Programme Policy Officer (Social Protection) NOB

As a global leader in fighting hunger and malnutrition, the World Food Programme (WFP) is increasingly seen as a strategic partner of choice for social protection. WFP is called upon by governments to help design, strengthen and implement their national social protection systems. By working to and supporting these systems, WFP aspires to help countries make measurable contributions to Zero Hunger (SDG2), poverty reduction, and the expansion of social protection floors.

WFP supports national systems through a three-pronged approach: providing technical assistance to national led systems, delivering national programs on behalf of governments where needed (e.g. in emergencies), and complementing national programmes through WFP-led initiatives.

The goal is to ensure that all people have access to strong national social protection systems that safeguard their ability to meet food security, nutrition, and other essential needs particularly in the face of rising risks and more recurrent shocks.

WFP’s Regional Office for Western and Central Africa (WACARO) provide strategic guidance and technical support to 19 countries across the region, with many Country Offices (COs) in the region already having integrated social protection into their work plans and strategies. Notably, through support from partners like BMZ/KfW, WFP and UNICEF are jointly supporting Sahel governments to provide critical assistance that expands the coverage of social protection, all while building more shock- and gender-responsive systems, while also bringing in the nutrition/child sensitive approach.

WFP in the region is also strengthening its strategic positioning to leverage expertise, foster cross-country learning, and elevate the investment case for social protection across the region, together with partners.

• Support COs in engaging with and supporting national social protection systems, ensuring alignment with WFP corporate policies and guidance, particularly in relation to nutrition, food security, and emergency preparedness.
• Provide programme and policy guidance to COs in the design and implementation of social protection projects and initiatives, including support to building policy dialogue with host governments.
• Contribute to regional strategic discussions with different actors to identify priorities and entry points for strengthening WFP’s engagement in social protection Support the development of the regional social protection strategy document, its implementation plan, and contribute to its operationalization.
• Collaborate with other WACARO programmatic units to foster coordinated programme support, positioning social protection within broader engagements such as climate action (including AA and micro and macro insurance), emergency response, nutrition, school feeding, gender and resilience.
• Actively participate in working groups and other relevant regional coordination for a to advance the social protection agenda.
• Contribute to the identification and management of partnerships (UN agencies, World Bank, donors, NGOs) leading to stronger social protection systems in the region.
• Contribute to research and analyses on social protection policies, strategies, and programmes across the 19 countries to inform evidence-based decision-making.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports on social protection activities to foster coordination and informed decision-making within the regional office.
• Ensure dissemination of timely analytical products, including normative guidance notes, regional studies, and global strategic documents.
• Undertake regular field visits to support ongoing initiatives and identify new opportunities for engagement in social protection at the country level.
• Support capacity strengthening activities for WFP staff, partners, and national governments by providing inputs for guidance materials and learning initiatives.
• Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with queries related to social protection.
• Any other relevant tasks, as required.

Shock-Responsive Focus: Support the technical design of social protection systems that can scale or pivot in response to climate shocks or conflict, particularly in fragile and crisis-prone regions, mainly the Sahel. Cross-Functional Linkages: Ensure a close collaboration with other workstream, including School Feeding, Nutrition, and Research, Assessment, and Monitoring (RAM) activities. Policy Advocacy: Assist COs in navigating the transition from direct delivery to providing technical assistance to national social protection secretariats and ministries.

• At least three (3) years of postgraduate professional experience in social protection, public policy, or international development.
• Proven track record in supporting national social protection systems or safety net programmes.
• Experience working within a regional context or providing technical support to multiple country offices.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse partners including government ministries, UN agencies, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including in navigating high-level discussions with competing priorities.
• Experience in research, data analysis, and the preparation of policy briefs or strategy documents.

Education: Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or another field relevant to social protection.

Language: Fluency (level C) in French required. Fluency (level B2) in English required

Leads by Example with Integrity: Upholds WFP values and standards in all engagements.

Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments: Delivers high-quality policy guidance and support.

Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative: Works effectively across units and with external partners.

Applies Strategic Thinking: Translates regional trends into actionable social protection strategies.

Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships: Strengthens relationships with regional stakeholders.