Programme Policy Officer (NOB) - Damascus VA011-2025

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Programme Officer will work within the Programme Delivery unit. The job holder will provide technical and operational support to Area/Field Offices and work closely with other WFP units involved in the design and implementation of CBT and In-kind programmes, as well as with external partners.

This post is based in Damascus and falls under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme Delivery and secondary supervision of the Head of Programme.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the implementation and expansion of the existing cash-based transfer (CBT) and in-kind modalities, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, and identifying new areas for expansion (in close coordination with Programme, Supply Chain, TEC, Finance and Area/Field Offices).
• Provide technical support and guidance to WFP Area/Field Offices and Cooperating Partners (CPs) on CBT and in-kind implementation through remote support and regular field visits.
• Contribute to the formulation and operationalization of corporate CBT strategies, business models and solutions to meet operational requirements.
• Oversee the technical integration work required to set-up, pilot and implement new solutions and products for the delivery of cash and in-kind assistance to WFP beneficiaries in Syria.
• Lead the review and oversight of CBT and in-kind operations including Identity Management (IDM) tools and processes to ensure alignment with the established strategies, policies, procedures, and controls, with a strong focus on programme quality, and assurance.
• Facilitate technical assessments, data collection and monitoring exercises, contributing to evidence generation on the effectiveness of in-kind and CBT modalities.
• Coordinate externally with humanitarian agencies and relevant governmental bodies to ensure alignment of policies, implementation approaches, and coordination of assistance.
• Provide guidance and support to staff, serving as a point of referral for any operational queries.
• Supervise team members contributing to the capacity building and fostering cohesive environments and performance mindsets.
• Act as OIC for the Programme Delivery team during the absence of the Head of Programme Delivery.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced university degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other field relevant to international development assistance.

Experience: Minimum 3 years with a Master's Degree (or 5 years with Bachelor's) of professional post-graduate work experience in implementing technical programs in In-kind and CBT (i.e. nutrition, education, livelihood, etc.), and providing input into designing operations, policy discussions and decisions. Experience in team supervision. Previous experience with cash-based and humanitarian programmes and management of resources and budgets.

Knowledge & Skills: Sound knowledge of the project cycle and experience in humanitarian programmes. Demonstrated skills in digital tools to support the digitization and delivery of CBT and In-kind operations. Ability to engage and establish effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Languages: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Arabic.

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 committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

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.