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).

Type of Contract: Service Contract

Grade: SC5       

Duty Station: Beijing, China

Deadline of Application: 8 March 2026

This vacancy announcement is for Nationals from China.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the general guidance by the Director, the Programme Assistant will report to the head of RP unit, supporting RP in research, communication, coordination, and data collection.  Specifically:

Research

• Participate in identification, formulation and preparation of research initiatives including concept notes, proposals and FLAs, participate in preparation of draft research plans; ensure high quality and consistency of documents;
• Support policy briefing, country context analysis and other desk review work to facilitate research progress;
• Collect data and other information on food, agriculture and rural economic subject matters, and prepare background information and tables for briefing and review sessions;

Policy Engagement

• Draft non-substantive correspondence for research and policy engagement;
• Prepare for SSC policy dialogues, fora, seminars and exchange missions, including concept notes and proposals;
• Support service procurement and reimbursement procedure;
• Support to prepare summary reports and review briefings.

General Support

• Prepare periodic and ad hoc reports and ensure their timely submission;
• Liaise with CAM Unit for visibility and communications re COE’s SSC policy support and engagement;
• Perform simple translation of research-related correspondence and presentation, and function as interpreter for the missions and meetings as and when required;
• Perform other duties as and when required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, International Development Studies, Social Science, Political Science, Economics, or another relevant field is required. An advanced university degree is an asset.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience in research and South-South Cooperation. Previous research experience in agricultural economics or other fields related to development assistance is preferable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Ability to work Microsoft Office programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail) required for work; Ability to prepare preliminary reports and to draft correspondence; Ability to work in multi-cultural environment; Ability to work under pressure, be able to meet deadlines, willing to take challenges; Good communication skills with different stakeholders.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Concise reports and correspondence drafted with high quality; Smooth communication and dialogue maintained with the national counterparts; Strong enthusiasm with highly appreciated flexibility and adaptation; Work assignment completed before the deadline.

LANGUAGE

Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Chinese.

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.