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).

THE ROLE

We are currently seeking a Junior Professional Officer to fill the position of Programme Policy Officer (Delivery) based in the Mogadishu, Somalia Country Office. The JPO will support in planning, delivery, reconciliation, and accounting of both CBT and in-kind distributions, ensuring that each distribution cycle concludes with full accountability in line with WFP’s corporate frameworks and policies

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND

The WFP Somalia Country Office (SOCO) implements one of WFP’s largest and most complex operations globally, delivering both food and cash-based transfers (CBT) to millions of people facing food insecurity and malnutrition. The Country Office is transitioning to strengthened assurance and accountability mechanisms under the CBT Assurance Framework and the In-Kind (IK) Assurance Framework, ensuring that every resource is traceable, reaches the intended beneficiaries, and is fully accounted for.

Based in Mogadishu, Somalia, the position holder will support the Country Office and Area Offices in ensuring that all planned cash-based and in-kind resource transfers are distributed, reconciled, and accounted for in accordance with corporate assurance standards. The JPO will strengthen the link between Programme, Supply Chain, Finance, Budget & Programming, and Risk Management, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and compliance throughout the distribution cycle.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This post is open in the context of the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) scheme sponsored by the Government of the Netherlands and is addressed exclusively to PEOPLE WITH DUTCH NATIONALITY.

For the minimum qualification requirements, see the website of Nedworc Foundation: Junior Professional Officer Programme - Nedworc Foundation

Please read the criteria and FAQ section carefully before considering applying.

• Title of Post: JPO Programme Policy Officer (Delivery)

• Grade: P2 step 1 in the first year

• Supervisor: Head of Delivery

• Unit: Programme and Policy

• Division/Country Office: Somalia CO

• Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia

• Duration of assignment: Initially one year, with the possibility to extend up to a maximum of 3 years

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Delivery, and in close collaboration with Activity Managers, Supply Chain, Finance, Budget & Programming, and the Risk Management Unit, the JPO will be responsible for:

1. Strategic Programme Integration and Market Linkages:
o Support the design and implementation of initiatives that strengthen the strategic impact of WFP’s transfer programmes by linking cash-based and in-kind assistance to resilience building, market systems development, and social protection frameworks
o Contribute to analyses of market functionality and local economy impacts, and promote systemic, sustainable outcomes that enhance food production, marketing, and long-term food security beyond transfer delivery

2. Planning and Coordination
o Oversee planning, delivery, reconciliation, and accounting for both CBT and in-kind distributions.
o Ensure Implementation Plans are aligned with available financial and commodity resources.

o Facilitate cross-functional coordination to link FRNs (for in-kind) and POCBs (for CBT) in SCOPE.

3. Financial and Resource Management:
o Review CP proposals, ensuring that the budgets are realistic and align with operational Food Transfer Costs..
o Analyse CBT and IK availability for planned distributions, identifying surpluses, deficits, and utilisation gaps.

o Track donor conditions, grant timelines, and fund allocations to ensure optimal resource use.

4. Distribution Oversight and Assurance:
o Validate that all planned resources are distributed and fully accounted for by the end of each cycle
o Lead the preparation of reconciliation reports for submission for endorsement by the Country Director.
o Support the deployment of assurance tools (SCOPE, COMET, WINGS/LESS triangulated with Partner Connect) for real-time visibility and accountability.

5. Data Integrity, Reporting, and Innovation:
o Based on the Somalia context, and in line with WFP’s corporate Technology guidance, identify, pilot, and support the adoption of innovative digital solutions that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and assurance in managing beneficiary identities, facilitating inter-agency data sharing, and improving transfer reporting.
o Explore the use of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and interoperable digital platforms to further strengthen traceability, transparency, and accountability across the end-to-end transfer cycle.

o Produce dashboards and analytical reports to track efficiency, timeliness, and accuracy of transfers, and provide actionable insights for management and donors.

6. Capacity Strengthening and Compliance:
o Support Area Offices and Cooperating Partners in applying CBT and IK Assurance Frameworks.
o Train Programme, Finance, and CP staff on transfer reconciliation and CBT & IK resource management procedures.

o Promote adoption of best practices and continuous process improvement across units.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Age limit: The maximum age limit is 32 years as of 31 December of the year of application

Education: Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Development Studies, Public Administration, or related field.

In exceptional cases, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 4 years of relevant working experience can be considered.

Language: Fluency (level C) in English.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of relevant working experience after obtaining a first university degree in programme management, cash-based transfers, financial accountability, or supply chain operations.

• Minimum of four years of relevant working experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree.

• Work experience within the UN system should not exceed 1 year, including UNV, (paid) UN internship, and UN consultancy.

• All paid work experience since obtaining a Bachelor’s degree will/can be considered.

• Internship and volunteer experiences will be considered if they are post-graduate and relevant to the role.  

Qualifications:

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

• Behavioural competencies: leads by example with integrity, drives results and delivers on commitments, fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork, applies strategic thinking, builds, and maintains sustainable partnerships.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Exposure to the international arena, either by direct work for an international institution/organization or by interacting with international stakeholders.

• Intermediate level (level B) of one or more of the following official languages: Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese.

• WFP’s international professionals are required to serve in different locations around the world during their career (including in hardship duty stations); willingness to be mobile would maximise opportunities for long-term retention into the Organization

SUPERVISION

The JPO will be supported through a structured and enabling learning environment designed to build both technical and leadership capacities. Together with the supervisor, the JPO will develop a detailed work plan outlining learning objectives, expected deliverables, and key milestones. Regular mentoring sessions, performance check-ins, and reflective discussions will ensure continuous professional growth and alignment with WFP’s strategic priorities.
The JPO will work closely with multiple functional teams: Programme, CBT & IDM, Supply Chain, Finance, and Risk Management, exposing them to WFP’s full programme cycle and fostering cross-functional learning. Supervision will emphasise guided exploration, encouraging innovation and evidence-based problem-solving within a safe and supportive environment.

TRAINING COMPONENTS

In addition to on-the-job learning, the JPO will have full access to WFP’s corporate learning platforms, including WeLearn, which offers a wide range of technical and soft-skill courses relevant to programme management, humanitarian and transformational operations, and innovation.

LEARNING ELEMENTS

At the end of the assignment, the JPO should have obtained:

• Acquired comprehensive knowledge of WFP’s programme implementation cycle within a complex operational environment, including an in-depth understanding of WFP’s accountability frameworks across cash-based and in-kind modalities.

• Gained strong knowledge of WFP’s core corporate policies and principles governing food assistance, humanitarian action, protection, and gender equality—together with a clear understanding of the organisational structure and coordination mechanisms between the Country Office, Area Offices, cooperating partners, and government counterparts.

• Developed a solid grasp of WFP’s operational architecture, including cross-functional linkages between Programme, Supply Chain, Finance, and Risk Management, and how these functions collectively ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in delivery.

• Strengthened analytical, coordination, and reporting skills through direct engagement with field operations, partner management, and internal performance monitoring.

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.