and enhancing the nutritional quality of food for vulnerable populations, particularly through food fortification. This position supports WFP's regional nutrition strategy by improving access to safe, nutritious, and affordable foods and reducing malnutrition. Key responsibilities include providing technical and programmatic support on local food production and fortification, assisting local producers with food processing, Good Manufacturing Practices, and quality control. The officer will collaborate with national and private sector stakeholders to ensure safe, high-quality food products are accessible and integrated into WFP programs. They will also engage with diverse private-sector actors, promote value chain approaches, and incorporate Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies. The role involves supporting the design, implementation, and scaling of large-scale food fortification programs, contributing to knowledge management, and documenting best practices. The officer will work closely with global Nutrition, Programme, and Supply Chain teams to integrate nutrition objectives across WFP interventions, reporting to the Team Leader, Food Quality and Strategy.
Work Experience
Requires at least 3 years of postgraduate professional experience in a similar field, either domestically or internationally. Prior or current experience within the WACARO region and familiarity with its procedures are also necessary.
Skills
Food fortification, Nutrition Value Chains (NVC), Local food solutions, Food processing, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), Quality assurance, Quality control, Food safety, Value chain development, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC)