Job Overview
Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees from multiple countries, with the majority living in camps across seven regions. Continued refugee inflows due to conflict, political instability, and climate-related shocks have intensified humanitarian needs. To address these challenges, the Government of Ethiopia launched the Mekatet Roadmap to promote inclusive and resilient refugee assistance, transitioning from emergency support to sustainable, long-term solutions. WFP plays a critical role in this approach through safety nets, livelihoods, and resilience-building initiatives.
Job Purpose
WFP Ethiopia seeks a Programme Policy Officer for Refugee Transitions and Self-Reliance to support the design and implementation of sustainable refugee solutions. The role provides strategic and technical leadership for WFP’s refugee self-reliance portfolio and supports coordination with key partners.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for WFP Ethiopia’s refugee self-reliance portfolio. Lead joint strategic dialogue with UNHCR on sustainable refugee solutions, including policy engagement, referrals, evaluations, and advocacy. Build partnerships with government institutions, private sector actors, national partners, and international organizations to expand economic opportunities for refugees. Design and support integrated livelihood and economic empowerment interventions for refugee and host communities. Lead WFP’s implementation support under the Mekatet Roadmap to ensure coherence, scalability, and measurable impact.
Coordinate with the Refugees and Returnees Service and UNHCR on the self-reliance model and actively participate in joint coordination platforms. Strengthen linkages between humanitarian assistance, referral mechanisms, advocacy, and livelihood activities. Support development of pathways from humanitarian assistance to sustainable solutions.
Co-lead data analysis initiatives with monitoring and research teams to inform evidence-based advocacy. Identify data gaps, support labor market and skills analysis, and develop policy briefs and advocacy materials. Coordinate joint advocacy with UNHCR and other partners.
Oversee implementation of integrated livelihood support packages, including monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Strengthen linkages among WFP interventions and identify synergies between policy and program design.
Serve as focal point for two-way referral mechanisms, engage partners to expand employment opportunities, analyze referral challenges, and coordinate referrals with UNHCR. Support establishment and management of data-sharing agreements with partners in compliance with agreed standards.
Perform additional duties as required to support WFP’s refugee self-reliance and sustainability agenda.
Education
Advanced university degree in Economics, International Affairs, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or related fields. A first university degree with additional relevant work experience may be accepted.
Experience
Minimum of one year of postgraduate professional experience in livelihoods, employment, development projects, start-ups, or related areas. Demonstrated experience in long-term strategy development and change management. Proven technical or project management experience in livelihood programming, job placement, development programs, or private sector initiatives.
Technical Expertise
Strong knowledge of livelihoods, labor markets, economic empowerment, and resilience approaches in Ethiopia, particularly in refugee contexts. Familiarity with start-up ecosystems and development actors is desirable.
Partnership and Coordination
Experience working with government institutions, NGOs, private sector actors, and international organizations.
Additional Assets
Previous experience with UN agencies, NGOs, or donor organizations. Familiarity with data-driven programming, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence-based advocacy.
Language Requirements
Fluency in spoken and written English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only through the official WFP recruitment platform:
https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Addis-Ababa-Ethiopia-Federal-Dem-Rep/Programme-Policy-Officer–Refugees-Transition-and-Self-Reliance—NOA_JR118898-2?locationCountry=db69c460446c11de98360015c5e6daf6
Additional Information
WFP does not charge any application or recruitment fees. Reasonable accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities. Only a CV and cover letter are required at this stage. Additional documents may be requested later. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.