DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

29 April 2026-23:59-GMT Greenwich Mean Time (Dakar)

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).

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection)

Type of Contract: Fixed Term Appointment

Grade: NOB

Duty Station: WFP Regional Office for Western and Central Africa (WACARO), Dakar, Diamniadio, Senegal
Reporting Line: Regional Adviser for Social Protection and School Feeding

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

As a global leader in fighting hunger and malnutrition, the World Food Programme (WFP) is increasingly seen as a strategic partner of choice for social protection. WFP is called upon by governments to help design, strengthen and implement their national social protection systems. By working to and supporting these systems, WFP aspires to help countries make measurable contributions to Zero Hunger (SDG2), poverty reduction, and the expansion of social protection floors.

WFP supports national systems through a three-pronged approach: providing technical assistance to national led systems, delivering national programs on behalf of governments where needed (e.g. in emergencies), and complementing national programmes through WFP-led initiatives.

The goal is to ensure that all people have access to strong national social protection systems that safeguard their ability to meet food security, nutrition, and other essential needs particularly in the face of rising risks and more recurrent shocks.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

WFP’s Regional Office for Western and Central Africa (WACARO) provide strategic guidance and technical support to 19 countries across the region, with many Country Offices (COs) in the region already having integrated social protection into their work plans and strategies. Notably, through support from partners like BMZ/KfW, WFP and UNICEF are jointly supporting Sahel governments to provide critical assistance that expands the coverage of social protection, all while building more shock- and gender-responsive systems, while also bringing in the nutrition/child sensitive approach.

WFP in the region is also strengthening its strategic positioning to leverage expertise, foster cross-country learning, and elevate the investment case for social protection across the region, together with partners.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Support COs in engaging with and supporting national social protection systems, ensuring alignment with WFP corporate policies and guidance, particularly in relation to nutrition, food security, and emergency preparedness.
  • Provide programme and policy guidance to COs in the design and implementation of social protection projects and initiatives, including support to building policy dialogue with host governments.
  • Contribute to regional strategic discussions with different actors to identify priorities and entry points for strengthening WFP’s engagement in social protection Support the development of the regional social protection strategy document, its implementation plan, and contribute to its operationalization.
  • Collaborate with other WACARO programmatic units to foster coordinated programme support, positioning social protection within broader engagements such as climate action (including AA and micro and macro insurance), emergency response, nutrition, school feeding, gender and resilience.
  • Actively participate in working groups and other relevant regional coordination for a to advance the social protection agenda.
  • Contribute to the identification and management of partnerships (UN agencies, World Bank, donors, NGOs) leading to stronger social protection systems in the region.
  • Contribute to research and analyses on social protection policies, strategies, and programmes across the 19 countries to inform evidence-based decision-making.
  • Prepare accurate and timely reports on social protection activities to foster coordination and informed decision-making within the regional office.
  • Ensure dissemination of timely analytical products, including normative guidance notes, regional studies, and global strategic documents.
  • Undertake regular field visits to support ongoing initiatives and identify new opportunities for engagement in social protection at the country level.
  • Support capacity strengthening activities for WFP staff, partners, and national governments by providing inputs for guidance materials and learning initiatives.
  • Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with queries related to social protection.
  • Any other relevant tasks, as required.

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

Shock-Responsive Focus: Support the technical design of social protection systems that can scale or pivot in response to climate shocks or conflict, particularly in fragile and crisis-prone regions, mainly the Sahel. Cross-Functional Linkages: Ensure a close collaboration with other workstream, including School Feeding, Nutrition, and Research, Assessment, and Monitoring (RAM) activities. Policy Advocacy: Assist COs in navigating the transition from direct delivery to providing technical assistance to national social protection secretariats and ministries.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

  • At least three (3) years of postgraduate professional experience in social protection, public policy, or international development.
  • Proven track record in supporting national social protection systems or safety net programmes.
  • Experience working within a regional context or providing technical support to multiple country offices.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse partners including government ministries, UN agencies, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including in navigating high-level discussions with competing priorities.
  • Experience in research, data analysis, and the preparation of policy briefs or strategy documents.

STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or another field relevant to social protection.

Language: Fluency (level C) in French required. Fluency (level B2) in English required

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Leads by Example with Integrity: Upholds WFP values and standards in all engagements.

Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments: Delivers high-quality policy guidance and support.

Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative: Works effectively across units and with external partners.

Applies Strategic Thinking: Translates regional trends into actionable social protection strategies.

Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships: Strengthens relationships with regional stakeholders.

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 recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

  • We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

  • If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

  • At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.