Programme Policy Officer - Value Chain & Livelihoods Specialist (SC8)

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).

JOB PURPOSE:

The staff member is expected to support planning, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural value chain activities as well as the livelihood components in the WFP projects that cuts across multiple strategic objectives. As such the Value Chain and Livelihood Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer/Activity Manager (NoA) and the overall supervision of the Country Program Policy Officer (NoB).
Moreover, the staff member, in close collaboration with the government counterparts and other local partners, will be responsible for the technical planning of all related project interventions in the GN Divisions and DS Divisions, districts, provinces and national level ensuring that the plans are according to the best standards and suited to local conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

1. Plan and implement WFP’s Value chain, agribusiness, livelihood and resilience development programmes in targeted regions.
2. Liaise with provincial, district, and sub‑national technical authorities to coordinate livelihood and value chain programme design and implementation.
3. Analyse agricultural and food value chains, identify market opportunities, and establish innovative business links with government and private sector partners.
4. Review and assess partner concept notes and proposals to ensure alignment with WFP’s livelihood and value chain objectives where necessary.
5. Design tailored livelihood support packages for vulnerable smallholder farmers, including technical specifications, cost estimations, and seasonal distribution plans.
6. Formulate transparent beneficiary selection criteria to ensure equitable access to livelihood and value chain support.
7. Oversee monitoring procedures and collaborate with M&E teams to track livelihood and value chain activities, ensuring programme quality and impact.
8. Collect, analyse, and disseminate data related to agriculture, agribusiness, livelihoods, and food value chains to guide evidence‑based programming.
9. Prepare accurate and timely reports on livelihood, resilience, and value chain activities for informed decision‑making and stakeholder communication.
10. Develop and manage partnerships with NGOs, community organizations, private sector actors, authorities, and UN agencies to strengthen livelihood and value chain initiatives.
11. Conduct capacity assessments of farmers, and community organizations and private sector to identify gaps and opportunities in livelihood and value chain development.
12. Provide Support the provision of technical training and preparation of training content for smallholder farmers in collaboration with government departments and WFP programme staff.
13. Strengthen the capacity of WFP staff, partners, and local authorities through knowledge exchange, training sessions, and joint management of livelihood and value chain activities.

14. Conduct field visits to WFP project sites to assure the quality and effectiveness of livelihood and value chain support activities.
15. Collaborate with WFP’s Nutrition, Disaster Risk Reduction and Gender staff to promote nutrition-sensitive, and mainstream gender & protection, disaster risk reduction within livelihood and value chain programmes.
16. Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, consultations, and conferences to enhance coordination and visibility of livelihood and value chain interventions.
17. Ensure that asset creation activities are planned and implemented to achieve sustainable livelihoods and value chain programmes
18. Contribute to the development of project proposals, projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance, with a food systems strengthening lens.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics / Agri. Business /Development Studies or related fields or bachelor’s degree with additional years of work experience.

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of Postgraduate Professional Experience (experience in a managerial/ supervisory/advisory and/ or in a decision-making role) in the relevant field is required.

• (Having three (3) years with the advanced university degree (master’s), or bachelor’s degree with Five (5) years or additional years of related work experience and/ or trainings/courses at national or international level, in the field of agriculture and rural development; is desirable.)

• The applicant must have experience with value chain approaches in the agricultural and natural resources sectors, having conducted number of value chain assessments, fostering vertical and horizontal relationships in the industry to increase quality of services and products, especially for smallholder farmers.

• Proven experience in project management, administration, or related field.

• Experience in working with government and private sector counterparts would be an advantage.

• Previous experience with the UN System would be an asset.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong knowledge of private sector operations in agribusiness.

• Knowledge of the UN system and procedures would be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language, and Sinhala/ Tamil

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer - Value Chain and Livelihoods Specialist

Contract Type: Service Contract (SC8)

Contract Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nationality: Nationals only

Date of Publication: 03.12.2025

Deadline of Application: 17.12.2025

This vacancy announcement is for Nationals only. 

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

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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.