WFP: Programme Policy Officer-Kingston

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    2 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    05/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

17 December 2024-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Standard Time (Jamaica)

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).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

In 2018, WFP re-established its presence in the Caribbean with an office in Barbados. The WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) supports 22 countries and territories across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. WFP Caribbean’s capacity strengthening programme focuses on vulnerability analysis and mapping; end-to-end supply chain management; shock-responsive social protection; food systems strengthening; and climate risk financing. In times of crisis, WFP works with partners to provide direct assistance when events surpass national and regional capacities by delivering food, cash or voucher assistance, or through emergency logistics or emergency telecommunications service provision.

Job holders operate with a high degree of independence, manage more junior staff to ensure that programme and policy objectives are achieved in full. They are usually involved in a wide variety of programme and policy activities and analytical work, some of which may be of a considerable complexity. At this level job holders are expected to contribute to performance improvement.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Programme Policy Officer will play a critical role in supporting WFP’s operations in Jamaica. The Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing policies, strategies, and guidelines to support program delivery. This includes data management for social protection and emergencies, as well as program coordination.

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

Policy Development and Implementation:

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and guidelines aligned with WFP’s global and country strategies.
  • Conduct policy analysis and research to inform decision-making.
  • Provide technical guidance to program teams on policy and programmatic issues.
  • Ensure compliance with WFP’s policies and procedures.

Program Coordination:

  • Coordinate with program teams to ensure alignment with WFP’s strategic priorities.
  • Liaise with government counterparts, NGOs, and other stakeholders to build partnerships and facilitate collaboration.
  • Participate in relevant meetings and working groups with internal and external stakeholders to advocate for and represent WFP’s interests and provide technical expertise.
  • Support the development of project proposals and work plans.
  • Serve as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) in the absence of the Head of Office, assuming additional responsibilities as required.
  • Serve as WFP representative within United Nations Programme Coordination Group (PCG) and related fora as required.

Data Management for Social Protection and Emergencies:

  • Develop and manage data systems for social protection and emergency response programs.
  • Ensure data quality and integrity through data cleaning, validation, and analysis.
  • Utilize data analysis techniques to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
  • Support the development of data visualization tools to communicate findings effectively.
  • Collaborate with technical specialists to ensure data is used to inform decision-making.

Government Relations and Advocacy:

  • Support the development and implementation of government relations strategies.
  • Build strong relationships with government counterparts at all levels.
  • Advocate for WFP’s programs and policies with government officials and other stakeholders.
  • Represent WFP in meetings in external stakeholder meetings.

Capacity Building:

  • Provide technical guidance and training to WFP staff, partners and governments on policy, programme development, and data management.
  • Build the capacity of national staff to implement WFP programs effectively.

OTHER POST REQUIREMENTS (details to be determined by Post Managers):

WFP provides emergency response support to the 22 English and Dutch-speaking countries in the Caribbean. In this role, the incumbent may be required to:

  • Support the Finance and Administration Unit’s emergency response activities.
  • Deploy to affected countries to assist with Finance or Administration operations as required.
  • Work beyond regular working hours to support emergency response efforts

DESIRED EXPERIENCES 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.
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Team player and collaborative approach

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Political Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

3 years of professional experience with an Advance University degree or 5 years with a First degree.

  • Professional experience in program development, policy analysis, and government relations.
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in data analysis and interpretation.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Experience in working with government counterparts, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of data management systems and tools.
  • Experience in designing and implementing surveys and other data collection methods.
  • Experience in conducting needs assessments and vulnerability analyses.
  • Experience in working in complex and challenging environments.

Language:

National Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language.

Who Can Apply?

  • This position is open to nationals of Jamaica, individuals legally authorised to work in Jamaica and CARICOM member states and associate members. CARICOM Nationals applying for National position outside of their home country bear sole responsibility for required actions or expenses related to relocation, accommodation, repatriation and any other living expenses,etc. A CARICOM Skilled National Certificate is a pre-requisite of employment for successful candidates who are not from the country for which the position is advertised.

Employment Particulars

  • Type of position: Short Term, Full Time
  • Type of Contact: Service Contract Level 9 (SC 9)
  • Duration on Contract: 12 months. This contract is eligible for extension. Extension of contracts will be based on satisfactory performance and operational requirements.
  • Duty Station: Kingston, Jamaica
  • Travel Requirements: The WFP Caribbean Office cover the 22 English and Dutch speaking Caribbean countries. The selected candidate may be required to travel from time to time, both regionally and internationally, to support missions, emergency responses, training etc. As such full medical clearance will be required.

Benefits and Entitlements

  • Competitive Salary
  • Up to 30 Days of Annual Leave
  • Pension Contribution
  • Learning and Development Opportunities
  • Health, Life and Disability Insurance
  • Sick Leave and Compassionate Leave
  • Parental Leave (birth and non-birth parents)
  • Remuneration: The salary for this position starts at JMD $483,554.23 per month.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements