Programme Policy Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The position is based in Islamabad, Pakistan, and reports to Head of Programme.

Pakistan is one of the most populous countries in the world (250 million) and is also ranked 10th on the World Risk Index due to the number and scope of natural disasters which regularly impact social and economic development of the country.  In its Country Strategic Plan , WFP Pakistan has prioritised a shift from 'providing food assistance to providing support for inclusive and equitable national policy and capacity development'.  As such Outcome 1 of the CSP focuses on enhancing the capacity of national institutions for risk reduction, risk financing and emergency preparedness and response.

In the first years of the CSP, WFP country office was still responding to the disastrous 2022 floods which affected more than 33 million people along the Indus River basin.  However, by mid-2024, the Government of Pakistan, through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was well positioned to lead country-wide preparations for the annual monsoon season which often results in floods from monsoon rains as well as flash flooding from summer glacial melt in the far north.  The Disaster Management Authority structure reaches all the way down through four provinces and into 170 districts across the country, with various levels of capacity.  Despite strong leadership in planning and coordination, the NDMA and its constituencies across the country still require strategic and technical support from various agencies, including WFP to effectively plan for and respond to any localised or large-scale event. 

As WFP Pakistan continues to shift from saving lives to changing lives/enabling the host Government, the Country Office requires a Programme Policy Officer to focus on leading this process for the Country Office and Provincial Offices for the next 2 years of the country strategic plan working with management, programme and supply chain which will inform the development of the CSP Reporting to the Head of Programme, the staff member will be responsible for the following areas of work:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serve as the transition focal point and liaison for risk reduction, emergency preparedness and risk financing between management, programme and supply chain in the country office and provincial offices.

2. Manage WFP's engagement with the National Disaster Management Authority as well as provincial and district authorities (as required) in the areas of planning, pipeline (along with WFP supply chain) and training, especially during the annual monsoon preparation season.

3. Support management, supply chain and food systems teams in developing a case for Government to have annual stand-by allocations of wheat grain for WFP to use in case of a large-scale emergency. (Year 1)

4. Work with Government (NDMA) to set up their own process and management system for maintaining a strategic supply of grains to be mobilised in case of an emergency, strengthening the linkage between the food authorities and the disaster management authorities.  This include both strategic and technical capacity support. (Year 2)

5. Serve as WFP focal point within the UN system for emergency preparedness and planning, including with OCHA and other partner agencies, interagency working groups and provincial level guidance and support.  Focus will also be on strengthening capacity of national staff in the areas of coordination and negotiation within the UN system.  Identify any joint areas of collaboration and work where possible.

6. Strengthen WFP's work with NDMA and PDMAs and DDMAs for building national capacity and supporting SIMEX and in other technical areas.  This can include capacity assessments for government, partners and WFP staff as well as development of a strategy and funding proposals for this work.

7. Strengthen strategic engagement in emergency preparedness and risk reduction with private sector and civil society, in collaboration with the CO national team.

8. Work with management and programme staff in CO and RBB to better understand opportunities and WFP's role in the areas of risk financing, including engagement with IFIs and other donors.  Lead the development of a road map and work with the team to develop proposals to access climate and risk financing.

9. Any other duties in line with expertise and job profile

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Advanced University degree in social sciences, economics, international development or public policy, or First University degree in the same subjects with an additional two years of relevant experience.

Experience:

At least 8 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in emergency preparedness, risk reduction, emergency planning and response in developing countries.  In-country experience is a must while regional experience is welcomed.  Experience in working with host governments, UN and NGO partners. Some experience engaging donors, including IFIs.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to work across units and functions.
• Ability to develop strategic and planning documents.
• Technical knowledge in various areas of anticipatory action and shock-responsive social protection
• Ability to prepare technical concepts and reports for donors.
• Understanding of emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.