Education:

Advanced university degree in one of the following or related fields: • Economics • International Affairs • Agriculture • Environmental Science • Social Sciences • International Development or related disciplines

About the Organization
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing hunger around the globe. The organization works in emergency situations and also helps communities recover from crises, conflicts, and natural disasters.

WFP focuses on providing food assistance and building long-term solutions that help communities become more resilient. Through its programs, the organization supports millions of vulnerable people by ensuring access to food, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods.

The organization received global recognition when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to combat hunger and prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war.

WFP promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees from different backgrounds collaborate to address global challenges. The organization values integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

Working with WFP offers an opportunity to be part of a global humanitarian network. Employees have the chance to contribute to meaningful programs that directly impact vulnerable populations and improve lives.

WFP also invests heavily in staff development. Employees benefit from training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career mobility across country offices, regional hubs, and headquarters around the world.

Job Description
The Programme Policy Officer will play a key role in supporting refugee transition and self-reliance initiatives in Ethiopia. The position focuses on designing and implementing programs that help refugees move from dependency on humanitarian assistance toward sustainable livelihoods and economic participation.

The officer will contribute to WFP’s strategy aimed at supporting refugees and host communities through innovative livelihood programs and economic empowerment initiatives.

One of the core responsibilities is to provide strategic leadership in managing WFP’s refugee self-reliance portfolio. The officer will guide program implementation and ensure alignment with national and international humanitarian strategies.

The role also involves strengthening collaboration with government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector partners. Through these partnerships, the officer will support programs that expand employment and income opportunities for refugees and host communities.

The officer will participate in joint strategic dialogue with humanitarian partners, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to advance sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

Another key responsibility includes supporting the implementation of Ethiopia’s Mekatet Roadmap, which aims to transition refugee assistance from short-term relief toward long-term resilience and integration.

The Programme Policy Officer will coordinate data analysis initiatives that identify refugee skills and employment potential. These insights will help guide advocacy efforts and inform policy recommendations for improved refugee inclusion in the labor market.

The position will also lead initiatives that support livelihood development and economic empowerment. This includes designing integrated programs that improve access to employment, business opportunities, and financial resources.

The officer will oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to measure program performance and ensure that interventions achieve sustainable impact.

The role also requires facilitating referral mechanisms that connect refugees with job opportunities, training programs, and development initiatives offered by partners.

Another responsibility is maintaining effective collaboration with technical teams to ensure strong links between emergency assistance programs and long-term development solutions.

Through these activities, the Programme Policy Officer will help ensure that humanitarian support contributes to long-term social and economic stability for displaced populations in Ethiopia.

Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess an advanced university degree in one of the following or related fields:

• Economics
• International Affairs
• Agriculture
• Environmental Science
• Social Sciences
• International Development or related disciplines

Applicants with a first university degree combined with additional relevant professional experience may also be considered.

The educational background should demonstrate a strong understanding of development policy, humanitarian assistance, and livelihood programming.

Work Experience
Applicants should have professional experience working in development programs, livelihoods initiatives, employment promotion, or related sectors.

Experience in project management, policy development, or economic empowerment programs is considered valuable for this role.

Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, donor agencies, or the private sector is an advantage.

Previous exposure to refugee programming, humanitarian operations, or community resilience initiatives will strengthen a candidate’s profile.

Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders and managing partnerships in complex environments is also highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of livelihood development and economic empowerment strategies.

A good understanding of labor market dynamics and employment creation initiatives is important for this role.

Applicants should have the ability to coordinate with government agencies, NGOs, private sector partners, and international organizations.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required to translate data into policy recommendations and program improvements.

Excellent communication and report writing skills are essential for preparing policy briefs, advocacy materials, and strategic reports.

Fluency in both English and Amharic is required for effective communication with stakeholders and partners.

Applicants should demonstrate leadership ability, teamwork, and the capacity to manage complex development programs.

Experience in monitoring and evaluation frameworks, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making is also beneficial.

Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The role is based in the capital city and involves collaboration with national partners, international organizations, and government institutions working on refugee response and resilience programs.

Employment Type and Salary
This position is offered as a Fixed Term contract under the National Officer category (NOA).

WFP offers a competitive compensation package that includes salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within the organization.

Employees also gain access to training programs, career development resources, and potential mobility opportunities across global WFP offices.

Working with WFP provides valuable international experience and the opportunity to contribute to large-scale humanitarian programs.

The organization encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and strongly supports gender equality. Women and individuals from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to submit their applications.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply through the official WFP online recruitment system.

Applications must be submitted through the online portal, and submissions via email or other channels will not be considered.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter during the application stage.

Scanned certificates, transcripts, and other attachments are not required at the initial stage of the application process.

Candidates should ensure that their online profile is complete and includes their education history, work experience, and language skills.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to continue in the recruitment process.

The organization does not charge any application or recruitment fees. Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent requests for payment.

Application Deadline: 27 March 2026.

Apply link