Programme Policy Officer

Overview

JOB TITLE: Programme Policy Officer (Value Chains)

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract (SC)

JOB GRADE: SC-8

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Cotabato, Philippines

DURATION: 12 months

This position is open to Filipino nationals only.

Organizational Context

Smallholder farmers and fisherfolk in the BARMM have limited resources, information, and training to increase their yield and engage in value-adding activities. WFP works with the BARMM Government and partners to build resilience and self-reliance through an integrated package of interventions, including market access, value chain development, and climate-smart strategies. WFP aims to strengthen government systems and support priority programmes such as Walang Gutom 2027 and LAWA, aligning with national policies and the UN Sustainable Development Framework.

Job Purpose

The Programme Policy Officer (Value Chains) will primarily support Strategic Outcome 2 of the Country Strategic Plan. Based in the Cotabato Field Office, the holder will oversee operationalization of WFP’s Market and Livelihoods Framework (MALF) in BARMM and lead capacity strengthening for Government partners and smallholder farmers and fisherfolk.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

The Officer will report to the Head of Integrated Resilience and work with the SAMS Officer and Programme Policy Officer (Market and Livelihood). Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and strengthen capacities of government and community partners in market analysis, value chain development, governance, and business training for self-reliance.
• Facilitate linkages between farmer and fisherfolk organisations and local/regional markets, including the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme and other buyers.
• Advance women’s economic empowerment and inclusion by designing gender-responsive interventions and pathways to women-led enterprises.
• Support inclusive financing mechanisms to improve cash flow and bargaining power for farmers.
• Ensure Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) compliance, conduct ESS screenings, and manage grievances and reporting.
• Provide supervision and manage staff/consultants in the value chain team as required.
• Coordinate with other units to support effective collaboration and monitoring of activities.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Support M&E activities by identifying indicators and developing tools to monitor support to smallholders.
• Provide regular updates and quarterly briefing notes on progress, risks, and budgets.
• Contribute to donor reporting, concept notes, and funding proposals; prepare case studies and communications inputs.
• Carry out other duties as required, including workstreams in school feeding, social protection, anticipatory action, emergency response, gender and disability mainstreaming.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education: Advanced university degree or bachelor’s degree in Rural Development, Agriculture and/or Fisheries, Agronomy, Climate Change Adaptation, SME Development, Environmental Economics, or related field.

Experience:

• Required: 1 year (with advanced degree) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree).
• Preferred: 7 years in development work including management experience in food security and livelihoods.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, ability to work with communities and partners.
• Creative, proactive problem-solving, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Strong analytical abilities; ability to draw conclusions and recommend actions.
• Excellent written and oral communication; experience in food systems and value chain development.
• Proficient in computer applications and monitoring & evaluation standards.

Language: Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and Filipino; local language knowledge in BARMM is desirable.

Other Information

Reasonable Accommodation: WFP provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request ( ).

No Fee: The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing or other fee. Be cautious of fraudulent requests.

Reminders Before You Submit:

• Ensure your profile is accurate with employment history, qualifications, language skills, and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Upload your CV in English; only CV and Cover Letter may be requested initially.
• For assistance, contact if you experience submission challenges.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to an inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment, with appropriate background checks for selected candidates.

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