Programme Policy Officer

Programme Policy Officer (Food Systems Engagement)

Location: Rome, Italy

Time Type: Full time

Posted on: Posted Yesterday

Job Requisition ID: JR105962

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 3 November 2024 - 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.

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).

POSITION TITLE: Programme Policy Officer – Food Systems Engagement

TYPE OF CONTRACT: CST level II

ORG UNIT: Food Systems Coordination Unit, POCF

DUTY STATION: HQ Rome, Italy

DURATION: 11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Part of the Food Systems Coordination Unit (POCF), and under the overall guidance of Chief of the Food Systems Coordination Unit and reporting directly to Deputy Head, the Programme Policy Officer – Food Systems Engagement will support in strengthening WFP’s positioning within the food systems landscape, support engagement in the UN Food Systems Summit and related processes, as well as in the other relevant fora (COP, G7, G20, etc.).

The role involves actively engaging with and supporting the work of the UN Food Systems Hub (FS Hub), coordinating closely with its initiatives and processes. This includes facilitating communication and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, supporting ongoing National Dialogues and Pathways at the country and regional levels, as well as engaging in other pertinent food systems platforms and coalitions (e.g. UNTF, ZHC etc.).

The incumbent will coordinate and assist in preparing briefs, documents, and talking points for the team, while also supporting senior leaders' engagement in food systems related events. Additionally, they will contribute to strategic discussions and provide inputs to ensure alignment with WFP's strategic objectives and positions.

Additionally, the incumbent will also play a pivotal role in supporting the organization and strategic alignment of the Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (FSS+4) in 2025, by closely collaborating with relevant teams to ensure comprehensive participation and effective coordination efforts are in place.

Lastly, the Programme Officer will support communication efforts and contribute to knowledge management and learning in the field of food systems, focusing on ensuring effective communication of WFP's positions, concepts, and dissemination of insights and best practices. This role aims to enhance clarity and promote understanding among stakeholders, both internally and externally.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support efforts to strengthen WFP’s position in the food systems landscape internally within HQ, RBx and COs, as well as externally in FSS+4 and relevant fora, including COP, G7, G20, to ensure strategic coherence and alignment with WFP’s strategies and policies.
• Coordinate the engagement in relevant FSS+2 processes, coordination fora (e.g., UNFT) and coalitions by preparing documents, briefs, providing inputs, ensuring coherence with WFP's positions, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the preparation of the FSS+4 Stocktaking Moment in 2025, under the guidance of the Chief of unit and in close collaboration with relevant teams and the UN Food Systems Hub. This includes coordinating team efforts by participating in preparatory meetings, contributing to event planning and organization, drafting and reviewing documents and facilitating communication and coordination among stakeholders.
• Coordinate closely with the UN Food Systems Hub, supporting the National and Regional Dialogues and Pathways, aligning with WFP’s positions and programmes, and ensuring coherence in messaging and activities.
• Develop briefings, factsheets, and presentations, and provide inputs to talking points for events and global fora in a timely and concise manner. This includes ensuring strategic alignment with WFP’s positions and programmes, and effectively communicating key messages to stakeholders.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive communication strategy, in close collaboration with the Communications & Media Division, to ensure clear positioning of WFP in the food systems arena and effective dissemination of messages to diverse audiences, enhancing visibility and influence.
• Collect, organize, and maintain key documents and briefs in a structured and user-friendly manner to establish a comprehensive repository for easy access, sharing, and reference, utilizing appropriate platforms and tools to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
• Stock-taking, reviewing, and mapping out existing food systems work within WFP, identifying best programming practices, capturing lessons learned, and effectively managing and sharing knowledge for internal and external positioning and advocacy.
• Perform any other duties as required or assigned.

SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:
Advanced university degree in international development, international affairs, public policy, rural development, economics, food systems or other relevant fields.

Experience:
At least 5 years of relevant experience in the field of food systems, resilience building, climate and smallholder agricultural market access, nutrition, and/or partnerships with emphasizing expertise in partnership communications and coordination.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with stakeholders across the organization.
• Knowledge of food systems fora, mechanisms, previous experience in engaging with food systems fora, coordination mechanisms, as well as familiarity with WFP’s work in food systems.
• Sound understanding of food systems, smallholders, and other relevant programme skills.
• Excellent communication skills to engage experts and liaise with a range of stakeholders.
• Track record of strong performance.
• Ability to engage and support senior management.
• Openness to innovation and learning.

Languages:
English (Fluency), proficiency in French or Spanish (level B) is considered an asset for this position.

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 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.

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.