Apply Now! WFP Programme Officer – Lesotho (2025)
Apply Now! WFP Programme Officer – Lesotho (2025)
About the World Food Programme (WFP)
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to addressing hunger and promoting food security. Operating in over 120 countries, WFP delivers emergency food assistance, supports nutrition programmes, implements resilience initiatives, and collaborates with governments to strengthen national food systems. The organization has a proven track record of rapid, large-scale response to crises including droughts, floods, conflicts, epidemics, and economic shocks. Its interventions are grounded in evidence-based practice, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
WFP’s work is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) – Zero Hunger. The organization also plays a coordinating role in global humanitarian mechanisms such as the Logistics Cluster, Food Security Cluster, and Emergency Telecommunications Cluster.
In Zimbabwe and other Southern African countries, WFP continues to support vulnerable populations affected by climate shocks, economic instability, and recurring natural disasters. The Programme Officer – Emergency Preparedness & Response (EPR) is central to this work, ensuring national and sub-national readiness for emergencies and strengthening WFP’s rapid response capacities.
Position Overview: Programme Officer – Emergency Preparedness & Response (EPR)
The Programme Officer EPR is a specialized position designed to enhance WFP’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The role involves humanitarian coordination, risk monitoring, early warning analysis, inter-agency engagement, emergency planning, development of contingency strategies, surge support, and facilitation of emergency simulations. Successful execution requires strong analytical skills, technical expertise in emergency response mechanisms, and a deep understanding of humanitarian principles.
This Programme Officer will work closely with government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, civil protection units, and community-based organizations. The officer will also support WFP internal teams to ensure operational readiness, updated emergency plans, and enhanced organizational capacity to respond to both anticipated and sudden-onset emergencies.
Key Responsibilities
1. Emergency Preparedness & Planning
The Programme Officer will lead the design and implementation of WFP’s Emergency Preparedness and Response strategies. This includes:
- Developing and updating Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs).
- Conducting risk assessments and mapping hazard-prone areas.
- Leading vulnerability analysis and scenario planning.
- Aligning emergency preparedness processes with national government frameworks.
- Supporting capacity-building for staff and partners on emergency standards.
2. Risk Monitoring & Early Warning
A vital aspect of the EPR role involves gathering, assessing, and reporting on early warning signals. Tasks include:
- Monitoring weather patterns, economic indicators, political contexts, and shock forecasts.
- Collaborating with national early warning systems.
- Producing regular early warning briefs and risk dashboards.
- Advising WFP leadership on preparedness actions based on emerging risks.
3. Emergency Response Coordination
The Programme Officer will support and coordinate emergency response operations during crises. Key functions include:
- Assisting in activation of WFP emergency protocols and systems.
- Coordinating with cluster partners, UN agencies, and government ministries.
- Ensuring alignment with humanitarian standards and Sphere guidelines.
- Supporting rapid needs assessments and multi-sectoral analyses.
4. Strengthening Partnerships
Effective partnerships are essential for strong emergency response systems. Duties include:
- Collaborating with the Civil Protection Department and national disaster management agencies.
- Supporting provincial and district-level coordination mechanisms.
- Engaging with NGOs, donors, private sector actors, and community networks.
- Representing WFP in relevant working groups and inter-agency platforms.
5. Operational Readiness & Capacity Building
The Programme Officer will contribute to building the capacity of WFP staff and partners, including:
- Designing emergency simulation exercises.
- Providing field-level technical support during shocks.
- Facilitating training on humanitarian standards and emergency logistics.
- Ensuring program teams remain ready for rapid mobilization.
6. Monitoring, Reporting & Knowledge Management
The role includes comprehensive documentation and reporting to support learning and accountability:
- Drafting emergency updates, situation reports, and after-action reviews.
- Tracking preparedness indicators and performance metrics.
- Maintaining knowledge repositories on emergency preparedness.
- Identifying lessons learned and recommending future improvements.
Qualifications and Experience Required
To qualify for the WFP Programme Officer – EPR role, applicants should meet the following expectations:
Educational Background
- A degree in Disaster Management, Emergency Response, Humanitarian Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field.
- A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 3–5 years in emergency management, disaster response, humanitarian coordination, or resilience programming.
- Experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, government emergency units, or international development organizations.
- Familiarity with cluster systems, Sphere standards, and inter-agency emergency coordination.
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of early warning systems, risk analysis, and emergency planning.
- Competence in data analysis, scenario modeling, and situation reporting.
- Experience in capacity building, simulation design, and emergency training.
- Knowledge of food security, livelihoods, climate resilience, and social protection is an added advantage.
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and partnership skills.
- High adaptability and ability to work under pressure.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to travel and support field operations on short notice.
Why Work with the World Food Programme?
Joining WFP offers:
- A meaningful career focused on helping vulnerable communities.
- An opportunity to shape emergency response systems at national level.
- A highly collaborative, multicultural environment.
- Exposure to UN systems, global humanitarian networks, and professional growth opportunities.
Candidates selected for the EPR role gain hands-on experience in complex emergency contexts, advance their technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to the UN’s global mission to end hunger.
Employment Conditions
WFP provides:
- Competitive salary packages aligned with UN compensation structures.
- Medical insurance coverage.
- Paid leave entitlements.
- Opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit:
- A detailed CV
- A cover letter outlining experience and suitability
- Certified copies of academic qualifications
- Contact details for three professional references
- APPLY HERE.
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