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).

JOB PURPOSE:

The Programme Policy Officer – Social Protection & Disaster Risk Reduction will play a key role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of WFP projects that address social protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and anticipatory actions (AA) across multiple strategic objectives. Working under the direct supervision of the Programme Policy Officer – Activity Manager (NoA) and overall guidance of the Country Programme Policy Officer (NoB), the incumbent will ensure technical planning and coordination of interventions at GN, DS, district, provincial, and national levels in close collaboration with government counterparts and local partners. The role involves designing and managing programmes that strengthen food security, nutrition, and resilience to shocks, while ensuring alignment with WFP standards and local contexts. The officer will also contribute to evidence generation, capacity building, and advocacy to enhance national systems for AA, DRR, and social protection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):
1. Design, implement, and monitor AA, DRR, Disaster Management and social protection programmes addressing food security, nutrition, and shocks, aligned with WFP corporate policies.
2. Lead the development of AA, DRR, AA and Disaster Management and social protection projects, plans, and processes consistent with programme guidance.
3. Provide project management support to AA, DRR and social protection initiatives, ensuring coordination with wider programmes and compliance with WFP standards.
4. Maintain data collection, monitoring, and cash assistance reconciliation systems with government counterparts, ensuring rigorous quality standards in collaboration with the M&E Unit.
5. Conduct research and analyse policy and operational issues, distilling best practices to inform AA, DRR, DM and social protection programme design and adaptation.
6. Prepare accurate, timely reports on DRR and social protection programmes, coordinating communication through the Community Feedback Mechanism Unit to support decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
7. Support advocacy and evidence generation for stronger national AA, DRR, DM and social protection systems in collaboration with government and partners.
8. Engage civil society and communities in risk-sensitive DRR and social protection planning, ensuring meaningful participation.
9. Integrate gender analysis and nutrition-sensitive approaches into AA, DRR and social protection programme design, advancing WFP’s Gender Equality strategy.
10. Build and maintain partnerships with government entities, UN agencies, IFIs, academia, civil society, and development partners to strengthen AA, DRR and social protection systems.

11. Strengthen capacity of WFP staff, partners, and government for shock-responsive DRR, social protection, and emergency preparedness through training and technical support.
12. Provide guidance to staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting with analysis and queries related to DRR and social protection.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:
Advanced University degree (master’s degree) in Economics, Social Policy, Social Sciences, International Development, Disaster Management, Disaster Risk Management, or related fields or bachelor’s degree with additional years of work experience.

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of Postgraduate Professional Experience (experience in a managerial/ supervisory/advisory and/ or in a decision-making role) in the relevant field is required.

• (Having three (3) years with the advanced university degree (master’s), or bachelor’s degree with Five (5) years or additional years of related work experience and/ or trainings/courses at national or international level, in the fields of disaster management, social protection and humanitarian sectors such as food assistance or social protection; is desirable.)

• Proven expertise in technical assistance, policy analysis, guidance, and operational support, with the ability to translate information into actionable recommendations for governments and partners.

• Experience in collaborating with UN agencies, donors, NGOs, and government institutions.

• Familiarity with Cash-Based Transfers and demonstrated ability to manage cross-agency collaboration, research, and policy advocacy to strengthen social protection and DRR systems.

• Capacity to manage and prioritize workload, with excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to lead a team from different units of a supervisory roles.

• Strong analytical skills.

Language:
Fluency (level C) in English language, and Sinhala/ Tamil

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer – Social
Protection & Disaster Risk Reduction

Contract Type: Service Contract

Contract Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Duty Station: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nationality: Nationals only

Date of Publication: 03.12.2025

Deadline of Application: 17.12.2025

This vacancy announcement is for Nationals only.

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

• 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.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• 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

• Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• 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.