The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and fostering resilience through food assistance, has announced an exciting opportunity for a Programme Policy Officer specializing in Social Protection. This role, based in Bujumbura, Burundi, offers a full-time, remote-friendly position from August to December 2025, contributing to the ongoing efforts to strengthen Burundi’s social safety net systems.
About the Role
As a key member of WFP’s Social Protection team, the Programme Policy Officer will play an instrumental role in supporting the government of Burundi’s ambitious social protection agenda. With the country making notable strides in establishing a foundational safety net through the Merankabandi National Safety Net Programme, the incumbent will assist in advancing this work towards a comprehensive, shock-responsive social protection system.
The primary focus will be on supporting the implementation of Phase II of Merankabandi, which aims to enhance institutional capacity, scale up nutrition-sensitive safety nets, and improve resilience against climate-induced shocks. The officer will work closely with government counterparts, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of social protection activities, including cash transfers, social registry development, and productive inclusion initiatives.
Why WFP?
WFP’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the heart of its organizational culture. Recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, WFP offers a vibrant, multicultural work environment that fosters professional growth and development. Employees benefit from training programs, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities across a global network of offices. Working with WFP means being part of a dedicated team that strives to make a tangible impact on ending poverty and hunger worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the implementation of Merankabandi II activities, including cash transfers to refugee households and related social protection measures.
- Facilitate coordination among field offices, partners, and government agencies to ensure timely and effective program delivery.
- Contribute to analytical and technical reports, ensuring quality and compliance with WFP standards.
- Assist in the development of a shock-responsive social protection portfolio, including research, proposal development, and stakeholder engagement.
- Support the operationalization of Burundi’s social registry, including the integration of indicators related to nutrition, food security, and refugees.
- Organize technical meetings, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
- Contribute to the update and implementation of WFP Burundi’s Social Protection Strategy.
- Document lessons learned, good practices, and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Candidate Profile
WFP seeks candidates with a strong background in social protection, economic inclusion, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have:
- A Master’s degree in Development, Economics, Social Sciences, or relevant disciplines, with at least two years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree with more extensive experience.
- Proven experience in program cycle management, social protection policy, and operational implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to work with government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.
- Strong analytical skills and familiarity with social safety net delivery systems and social registries.
- Experience working in low-capacity or challenging environments.
- Fluency in both French and English.
Join WFP and Make a Difference
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of Burundi’s social protection system, helping vulnerable populations build resilience and improve their well-being. WFP values diversity and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those with disabilities.
For those passionate about social protection and eager to be part of a global organization committed to ending hunger and poverty, this is an ideal opportunity. The deadline for applications is July 10, 2025.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and become part of WFP’s mission to save lives and change futures.
For more details and to apply, visit the official WFP careers page
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