Programme Policy Officer

WFP; Lahore; On-site; PKR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

World Food Programme in Lahore, Pakistan seeks a Programme Policy Officer to provide strategic leadership for nutrition, emergency, and related programmes in Punjab. The role includes planning, coordination, monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making to enhance food security and nutrition outcomes.

The incumbent will engage with provincial authorities, partners, and UN agencies, leading capacity building, assessments, and knowledge management while supervising programme staff.

Qualifications

• An advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field; or a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, monitoring, and strategic development of nutrition, food systems, and school meals initiatives in Punjab.
• Engage with provincial departments, government bodies, cooperating partners, and development stakeholders to support policy dialogue and ensure high-quality programme implementation.

Job description

Organizational context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace and prosperity. WFP utilizes food assistance to support people recovering from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts. We foster a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing workforce committed to our values and mission.

Job purpose

The Programme Policy Officer (NOB) in Lahore will provide strategic leadership, technical guidance, and oversight for WFP's Nutrition, Emergency, and other relevant programmes in Punjab. This role is crucial for engaging with provincial departments, government bodies, cooperating partners, and development stakeholders to advance policy dialogue, ensure effective programme implementation, build capacity, and generate evidence. The objective is to enhance food security and nutrition outcomes across Punjab, aligning WFP's strategic goals with provincial priorities. The incumbent will lead planning, coordination, monitoring, and strategic development of key programmes, ensuring quality, evidence-based decision-making, and strong partnerships.

Responsibilities

The Programme Policy Officer role at WFP in Lahore, Pakistan, involves providing strategic leadership and technical guidance for nutrition, emergency, and related programs. Key responsibilities include leading the planning, implementation, and oversight of nutrition, food systems, and school meals initiatives, ensuring high-quality execution and reporting. The officer will engage with provincial departments, government officials, and stakeholders to support policy dialogue, program coordination, and capacity building. This includes representing WFP in technical forums, fostering partnerships with government bodies, cooperating partners, and UN agencies, and ensuring effective program monitoring and performance management. The role also entails leading assessments, research, and evidence generation to inform program design and policy recommendations. Furthermore, the officer will support institutional capacity strengthening of partners through technical assistance and knowledge management, documenting best practices and lessons learned. Team management and supervision of program staff are also integral, ensuring efficient resource allocation and program delivery aligned with WFP's strategic objectives and provincial priorities. The position requires a strong understanding of nutrition and food security, excellent analytical and communication skills, and experience in stakeholder engagement and program coordination.

Education

An advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with an additional two years of relevant work experience, training, or courses is acceptable. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in nutrition, food systems, food security, public health, or programme management is necessary. Experience in government engagement, programme coordination, stakeholder management, and managing cooperating partners is also essential. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Urdu is highly desirable.

Work experience

Requires at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in fields such as nutrition, food systems, food security, public health, or programme management. Experience in government engagement, programme coordination, stakeholder management, and managing cooperating partners is also necessary. Demonstrated experience in assessments, data analysis, monitoring, and programme reviews is essential.

Skills

Programme Policy Officer, Nutrition, Food Systems, School Meals, Public Health, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Programme Management, Government Engagement, Coordination, Partnerships, Monitoring, Data Analysis, Research, Capacity Strengthening, Knowledge Management, Team Management, English, Urdu

Required languages

English, Urdu

Desired languages

English, Urdu