Programme Policy Officer (Food Systems)
Qualifications of Programme Policy Officer:
- Location: Accra, Ghana
- Vacancy No: 114334
- Salary: N/A
- Organization: WFP World Food Programme
- Deadline: 2025-08-07
Brief details about Programme Policy Officer:
About
Information about the organization that has offered the job:
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.
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).
External/Internal Vacancy Announcement
No. WFP/GHA/PPO/FS/JUL/2025
PROGRAMME POLICY OFFICER (FOOD SYSTEMS)
Deadline for Application: 14 days from day of publication
JOB PURPOSE:
To support with design, management and coordination of programmes and interventions in the areas of sustainable food systems, food & nutrition security and smallholder farmers agricultural market support and the development of resilient agri-food supply chain management systems that are aligned with and contribute to the Government’s development efforts and priorities in achieving the Zero Hunger Agenda.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the Programme Policy Officer (Sustainable Food Systems) will be responsible for the following duties.
1. Lead resource mobilization efforts through the design of sound technical proposals and concepts, including identifying possible funding opportunities in Sustainable Food Systems, Agriculture Market Access for smallholder farmers, nutrition-focused agricultural value chains, writing project proposals. and developing efficient food supply chains management systems in line with WFP’s goals and objectives.
2. Provide technical guidance and or mobilize technical expertise on programme and policy issues related to Sustainable Food Systems and Smallholder Farmers Agriculture Market support, including assessments and analysis, the design and implementation of programme activities, the testing of innovative approaches and the development of interventions in the core competencies areas of WFP to support Government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
3. Lead efforts to enhance strategic and operational Partnerships with Government Agencies, Private Sector entities, UN, Civil Society and Academia relevant to the implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) activities under the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Outcome and ensure that WFP’s comparative advantage and complementarity are clearly communicated, understood, and valued in the support to the GoG.
4. Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating Sustainable Food Systems, Food Security and Nutrition, Smallholder farmers agriculture market support, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Coordinate the drafting of communication materials and quality reporting for internal as well as external audiences, including Donor reports, for all activities under the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Outcome in the CSP.
6. Represent WFP in relevant UN forums as appropriate and strengthen partnership with relevant stakeholders.
7. Lead the development of detailed Annual Activity Plans in alignment with available Budget and oversee their implementation; manage, monitor, and report on activity budgets and expenditures.
8. Contribute to the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Post-Harvest Management Interventions (PHMI) to best support vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, aggregators, and Government warehousing schemes.
9. Under this component, manage the implementation of WFP-sponsored projects that promote Best Post-Harvest Management practices, including promotion of sound warehousing, storage, and other appropriate technologies to curb post-harvest losses; coordinate efforts to assess Ghana’s Post-harvest infrastructure and services and build a case for the competitiveness of Ghana’s grain (including whole grain) industry, among other agricultural value chains.
10. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Agricultural Market Development Initiatives (AMDI) to best support smallholder and medium scale farmers to access markets through direct group selling or participation in structured training platforms such Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) and its associated Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).
11. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Agri-Food Supply Chains Initiatives (FSCI) to best support and strengthen the capacity of the Government warehousing and Storage schemes, including the food logistics management by National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
12. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Nutrition & Safety-Sensitive Agro-Food Value Chains (NSAFVC) to best support local industrial, medium-scale, and community level food processors as well as strengthening the capacity of public standards and regulatory agencies such as Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
13. Research and connect WFP-supported public and private partners, including smallholder farmers, aggregators, warehouse operators, processors, and relevant Government agencies, with South-South cooperation engagement opportunities.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE
Advanced University degree in applied Agriculture & Social Economics, Economics, Policy, or Economic Policy; preferably with specialization in Agribusiness, Food Logistic Systems, and Value Chains, or other relevant fields.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:
Must have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience providing leadership on all matters related to administrative, organizational, managerial aspects of food systems programmes. Fluency in food systems knowledge-based tools to assess and monitor food sustainability as well as the capacity to support actions to address challenges in (production, processing, distribution, marketing, and sale of food). Comprehensive understanding of public-private partnership engagement, including relationship building across sectors and industries. Analytical, problem solver, have leadership and project management skills. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are required. Team player and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse background.
LANGUAGE: Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different.
How to apply:
Applicants should submit their applications and CV stating 3 references online to: www1.wfp.org/careers/job.openings and follow the steps.
