DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

29 January 2025-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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).

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, 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.
We are currently seeking a Junior Professional Officer to fill the position of Policy and Programme Officer, Value Chains and Resilient Food Systems, in the Food Systems Coordination Cell – Office of Strategic Coordination POD - based in Rome HQ.

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, annually provides food assistance to over 90 million people across more than 70 countries. It stands at the forefront of addressing global hunger,



leveraging its expertise and resources to offer immediate relief during crises. However, its relevance as an actor extends far beyond emergency response. By focusing on food systems, WFP aims to tackle the root causes of hunger, working towards sustainable solutions that go beyond short-term aid. Through strategic interventions and partnerships, WFP seeks to empower communities, strengthen local economies, and build resilience against future shocks. By embracing a holistic approach to food systems, WFP strives to create lasting impact and pave the way towards a world where no one is left behind.
In this context, the newly established Food Systems Coordination Cell, embedded in the Strategic Coordination & AED Office (PODC), is responsible for fostering internal strategic and programmatic coherence and coordination around WFP’s Food Systems work. Additionally, it coordinates WFP’s engagement in external processes and events related to Food Systems (e.g., Food Systems Summit, G7/G20,



etc.). The Cell is tasked with developing corporate strategies on food systems, outlining WFP’s engagement in this area to provide clarity on concepts and WFP’s role in this field and to foster programmatic coherence and quality across the organisation This includes support for country-level FS strategies and CSPs, assistance in adequately reflecting FS thinking into WFP’s new Strategic Plan, and support to the field on a range of strategic and programmatic issues related to FS.
Additionally, the FS Cell support the efforts to position WFP as a key actor in the food systems ecosystem globally through a strong engagement in the Food Systems Summit and relevant forums (G7/G20, COP, N4G) and related processes, including the FS National Pathways and Regional Dialogues.



This includes working closely with the Food System Hub to provide support in the different coordination mechanisms and platforms as well as with a relevant stakeholder to establish and strengthen collaborations.

General Information

Job Title: JPO Policy and Programme Officer- Food Systems
Unit: Food Systems Cell
Division: Strategic Coordination & AED Office (PODC)
Country and Duty Station: Rome, Italy
Duration and Type of Assignment: 2 years with the possibility of extension for another year. The extension of appointment is subject to yearly review concerning priorities, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of the Food System Cell, the JPO will provide operational support to the team on the external and internal engagement in the food systems arena to ensure coordination and coherence as well as adequate representation in the various platform and forums. This includes, provide timely and adequate inputs to strategic papers, briefs, notes,



support the field addressing request to support food systems programming and strategies as well as supporting the organisation and coordination of meetings and events.

• Facilitate coordination efforts by actively engaging with various internal departments and teams within the organization to ensure alignment and coherence in food systems programming and policy initiatives.
• Act as a liaison for the Food Systems Programme and Policy with external platforms such as the Food Systems Summit and other coordination mechanisms.
• Provide assistance in the production of papers, briefs, and other relevant documents related to food systems engagement, meetings as well as programming. This includes preparing relevant documents and briefs, actively participating in discussions, and contributing to shaping global food systems agendas through proactive engagement.




• Collaborate and liaise with the Food Systems Hub to ensure effective coordination and representation of the organization's interests as well as to support production of papers and documents.
• Conduct desk reviews and research to support the identification of internal case studies and knowledge products relevant to food systems programming and policy.
• Provide support in compiling and synthesizing information for the development of case studies and knowledge products.
• Assist addressing requests from different stakeholders as well as from the field ensuring adequate support is provided on issues related to food systems programming.

Collaborate with communication teams to ensure that messaging is clear, engaging, and accessible to different stakeholders.
• Support the coordination of organize events, meetings, and forums focused on food systems programming and policy.
• Contribute to data analysis efforts and facilitate the corporate annual data collection process.
• Travel to the field as necessary.
• Any other duties as required.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES





• Improved coordination among internal stakeholders, resulting in more streamlined and coherent approaches to food systems programming and policy initiatives.
• Ensured WFP's adequate representation and timely input in external platforms and events related to food systems.
• Enhanced dissemination and utilization of knowledge products and case studies, leading to better-informed decision-making and implementation of food systems initiatives.
• Improved documentation and knowledge sharing within the organization, ensuring that lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches in food systems programming are systematically captured, documented, and disseminated.
• Provided enhanced support and assistance to WFP country offices in implementing food systems programming.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master’s dregee with experience and training/courses in one or more of the following disciplines: Agricultural economics, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, or related field.
• Two to three years of post-graduate, progressively responsible, job-related experience in official development assistance, implementing or overseeing programmes.
• Fluency in English.
• Proficiency in Windows, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Behavioural competencies such as Action Management, Client Orientation, Cognitive Capacity, Innovation, Partnering and Teamwork.
• Willingness to travel to remote regions, if necessary, on short notice.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure to the international arena either by direct work for an international institution/organization or by interacting with international stakeholders.
• Intermediate level of one, or more, of the following official languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese.

• WFP’s international professionals are required to serve in different locations around the world during their career (including in hardship duty stations); willingness to be mobile would maximise opportunities for long-term retention into the Organization.

SUPERVISION

The JPO will receive guidance from the Food Systems Cell Chief and direct supervision from the Deputy Head. Additionally, the Chief will act as a second-level supervisor. The JPO is expected to collaborate closely with other units within WFP and maintain frequent communication with Country Offices and Regional Bureaus to provide timely support as needed. Daily guidance will be available as required.

TRAINING COMPONENTS

The JPO will fully be integrated into the Programme team and involved in the day-to-day operations of the team under the supervision of the Policy and Programme Officer. The JPO will be offered possibilities to participate in professional trainings and travels to support country offices on the programme areas relevant to the incumbent’s professional profile as agreed with the supervisor. Training will be provided mainly through on-the-job experience, including attending meetings with other teams in WFP and outside, data management, liaising with partner organizations, and drafting documents. The JPO will also be able to self-train through WFP’s corporate e-learning tools in SAMS, resilience and food systems and other programmes available for internal users.

LEARNING ELEMENTS

At the end of the two-year assignment, the JPO should have obtained:

• Good knowledge of WFP’s project cycle in general, and WFP’s framework for SAMS and Resilient Food Systems.
• Good skills in project design, coordination as well as guidance development in SAMS and Resilient Food Systems.
• Familiarity with other related WFP workstreams, Resilience, Homegrown School Feeding, Nutrition, and Action to protect against Climate Shocks.
• Good general understanding of WFP’s overall operations and activities.

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 dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at (email hidden). Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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 (email hidden) 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.