Programme Policy Officer (Head WFP Western Nepal Region), SCL9

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).

WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Under its five-year Country Strategic Plan, WFP Nepal is implementing an integrated set of activities spanning across four outcome areas. Under a food systems umbrella, the plan combines Emergency Prepared and Response, Nutrition and School Meals, Climate Resilience and Service Provision. A focused gender, disability and social inclusion lens as well as a strong analysis capacity constitute the foundation of all activities. In addition, the country office’s work has its corporate localization policy at the Centre, emphasizing the importance of capacitating all three tiers of government, as per constitutional provisions related to the Right to Food, and with a particular focus on local governments. Therefore, our field presence in the western region of Nepal is fundamental in overseeing all our investments on the ground and in supporting the government to achieve its development goals vis a vis SDG2, 17 and beyond.

TERMS AND CONDITION

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Head WFP Western Nepal Region) SC L9

Contract Type: Service Contract (SC)
Level: SC L9

Contract Duration: 12 months (Renewable)

Duty Station: Surkhet

Date of Publication: 29.12.2025
Deadline of Application: 11.01.2026
WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary plus CIGNA health insurance

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the overall guidance of the Country Director and the direct supervision of Deputy Country Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of all WFP operations in western Nepal and ensure the continued development of a cohesive and high performing team.
• Plan and implement, together with the country office technical support units, all WFP operations within the area of assignment to ensure effective and efficient delivery and integration of assistance.
• Ensure that allocated resources are used efficiently and are in line with agreed plans, and any deviations are reported to the supervisor.
• Hold accountability for the security of WFP staff, operations, premises and assets in the Western Region to ensure that WFP security and safety standards are locally set and followed. Actively participate and contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).
• Under the overall guidance of the Head of RAM and team at the Country Office, conduct timely monitoring and evaluation of activities and prepare accurate and comprehensive reports on WFP’s operations and performance as appropriate.  
• Design joint projects with UN and other partners in close coordination with CO Program Unit.
• Build effective and collaborative relations with Provincial (Sudur Paschim and Karnali Provinces) and Local Governments (in dedicated project areas) and contribute to the expertise sharing and capacity building for effective preparedness and response to needs as per our mandate.
• Build strategic and productive partnerships to develop and sustain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, UN agencies, civil societies, beneficiaries and other partners and media.
• Ensure extensive and frequent presence at project areas, distribution sites and other investment sites.
• Contribute towards the development of a wide variety of projects, plans and processes, ensuring alignment with wider programme policies and guidance.
• Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with analysis and queries.
• Others as required by the function as and when 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, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

Three or more years of strongly relevant advanced university degree (after master’s degree) professional work experience

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has developed, or supported in the development of, single discipline work plans to support the achievement of WFP strategic aims within a defined area.
• Has gained some exposure in field operations, preferably in a hardship duty station or emergency situation.
• Has field experience via field rotations or working in a sub-office, and through field postings.
• Gained experience of analyzing local political situations and assessing risk accurately.
• Gained broader exposure across areas within a function (i.e. policy, programme etc.).
• Has gained experience managing small to mid-size financial budgets, balancing priorities effectively.
• Has experience leading a small to mid-size team to ensure the effective delivery of objectives.
• Participated in a vendor/government/ partner negotiation within area of focus.
• Participated in a small emergency operation/ development programme.
• Has experience with security co-ordination and compound management within a smaller area.
• Has deepened technical knowledge through exposure to technical teams.
• Has taken leadership of implementing programmes.
• Has provided input into policy discussions and decisions.

Languages:

Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and in Nepali languages is a requirement. Knowledge of local languages is an added value.

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

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.