Job description

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. WFP Somalia’s five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2026-2030 emphasizes resilience building, recognizing the interconnected nature of relief, nutrition, safety nets, food systems, capacity strengthening, and partnerships.

Under SDG2, WFP focuses on strengthening sustainable food systems and value chains to improve access to nutritious diets and reduce the impact of climate-related shocks. This position will support the implementation of climate smart food systems, livelihoods, and resilience interventions in South Central Area office, complementing activities in relief, nutrition, school feeding, social protection, and capacity strengthening. The Programme Policy Officer (Food Systems) will provide technical and operational support in planning, implementing, and coordinating food systems and resilience activities in South and central Somali, and across the Area Office. The role requires strong contextual understanding of Somalia and South and central Somali, and the ability to apply programme guidelines to deliver integrated interventions for vulnerable communities.

Engineering & Technology

Theincumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Programme– South Central Area Office and receive technical guidance from the Strategic Outcome Three (Climate Smart Food Systems) Manager at the Country Office. The PPO – Food Systems will closely collaborate with technical units (Nutrition, School Feeding, Partnerships, Gender & Inclusion, Monitoring & Evaluation, etc.), government counterparts, UN agencies, and NGOs

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

• Contribute to the implementation of WFP Somalia’s CSP 2022-2025 and corporate policies aligned with national strategies on economic development and social protection.

• Analyze technical and policy documents, strategies, and data related to food systems, livelihoods, and resilience, and translate findings into WFP’s thematic focus areas.

• Provide technical and supervisory support for effective implementation of food systems & resilience activities, particularly food value chains involving smallholder farmers and cooperatives.

  Africans & Diaspora

• Collaborate with technical units and partners to translate food systems initiatives and policies into field activities.

• Support programme development, project design, and contribute to resource mobilization for CSP activities.

• Develop and review technical papers, guidelines, and information materials related to food systems, agricultural value chains, market systems, climate change, and partnerships.

• Coordinate with government ministries, UN agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners to strengthen collaboration and provide technical assistance.

•  Supervise cooperating partners, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery of outputs.

• Assess capacity building needs of partners and beneficiaries, develop training materials, and provide technical guidance.

  Food

• Support monitoring, evaluation, and knowledge management of  food systems and resilience projects, ensuring timely reporting and documentation.

• Participate in meetings, workshops, consultations, and field visits to strengthen partnerships and programme delivery.

• Provide technical assistance to other WFP units to ensure food systems and resilience programmes are nutrition sensitive and climate resilient.

• Review and verify reports, ensuring accuracy and consistency of data presented to stakeholders.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Education: Advanced University Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Environment and Climate Change, Rural Development or any other related field OR First University Degree with additional years of related  work experience and/or training/courses

Poverty & Hunger

Experience: At least one (1) year of relevant experience with advanced University Degree OR First University degree with a minimum of three (3) or more years of experience in programme implementation, preferably in agriculture value chains, food systems, or resilience programming, monitoring technical activities related to irrigation, production, post‑harvest management, and market access with smallholder farmers or other relevant fields

Language: Fluent knowledge (proficiency/level C) of English and Somali language.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical and report writing skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver results under pressure.

• Knowledge of UN policies, rules, and procedures is an asset.

• Strong interpersonal skills, tact, and ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

  Jobs

• Proficiency in Windows and MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

This position is open to qualified Somali national candidates only. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. WFP Somalia offers female friendly spaces in the workplace.​

How to apply

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

  Compensation & Benefits

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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