About the Organization
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity. Operating in over 80 countries, WFP provides a critical lifeline to over 86 million people annually, particularly those recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. In Ethiopia, WFP’s mission is vital, as the organization supports national priorities through life-saving relief, resilience programming, and systems-strengthening for over 10 million food-insecure individuals.
The vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, and high-performing teams operating in an inclusive environment. WFP lives by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. By joining WFP, employees enter a multicultural workspace that invests heavily in personal and professional development through accreditation, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities across regional and global offices.
In Ethiopia, WFP’s work is specifically aligned with government strategies on social protection and disaster risk management. With more than 1.1 million refugees and frequent internal displacements due to climate shocks, the engineering and logistics sectors of WFP are essential for ensuring that aid reaches the most remote and challenging environments. The organization prides itself on a “people-centered” approach, ensuring that every project contributes directly to the well-being of the communities served.
WFP is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity in all its forms. The organization encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, or disability status. This commitment ensures that WFP remains a dynamic and representative force for good in the global humanitarian landscape.
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. We strongly encourage women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented groups to apply. We are committed to an inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment, where every team member is selected on merit to help change the lives of those WFP serves.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The Engineer/Project Manager role is a high-impact position central to WFP’s infrastructure and construction activities in Ethiopia. Based in the Addis Ababa Country Office, the incumbent will lead the technical development and project management of vital construction works across the country. This role ensures that WFP’s physical assets—ranging from warehouses to distribution centers—are built to the highest international standards, directly enabling the rapid delivery of food assistance.
Strategically, this position bridges the gap between complex engineering design and humanitarian delivery. By leading site assessments, feasibility studies, and detailed designs, the Project Manager ensures that infrastructure is resilient against climate shocks and suitable for low-resource environments. The role’s impact is measured by the successful execution of projects that provide the logistical backbone for WFP’s life-saving operations.
A “day-in-the-life” of this role involves a mix of technical oversight and stakeholder coordination. You will review architectural and structural drawings, conduct site inspections, and manage contractor performance to ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule. You will also collaborate closely with internal units like Supply Chain, Security, and ICT to ensure all operational requirements are integrated into the final engineering deliverables.
Professional growth in this position is significant, offering exposure to UN procurement procedures, FIDIC international contract formats, and humanitarian project management. You will have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your engineering expertise directly translates into improved nutrition and resilience for millions of people.
Ultimately, the Engineer/Project Manager is a guardian of quality and safety. By implementing rigorous quality assurance systems and internationally recognized health and safety standards, you protect the lives of personnel and the integrity of WFP’s mission. This role is ideal for a dedicated professional looking to apply technical civil engineering skills to achieve global humanitarian goals.
Job Positions and Requirements
Engineer/Project Manager (Job Requisition ID: JR121742)
Educational Qualification: Advanced university degree (Master’s) in Civil Engineering, or a First University degree (Bachelor’s) with additional years of relevant work experience and training.
Work Experience: At least three (3) years of professional experience in civil engineering, specifically in construction supervision, contract administration, and project management. Experience with the UN or international NGOs is highly desirable.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with travel for site assessments)
Salary: Negotiable/Per Scale (Service Contract – Level 9)
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This position is offered under a Service Contract (Level 9) for an initial duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. WFP offers an attractive compensation package that includes a competitive salary, health insurance, and participation in the UN’s social security framework.
As a Service Contract holder, you will benefit from a highly inclusive and multicultural working environment. WFP’s compensation is designed to attract skilled professionals capable of operating in challenging contexts, providing the stability and support needed to focus on saving and changing lives.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates must submit their applications exclusively through the WFP online recruiting system (Workday). Please ensure that your profile is accurate and complete, including detailed employment history and academic qualifications. At this initial stage, the only required documents are your CV and a tailored Cover Letter.
Please be aware that scanned certificates, passports, or recommendation letters are NOT required during the initial application phase. These documents may be requested by the recruitment team at a later stage for those who progress through the selection process.
WFP follows a rigorous selection process based on merit and organizational needs. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to the next stage, which may include technical assessments and competency-based interviews. Reference and background checks are a mandatory part of the final selection process.
The primary channel for application is the official WFP Careers portal via the “Apply” link on the job announcement. We remind all applicants that the United Nations/WFP does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you encounter technical issues, you may contact global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org.
Application Deadline
14 April 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
Apply link