Programme Policy 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 through food assistance. WFP operates in diverse and challenging environments, striving to reach millions affected by conflict, disasters, and extreme weather. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and the professional development of its staff.
Job Purpose
The Programme Policy Officer (Head of Programme) will be responsible for designing and managing programmes of moderate complexity to meet food assistance needs and contribute to policy formulation. This role involves providing technical advice and oversight on programme strategy and implementation, ensuring alignment with WFP's organizational strategy and field realities. The incumbent will support country offices in developing programme guidance, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and enhancing WFP's leadership in food security and nutrition forums. Key responsibilities include managing operational research, preparing analytical reports, contributing to resource mobilization, and leading a team to achieve objectives within budget, while also contributing to emergency preparedness.
Responsibilities
The Programme Policy Officer - Head of Programme role involves designing and managing food assistance programmes of moderate complexity, ensuring they effectively meet beneficiary needs. This includes contributing to the formulation of WFP-wide programme policies, translating them into practical field-level strategies, and providing clear guidance for operations. The officer will offer advice and support to Country Offices on complex policy and programme issues, ensuring consistency with WFP standards and decisions. They will provide technical expertise on programme design, including assessments, activity planning, transfer modalities, and innovative approaches, aiming to strengthen government and community ownership of food security and nutrition initiatives. Key responsibilities also include establishing operational partnerships, enhancing WFP's leadership in relevant forums, managing operational research, and producing analytical reports. Furthermore, the role entails contributing to resource mobilization efforts, developing functional training for staff and partners, leading and developing a team, managing financial resources within a moderate budget, and contributing to country office emergency preparedness and contingency planning.
Work Experience
The role requires experience across the Program portfolio, including VAM/Nutrition. Candidates should have led a Sub Office, a small country/area office programme team, or a component of a country office programme portfolio. Additionally, experience in policy discussions and providing input into policy decisions is necessary.
Skills
Programme Design and Management, Policy Formulation and Advice, Technical Expertise in Food Security and Nutrition, Partnership Building, Resource Mobilization, Team Leadership, Emergency Preparedness, Operational Research, Cross-cultural Communication, Project Implementation