Programme Policy Officer - NOB - Lahore

The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization, is seeking a Programme Policy Officer based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. This fixed-term position (12 months, with possibility of extension) involves leading the planning, implementation, coordination, and strategic development of Nutrition, Food Systems, and School Meals programmes in Punjab. The role requires close collaboration with provincial government departments, cooperating partners, and development stakeholders to support policy dialogue, capacity strengthening, monitoring, and evidence generation aimed at improving food security and nutrition outcomes. The incumbent will report to the Head of Office Punjab and play a key role in ensuring programme quality, government engagement, partner coordination, and achievement of WFP’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Programme Leadership: Lead the design, implementation, and oversight of nutrition, food systems, and school meals interventions in Punjab. Provide technical and strategic guidance to programme teams, identify opportunities for innovation and integration, and support the development of workplans, budgets, and operational strategies aligned with provincial and WFP priorities.

Government Engagement and Policy Support: Establish WFP as a trusted technical partner to the Department of Health and the Provincial Government of Punjab. Maintain strategic relationships with senior government officials to facilitate policy dialogue, programme coordination, and alignment with provincial frameworks. Provide technical inputs into provincial strategies, policies, and operational plans related to nutrition and food security. Represent WFP in relevant technical consultations and coordination forums.

Coordination and Partnerships: Lead coordination efforts with cooperating partners to ensure effective programme delivery and target achievement. Build and sustain strong partnerships with government counterparts, UN agencies, academia, and development stakeholders. Organize regular partner meetings and programme reviews to address challenges and promote collaboration. Manage partnership agreements and foster multi-sectoral linkages to enhance nutrition-sensitive programming.

Programme Monitoring, Reviews, and Performance Management: Oversee robust monitoring systems to track programme performance and quality. Lead regular reviews and assessments to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Analyze progress against targets, recommend corrective actions, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to management and stakeholders.

Assessments, Research, and Evidence Generation: Coordinate assessments, surveys, and analytical studies related to nutrition and food systems. Ensure quality data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings to inform programme design and policy decisions. Translate evidence into actionable recommendations and promote the use of lessons learned for future programming.

Capacity Strengthening and Knowledge Management: Support capacity building of government counterparts and partners through technical assistance, mentoring, and training initiatives. Facilitate workshops and document good practices, innovations, and programme achievements. Contribute to knowledge products, technical papers, and advocacy materials.

Team Management and Supervision: Provide leadership, coaching, and performance feedback to programme staff. Foster teamwork, collaboration, and accountability. Ensure effective resource planning and allocation to meet operational priorities.

Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Security, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience or training.

Experience: Minimum five years of progressively responsible professional experience in nutrition, food systems, food security, public health, or programme management. Proven experience in government engagement, programme coordination, stakeholder management, and managing cooperating partners. Demonstrated skills in assessments, data analysis, monitoring, and programme reviews.

Knowledge and Skills: Strong understanding of nutrition, food systems, and school meals programming. Excellent report writing, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.

Languages: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Urdu is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate offering a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural work environment. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, including training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility. The organization provides a competitive benefits package, including salary, social security contributions, medical insurance, annual leave, and parental leave.

Applicants must have their educational documents verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This vacancy is open to UN staff only and will also be used to build a roster of prequalified candidates for future opportunities at the same or lower levels in Pakistan. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted exclusively through WFP’s online recruitment portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WFP is committed to equal employment opportunities and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.