Programme Policy Officer (JPO, P2) (Emergency Response)

Programme Policy Officer (JPO, P2) (Emergency Response)

Location: Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa

Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Date of last update: (Expiry date: )

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is a highly prestigious, reputable and 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.

Ethiopia is facing a severe and complex humanitarian crisis caused by overlapping factors such as conflict, drought, floods and rising prices, all of which are worsening food insecurity and livelihoods. Displacement and asset loss in regions like Afar and Tigray, combined with repeated droughts in pastoral areas (especially Somali region), have left millions in urgent need of aid.

The Ethiopia Country Office of WFP is leading the response by providing food assistance, nutrition support, school feeding and livelihood programs, focusing on the hardest‑hit regions. Its approach relies on ongoing assessments to adapt to changing needs and emphasizes collaboration with partners and government institutions to ensure effective, sustainable support. The goal is to improve food security, protect livelihoods and support Ethiopia’s recovery and long‑term resilience.

As Programme Policy Officer you support the Ethiopia Country Office by providing the following:

• Operational Support: Supporting planning, coordination and delivery of emergency food assistance
• Contingency Planning & Preparedness: Helping with contingency planning, risk analysis and stock management
• Data Management & Analysis: Collecting and analysing data to inform decisions
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Assisting with field monitoring and capturing lessons learned
• Partnerships & Capacity Building: Supporting coordination with partners and capacity‑building activities
• Reporting & Documentation: Supporting partnerships, trainings and reporting tasks
• Etc.

Part of the Swiss JPO Programme, this position is sponsored by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the FDFA.

Type of contract: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

Duration: 2 to 3-year assignment (1 year renewable fixed‑term contracts)

Level of experience: Professional, 3 to 5 years

Area of work: Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Rural Development; Documentation, Knowledge Management, Research, Analysis; Monitoring and Evaluation, Results‑based Management

Type of organisation: Multilateral Organisations

Skills required

For the Swiss JPO programme:

• Swiss nationality
• Not older than 32 years at the date of the first round of interviews
• Fluency in English and a second UN language
• Master’s degree
• Strong interest in a long‑term career with the United Nations

For this position:

• Master’s degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences or other field relevant to international development assistance
• 3 years of professional experience in programme implementation, operational coordination or humanitarian operations, or closely related fields (WFP counts internships at 100%)
• Experience working with humanitarian operations is an asset
• Experience in planning, coordinating or implementing field activities
• Experience supporting contingency planning and emergency preparedness
• Exposure to the international arena either by direct work for an international institution/organisation or by interacting with international stakeholders is an asset

First round of interviews: 18 – 19 May 2026 online

Start date: Please be aware that the recruitment process may take 3 to 6 months. You are expected to start your assignment within 3 months following notification of selection.

We are committed to gender balance and encourage applications from qualified individuals of all genders. We also welcome applications from people with different gender identities and from people with different backgrounds, including sexual orientation, disability, cultural or religious background. We value an inclusive working environment that promotes equal opportunities and a non‑discriminatory culture.