Programme Policy Officer - Transition Advisor, P4,

WFP - World Food Programme

Islamabad, Pakistan

JOB PURPOSE:

In the first years of the CSP, WFP country office was still responding to the disastrous 2022 floods which affected more than 33 million people along the Indus River basin. However, by mid-2024, the Government of Pakistan, through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was well positioned to lead country-wide preparations for the annual monsoon season which often results in floods from monsoon rains as well as flash flooding from summer glacial melt in the far north. The Disaster Management Authority structure reaches all the way down through four provinces and into 170 districts across the country, with various levels of capacity. Despite strong leadership in planning and coordination, the NDMA and its constituencies across the country still require strategic and technical support from various agencies, including WFP to effectively plan for and respond to any localised or large-scale event.

As WFP Pakistan continues to shift from saving lives to changing lives/enabling the host Government, the Country Office requires a Programme Policy Officer to focus on leading this process for the Country Office and Provincial Offices for the next 2 years of the country strategic plan working with management, programme and supply chain which will inform the development of the CSP 2028-2032. Reporting to the Head of Programme, the staff member will be responsible for the following areas of work:

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Serve as the transition focal point and liaison for risk reduction, emergency preparedness and risk financing between management, programme and supply chain in the country office and provincial offices.
Manage WFP’s engagement with the National Disaster Management Authority as well as provincial and district authorities (as required) in the areas of planning, pipeline (along with WFP supply chain) and training, especially during the annual monsoon preparation season.
Support management, supply chain and food systems teams in developing a case for Government to have annual stand-by allocations of wheat grain for WFP to use in case of a large-scale emergency. (Year 1).
Work with Government (NDMA) to set up their own process and management system for maintaining a strategic supply of grains to be mobilised in case of an emergency, strengthening the linkage between the food authorities and the disaster management authorities. This include both strategic and technical capacity support. (Year 2).
Serve as WFP focal point within the UN system for emergency preparedness and planning, including with OCHA and other partner agencies, interagency working groups and provincial level guidance and support. Focus will also be on strengthening capacity of national staff in the areas of coordination and negotiation within the UN system. Identify any joint areas of collaboration and work where possible.
Strengthen WFP’s work with NDMA and PDMAs and DDMAs for building national capacity and supporting SIMEX and in other technical areas. This can include capacity assessments for government, partners and WFP staff as well as development of a strategy and funding proposals for this work.
Strengthen strategic engagement in emergency preparedness and risk reduction with private sector and civil society, in collaboration with the CO national team.
Work with management and programme staff in CO and RBB to better understand opportunities and WFP’s role in the areas of risk financing, including engagement with IFIs and other donors. Lead the development of a road map and work with the team to develop proposals to access climate and risk financing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Advanced University degree in social sciences, economics, international development or public policy, or First University degree in the same subjects with an additional two years of relevant experience.

Experience:

At least 8 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in emergency preparedness, risk reduction, emergency planning and response in developing countries. In-country experience is a must while regional experience is welcomed. Experience in working with host governments, UN and NGO partners. Some experience engaging donors, including IFIs.

Knowledge & Skills:

Ability to work across units and functions.
Ability to develop strategic and planning documents.
Technical knowledge in various areas of anticipatory action and shock-responsive social protection
Ability to prepare technical concepts and reports for donors.
Understanding of emergency planning, preparedness, response and recovery.
Excellent spoken and written English.