Apply Today! WFP Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Resilience (2026)
Apply Today! WFP Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Resilience (2026)
The World Food Programme (WFP) is currently seeking a qualified professional to fill the role of Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Resilience. This full-time position provides an opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations dedicated to fighting hunger and strengthening resilience among vulnerable communities. The role focuses on supporting social protection systems, school feeding initiatives, and climate-resilient programmes that help communities recover from crises while building long-term stability.
About the World Food Programme
The World Food Programme is the largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and food insecurity worldwide. Its mission is to save lives during emergencies while simultaneously supporting communities in building pathways toward sustainable development, stability, and peace.
WFP operates in some of the most complex humanitarian environments globally, delivering food assistance, nutrition support, and resilience-building programmes for millions of people affected by conflict, economic instability, climate change, and natural disasters.
In recognition of its global humanitarian impact, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and prevent the use of food as a weapon in conflict situations.
At the heart of WFP’s work are its values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. These principles guide how teams work together to deliver effective assistance and ensure that programmes are responsive to the needs of communities.
Role Overview
The Programme Policy Officer will support the implementation and coordination of key programmes related to social protection, resilience building, food security, and school feeding initiatives.
The position plays an important role in strengthening national systems and supporting government efforts to enhance social protection frameworks. The officer will contribute to project management, policy implementation, programme monitoring, and partnership coordination.
Working closely with government institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations, the Programme Policy Officer will help ensure that programmes are effectively implemented and aligned with national priorities and global development goals.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management and Programme Implementation
The Programme Policy Officer will provide project management support for a range of programme activities related to school feeding, social protection, resilience building, and emergency response. These initiatives often address the needs of communities affected by climate-related shocks, economic disruptions, or food insecurity.
The officer will contribute to the planning and implementation of programmes that focus on improving nutrition outcomes, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing access to food and social services.
Support will also be provided to projects that promote sustainable food systems and improve the capacity of national institutions to deliver social protection services.
Support to National Capacity Strengthening
A significant aspect of the role involves supporting country capacity strengthening initiatives. These activities aim to empower national institutions, government agencies, and local partners to effectively design and implement programmes addressing food security and nutrition.
The Programme Policy Officer will assist in implementing workplans related to capacity strengthening projects. This may include supporting programmes designed to improve the capabilities of smallholder farmers, strengthening food systems, and contributing to national school feeding initiatives.
The officer will also support activities related to national programmes focused on school nutrition and health, helping to ensure that school feeding programmes contribute to both educational outcomes and child wellbeing.
Analytical Reporting and Knowledge Management
Another critical responsibility involves managing the preparation and dissemination of analytical reports and knowledge products. These documents are essential for monitoring programme progress, informing policy decisions, and communicating results to partners and stakeholders.
The Programme Policy Officer will contribute to producing a variety of outputs, including:
- Project reports
- Annual programme reports
- Country briefs
- Analytical publications
- Programme proposals and concept notes
These documents help ensure transparency, accountability, and knowledge sharing across the organization and among development partners.
Strong analytical writing skills are essential for this role, as the officer will be expected to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative data to provide clear insights into programme performance and development challenges.
Partnership Coordination
The Programme Policy Officer will play an important role in strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders involved in programme implementation.
This includes coordinating with:
- Government ministries and national authorities
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- United Nations agencies
- Development partners and donors
The officer will help maintain strong communication channels among stakeholders, ensuring alignment of programme activities and facilitating collaborative approaches to addressing food insecurity and resilience challenges.
Effective partnership coordination helps ensure that programmes are implemented efficiently and that resources are used strategically to achieve maximum impact.
Budget Monitoring and Resource Management
The role also includes monitoring the financial status of programme activities and ensuring that project resources are used efficiently.
The Programme Policy Officer will follow up on budget allocations, ensuring that funds are properly utilized within project timelines and according to grant agreements.
By supporting responsible financial management, the officer helps ensure that programmes remain sustainable and that donor resources are effectively directed toward achieving programme objectives.
Additional Programme Support
The Programme Policy Officer will also provide additional support as requested by management. This may involve assisting with programme coordination, supporting new project development, or contributing to internal planning processes.
Flexibility and adaptability are important qualities for this role, as programme priorities may evolve in response to changing humanitarian and development needs.
Expected Deliverables
During the contract period, the Programme Policy Officer will contribute to the successful implementation of several key programme activities.
These include supporting the implementation of Country Strategic Plan activities related to social protection, resilience, and climate adaptation initiatives.
Planned activities include providing technical assistance to government partners, supporting training initiatives for school staff, and contributing to the development of innovative approaches such as environmentally sustainable cooking solutions in schools.
Another important area of work involves supporting the implementation of a Green Infrastructure for Health and Education project, which includes procurement processes and the rehabilitation of school kitchen facilities.
The Programme Policy Officer will also contribute to the development of proposals related to climate financing initiatives, including project proposals for international climate funds.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen climate resilience and support sustainable development in vulnerable communities.
Education and Professional Experience
Candidates for this position are expected to have an advanced university degree in a field related to international development.
Relevant academic disciplines include:
- International Development
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Social Sciences
- Social Research Methods
A first university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience may also be considered.
Applicants should have at least five years of professional experience working on development programmes, national policies, or institutional strengthening initiatives.
Experience related to food security, nutrition, or school feeding programmes is particularly valuable for this role.
Previous experience working with international organizations, humanitarian agencies, or United Nations institutions is considered an advantage.
Knowledge and Skills
The role requires a solid understanding of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Candidates should also have knowledge of programme management processes, including project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as the officer will work with diverse datasets and information sources to support evidence-based decision-making.
The position also requires strong written communication skills to produce high-quality reports and programme documentation.
Proficiency in computer applications and digital tools used in programme management is also important.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required for this role.
Knowledge of additional UN languages such as French or Spanish is considered beneficial. Familiarity with Portuguese may also be an advantage in the working environment of the programme.
Contract Details
The position is offered under a Service Contract (SC) with a 12-month duration. The role corresponds to Grade SC9 within the World Food Programme’s staffing structure.
The successful candidate will contribute to programmes that aim to strengthen social protection systems, improve food security, and support communities facing climate-related challenges.
Working at WFP
Working with the World Food Programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving humanitarian work while supporting long-term development goals.
WFP provides a diverse and inclusive workplace that values collaboration, professional growth, and innovation. Employees have access to training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and career development pathways across country offices, regional offices, and global headquarters.
By joining WFP, professionals become part of a global team committed to ending hunger and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to build resilient and sustainable futures.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the organization’s online recruitment system. Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter at the initial stage of the application process.
Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their professional profiles are complete and accurately reflect their employment history, educational qualifications, and language skills.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.
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This opportunity offers professionals in international development and humanitarian programming the chance to contribute to impactful initiatives that support food security, social protection systems, and climate resilience. Through strong partnerships and innovative programmes, the Programme Policy Officer will play a key role in advancing efforts to combat hunger and strengthen community resilience.