Qualified Female Candidates are encouraged to apply
People living with disability are also encouraged to apply
Only shortlisted candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.
NOTE
- WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action. WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment
External/Internal Vacancy Announcement
No. WFP/GHA/PPO/FS/JUL/2025
PROGRAMME POLICY OFFICER (FOOD SYSTEMS)
Deadline for Application: 14 days from day of publication
JOB PURPOSE:
To support with design, management and coordination of programmes and interventions in the areas of sustainable food systems, food & nutrition security and smallholder farmers agricultural market support and the development of resilient agri-food supply chain management systems that are aligned with and contribute to the Government’s development efforts and priorities in achieving the Zero Hunger Agenda.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the Programme Policy Officer (Sustainable Food Systems) will be responsible for the following duties.
1. Lead resource mobilization efforts through the design of sound technical proposals and concepts, including identifying possible funding opportunities in Sustainable Food Systems, Agriculture Market Access for smallholder farmers, nutrition-focused agricultural value chains, writing project proposals. and developing efficient food supply chains management systems in line with WFP’s goals and objectives.
2. Provide technical guidance and or mobilize technical expertise on programme and policy issues related to Sustainable Food Systems and Smallholder Farmers Agriculture Market support, including assessments and analysis, the design and implementation of programme activities, the testing of innovative approaches and the development of interventions in the core competencies areas of WFP to support Government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.
3. Lead efforts to enhance strategic and operational Partnerships with Government Agencies, Private Sector entities, UN, Civil Society and Academia relevant to the implementation of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) activities under the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Outcome and ensure that WFP’s comparative advantage and complementarity are clearly communicated, understood, and valued in the support to the GoG.
4. Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating Sustainable Food Systems, Food Security and Nutrition, Smallholder farmers agriculture market support, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Coordinate the drafting of communication materials and quality reporting for internal as well as external audiences, including Donor reports, for all activities under the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Outcome in the CSP.
6. Represent WFP in relevant UN forums as appropriate and strengthen partnership with relevant stakeholders.
7. Lead the development of detailed Annual Activity Plans in alignment with available Budget and oversee their implementation; manage, monitor, and report on activity budgets and expenditures.
8. Contribute to the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Post-Harvest Management Interventions (PHMI) to best support vulnerable households, smallholder farmers, aggregators, and Government warehousing schemes.
9. Under this component, manage the implementation of WFP-sponsored projects that promote Best Post-Harvest Management practices, including promotion of sound warehousing, storage, and other appropriate technologies to curb post-harvest losses; coordinate efforts to assess Ghana’s Post-harvest infrastructure and services and build a case for the competitiveness of Ghana’s grain (including whole grain) industry, among other agricultural value chains.
10. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Agricultural Market Development Initiatives (AMDI) to best support smallholder and medium scale farmers to access markets through direct group selling or participation in structured training platforms such Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) and its associated Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).
11. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Agri-Food Supply Chains Initiatives (FSCI) to best support and strengthen the capacity of the Government warehousing and Storage schemes, including the food logistics management by National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
12. Lead the design and oversight of the implementation of WFP Ghana’s Nutrition & Safety-Sensitive Agro-Food Value Chains (NSAFVC) to best support local industrial, medium-scale, and community level food processors as well as strengthening the capacity of public standards and regulatory agencies such as Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
13. Research and connect WFP-supported public and private partners, including smallholder farmers, aggregators, warehouse operators, processors, and relevant Government agencies, with South-South cooperation engagement opportunities.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE
Advanced University degree in applied Agriculture & Social Economics, Economics, Policy, or Economic Policy; preferably with specialization in Agribusiness, Food Logistic Systems, and Value Chains, or other relevant fields.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:
Must have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience providing leadership on all matters related to administrative, organizational, managerial aspects of food systems programmes. Fluency in food systems knowledge-based tools to assess and monitor food sustainability as well as the capacity to support actions to address challenges in (production, processing, distribution, marketing, and sale of food). Comprehensive understanding of public-private partnership engagement, including relationship building across sectors and industries. Analytical, problem solver, have leadership and project management skills. Excellent written and verbal communications skills are required. Team player and demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse background.
LANGUAGE: Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different.
How to apply:
Applicants should submit their applications and CV stating 3 references online to: www1.wfp.org/careers/job.openings and follow the steps.
Qualified Female Candidates are encouraged to apply
People living with disability are also encouraged to apply
Only shortlisted candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.
NOTE
- WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action. WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
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