Programme Policy Officer, Emergency Response at WFP South Sudan

Job Description

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The World Food Programme (WFP) is the UN’s frontline humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for communities recovering from conflict, disasters, and climate shocks. WFP feeds over 90 million people annually across 80+ countries and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

WFP values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, encouraging all qualified candidates to apply regardless of race, gender, disability, or other status.

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Application Deadline: 25 January 2026, 23:59 GMT+02:00 (Central Africa Time, Juba)

Duty Station: Malakal, South Sudan
Contract Type: Service Contract, SC8
Duration: 12 months (Renewable, subject to performance and budget)
Unit/Division: Programme

Job Purpose

The Programme Policy Officer, Emergency Response reports to the Head of Programme, Malakal Field Office, and will lead the implementation, monitoring, and documentation of all unconditional support (emergency response) activities in Upper Nile and northern Jonglei regions.

The officer will ensure effective planning, coordination, supervision, monitoring, and reporting of general food assistance and malnutrition prevention programmes in line with WFP South Sudan’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Coordination

• Lead field-level emergency response planning, coordination, and readiness in Malakal.
• Monitor humanitarian trends, security, and socio-economic risks to inform preparedness.
• Support strategic partnerships with government and humanitarian actors.
• Represent WFP in clusters, inter-agency platforms, and advocacy forums.

Distribution Coordination

• Oversee cooperating partners and project implementation of emergency response activities.
• Manage operational data, food and cash assistance requirements, and distribution planning.
• Coordinate logistics to ensure timely, accurate delivery of assistance.
• Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and compliance with corporate policies.

Leadership

• Conduct field visits and provide guidance to staff and partners.
• Support capacity building of WFP staff, partners, and government counterparts.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Programme when required.
• Participate in learning and evidence-based initiatives to improve programme delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree in humanitarian or emergency response, disaster management, rural development, or related field.
• Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience.

Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher: Minimum 1-year post-graduate experience in humanitarian operations, emergency preparedness, disaster management, or programme coordination.
• Bachelor’s degree: Minimum 3 years of the above experience.
• Experience in complex humanitarian settings or emergency operations is required.

Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of conflict dynamics in South Sudan.
• Strong initiative, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and intercultural competencies.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (C) and at least one relevant local language.

Eligibility:

• Open to South Sudanese nationals only.
• Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Why Join WFP?

• Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural work environment.
• Professional development through training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility.
• Opportunity to work globally with high-performing, committed teams.
• Be part of an organization that directly impacts lives in crisis situations.

Application Instructions

• Applications must be submitted exclusively through WFP’s online recruitment system. CVs or applications sent by email will not be accepted.
• Only CV and cover letter are required at this stage. Additional documents may be requested later.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Reasonable accommodation is provided for Programme Policy Officer, Emergency Response applicants with disabilities. Contact: [email protected]

Important: WFP does not charge any fees in the recruitment process.

For technical support with online applications: [email protected]