WFP recruits 01 Programme Policy Officer

Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection & Safety Nets Officer), FT NOC Mogadishu

Area of expertise : Programme & policy

Country : Somalia

Type of contract : Long term opportunities

Posting Dates:

Date of Issue: 02nd September 2019                              Closing Date: 15th September 2019

Organizational Background:

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every single day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

In 2019 WFP Somalia entered into negotiations with the Government of Somalia and the World Bank for the implementation of a national, WB-funded nutrition linked Safety Net programme, which is due to start in the last quarter of the year. Under this project, WFP will deliver unconditional cash transfers to 200,000 vulnerable households across the six states of Somalia and Somaliland, to allow them to meet their immediate consumption gaps and protect them against food insecurity and malnutrition risks, focusing primarily on rural areas,

The Social Protection and Safety Net Officer will report to a Senior Programme Policy Officer who will oversee the overall implementation and development of the project. The Social Protection & Safety Nets Officer will support project implementation, monitoring and reporting, as well as provide guidance to WFP Area Offices.

This position is open to Somali nationals only and is based in WFP’s Country Office in Mogadishu. Female candidates are particularly and highly encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direct supervision from the Senior Programme Officer and in close collaboration with the Nairobi Liaison Office and other offices in Somalia, lead the implementation and support the development of the World Bank project;

• Translate WFP programme policy into country level practices related to the project. Provide advice and support to offices related to the project, clarify ambiguities and ensure that policy and programme operations are consistent with WFP policies, Executive Board decisions, and other relevant guidance.

• Provide technical advice or mobilize technical expertise on Social Protection and Safety Nets programme and policy issues, including assessment and analysis, the choice of objectives, activities, transfer modalities, the deployment and testing of innovative approaches and the development of strategies to support government efforts to implement Social Protection;

• Establish and maintain operational partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance packages and support advocacy work;

• Represent WFP Somalia in meetings and discussions covering the project;

• Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating to Social Protection through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials;

• Work closely with UNICEF, donors and government to support the project;

• Manage operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to the issue;

• Manage the preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports, publications, and a variety of information products or proposals for internal or external use;

• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts for the project, including clearly articulating the need for social protection and safety nets, and follow up on the resource situation;

• Advice and support the development of functional training in areas of expertise to enhance the capacity of WFP staff and partner to design and deliver effective safety net and social protection;

• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with three (3) additional years of related work experience.

Experience: At least 5 years of post-graduate experience in handling complex programmes, including several years on programmes related to Social Protection and Safety Nets, preferably within the UN. Experience collaborating with government agencies is an advantage.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Somali is a requirement.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proven professional experience in the field with ability to work under pressure and independently on technical matters with minimum supervision.

• Demonstrated excellence in liaising with Donors and establishing innovative partnerships.

• Excellent writing and communications skills in English, and ability to produce quality document and reports and policy documents.

• Experience in organizing workshops with Government agencies and partners at national and subnational levels.

• Training and/or experience utilizing computers including word processing, spreadsheet and other WFP standard software packages and systems. General Knowledge of UN systems and policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration.

• Knowledge and experience in WFP interventions in Somalia is an advantage.

Application Instructions:

You are required to submit an online application through E-Recruitment using the following link:

Applications that do not meet the above requirements will be disregarded and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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WFP seeks applicants of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

WFP is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis.