The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to ending hunger and building food security, is looking for a qualified and passionate South Korean national to join its Somalia Country Office team as a Programme Policy Officer at the Consultant Level I. This position is a unique opportunity for individuals committed to impactful development work, particularly in the areas of food systems, climate resilience, and donor engagement.
With its long-standing mission to save lives in emergencies and create a pathway to stability and prosperity for vulnerable populations, WFP has emerged as a critical actor in international humanitarian response. As a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the organization is recognized globally for its efforts to combat hunger while promoting peace in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
This role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Hargeisa, Somaliland, and plays a central function in supporting the implementation of a KOICA-funded programme in Somaliland. The programme is designed to enhance food systems resilience, promote climate adaptation, and foster sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
WFP invites qualified individuals from the Republic of Korea to apply for this strategic position that blends policy development, technical coordination, donor engagement, and field-level oversight.
Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Consultant Level I)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with travel to Hargeisa, Somaliland)
Application Deadline: 17 July 2025, 23:59 (GMT+03:00 East Africa Time)
Contract Type: Consultancy – Level I
Target Group: Open exclusively to South Korean nationals
Reporting To: Head of Climate-Smart Food Systems, WFP Somalia Country Office
About the Role
This position serves as a critical interface between WFP Somalia’s Nairobi-based units (Partnerships, Programming, and Budget teams), the Hargeisa Area Office, and Korean stakeholders including KOICA and the Korean Embassy. The Programme Policy Officer will also support collaboration with regional development institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in rural livelihoods, food systems programming, and donor coordination, along with the capacity to bridge policy and implementation. An understanding of East African contexts and experience working on Korean-funded initiatives will be an asset.
Key Responsibilities
The Programme Policy Officer will be expected to execute the following key accountabilities and responsibilities:
1. Project Coordination and Oversight
- Lead and support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of KOICA-funded project activities in close collaboration with WFP’s Hargeisa Area Office.
- Conduct regular travel to Hargeisa to engage with communities, monitor implementation progress, and assess quality and compliance.
- Ensure alignment between field operations and the strategic objectives of the project and WFP’s broader resilience portfolio.
2. Technical Support – Resilience and Climate Programming
- Provide technical guidance to field teams in the areas of climate-smart agriculture, food systems resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Promote best practices including water harvesting, soil regeneration, integrated asset creation, and sustainable agricultural techniques.
- Contribute to the design and adaptation of resilience programmes to suit the agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions of Somaliland.
3. Donor Relations and Visibility
- Serve as the primary liaison between WFP Somalia and KOICA, maintaining regular communications and collaboration.
- Coordinate visibility initiatives such as the development of impact stories, social media campaigns, and public diplomacy events to enhance KOICA’s profile.
- Support relationship building with the Korean Embassy and regional donor missions in Nairobi.
- Engage with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and facilitate coordination of AfDB-supported interventions in the Somalia Country Office.
4. Reporting and Documentation
- Draft high-quality donor reports, project updates, policy briefs, and strategic communications materials that reflect project outcomes and align with KOICA’s expectations.
- Ensure that reporting is timely, accurate, and strategically aligned with donor interests and compliance requirements.
5. Resource Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships
- Contribute to the development of concept notes and funding proposals for new programmes, particularly those aligned with KOICA’s priorities.
- Map and engage relevant development actors in the East Africa region to explore collaboration and co-financing opportunities.
- Foster partnerships with international financial institutions, research organizations, and regional development banks.
6. Environmental and Social Safeguards (E&S)
- Integrate E&S safeguards into all aspects of the project lifecycle—planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Conduct risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies for potential environmental and social impacts.
- Build the capacity of field teams and implementing partners in E&S compliance, monitoring, and documentation.
- Ensure WFP and donor standards for environmental protection, community engagement, and social equity are adhered to in all interventions.
7. Administrative and Operational Support
- Support logistical coordination for missions, meetings, field visits, and stakeholder consultations.
- Assist with documentation, reporting, and communication between Nairobi, Hargeisa, and Mogadishu-based teams.
- Facilitate smooth coordination among programme staff, administrative personnel, and technical advisors across locations.
Required Skills and Experience
To effectively deliver on this assignment, candidates must demonstrate the following competencies and experience:
- A university degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agronomy, Climate Change, Environment, Rural Development, or any other relevant field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant experience.
- A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in development programming, particularly in the fields of agriculture, rural livelihoods, or food systems. Candidates with a first degree must have at least five (5) years of experience.
- Proven hands-on experience in community-level project implementation, working with local authorities and partner NGOs.
- Familiarity with Korean donor priorities, particularly KOICA, or prior experience working in Korea-funded development programmes.
- Strong bilingual proficiency in both Korean and English is essential (written and spoken).
- Understanding of the East African regional context, especially with regard to food insecurity, environmental challenges, and rural development in Somalia or Somaliland.
- A solid grasp of climate adaptation and food systems strategies that are contextually relevant and culturally sensitive.
- High-level interpersonal and intercultural communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Experience in drafting donor reports, preparing project documentation, and coordinating advocacy efforts.
- A willingness to travel to Somaliland for field missions (subject to security protocols).
Work Environment and Support
WFP is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment. The Somalia Country Office offers gender-sensitive workspaces, mentorship programmes, and professional development pathways. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and special arrangements can be made for workplace support where necessary.
Leadership and Professional Values
WFP staff are guided by the organization’s Leadership Framework, which outlines expected behaviours such as integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. The successful applicant will be expected to uphold these values in their professional conduct, while contributing meaningfully to the team’s collective success.
Application Guidelines
Interested applicants must ensure their application includes the following:
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
- A well-structured Cover Letter outlining their motivation, suitability for the position, and availability.
Applicants are advised that only their CV and cover letter are required at the initial application stage. Additional documents such as certificates, passport, or letters of recommendation may be requested later in the recruitment process.
For any difficulties with the application system, candidates can reach out via email to: [email protected]
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
WFP does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants are advised to beware of fraudulent schemes misusing the UN name and logos.
This consultancy opportunity is open strictly to South Korean nationals.
Deadline for Applications: 17 July 2025 at 23:59 (GMT+03:00 East Africa Time)
