Programme Policy Officer NOB

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

4 February 2025-23:59-GMT Greenwich Mean Time (Ouagadougou)

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.

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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).

The Programme Policy Officer (NOB) – Operational Coordination with Government position at WFP in Burkina Faso focuses on managing operational partnerships, particularly with government entities. Key responsibilities include overseeing operational partnerships, contributing to the development of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP), managing resources for efficiency, supporting emergency preparedness, and ensuring sustainability initiatives. The officer will also guide and supervise junior staff, conduct field support missions, and use digital tools to enhance operations. The role requires a relevant advanced degree, at least three years of professional experience, and fluency in French and English.

ABOUT PROGRAMME POLICY OFFICER (CP/MANAGEMENT) AT WFP:

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Burkina Faso supports the Government in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, strengthening food systems, and building the resilience of vulnerable communities. Amid challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and economic pressures, WFP is renewing its operational collaboration framework with the Government to maximize the impact of interventions under the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2024-2025. This position plays a key role in reinforcing the operational collaboration and partnership with technical Government services.

This position is based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and reports to the Head of CP/Management Officer

THE ROLE

To provide support to policy and programme activities that effectively meet food assistance needs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1. Policy and Strategic Guidance

• Support the review and renewal of the MoU between WFP and the Government, ensuring alignment with the CSP and national priorities.

• Provide technical and policy advice to WFP teams and Government counterparts on strengthening operational collaboration.

2. Coordination and Partnership Management

• Coordinate with the Permanent Secretariat for WFP (SP-PAM) under the Ministry of Agriculture and other key Government technical services (e.g., DGCOOP, CONASUR, SONAGESS, SE-CNSA) to ensure a collaborative approach to programme implementation.

• Lead the establishment of joint committees and technical working groups to address critical operational areas.

3. Programme Design and Implementation

• Facilitate the development of annual work plans and budgeted action plans (BTBA) in collaboration with Government stakeholders.

• Oversee the operationalization of MoUs with Government technical services for activity-specific interventions.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Organize joint field monitoring missions to assess programme implementation, engage with communities, and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Lead the preparation and facilitation of regional and national review workshops to evaluate progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to WFP and Government stakeholders, capturing achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Strengthen the capacities of Government technical services and local authorities to enhance the effectiveness of programme implementation.

• Promote knowledge sharing and the documentation of best practices and lessons learned through workshops and strategic review sessions.

6. Operational Oversight and Resource Management

• Ensure efficient resource allocation and management in line with agreed priorities and the annual budget.

• Identify risks and mitigation measures to address challenges in collaboration with stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Advanced University degree in Public Administration, Political Science, International Development, or related fields, or a First University degree with additional relevant work experience, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses at a professional level.

Desired experience for entry into the role:

• Has deepened technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams.

• Has taken leadership of implementing programmes.

• Has provided input into policy discussions and decisions.

• At least 5 years of professional experience in operational coordination, programme management, or related areas (NOB level).

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Language: Extensive in both French and English language.

MORE ABOUT YOU:

You have:

• a strong ability to engage and influence stakeholders, leveraging your expertise to build partnerships and drive coordinated efforts.

• are detail-oriented and can seamlessly manage multiple tasks, ensuring high-quality outcomes.

• demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability, thriving in a diverse and dynamic work environment.

• a proactive approach allows you to anticipate challenges and propose innovative solutions.

ADDITIONAL / NICE TO HAVE:

• Familiarity with WFP operations, policies, and frameworks.

• Experience in resource mobilization and donor relations.

• Knowledge of local contexts and cultural sensitivities in Burkina Faso.

• Expertise in capacity building and institutional strengthening.

• Previous experience in monitoring and evaluation within a programme management context.

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 global.inclusion@wfp.org. 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 global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org 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.