World Food Programme (WFP) is Hiring a Programme Policy Officer (P3) – Food Systems & Climate Resilience

The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced a senior-level vacancy for a Programme Policy Officer (P3) specializing in Food Systems and Climate Resilience in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The position is part of WFP’s ongoing mission to strengthen food security, climate adaptation, and sustainable development systems in vulnerable regions.

The application deadline is 19 May 2026, with the contract expected to run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

About the World Food Programme

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and a leading UN agency focused on ending global hunger. Its work spans emergency food assistance, resilience building, and long-term food systems transformation.

The organization operates in more than 120 countries, supporting governments in designing and implementing nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient food systems.

WFP is also a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2020) in recognition of its efforts to combat hunger and promote peace through food security.

Role Overview: Programme Policy Officer (P3)

The Programme Policy Officer will lead WFP’s Food Systems and Climate Resilience portfolio in Kyrgyz Republic, providing strategic direction and technical leadership across multiple development programmes.

The role focuses on integrating climate resilience, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture into national food systems while supporting government-led development strategies.

Contract Details:

• Job Title: Programme Policy Officer (P3)
• Duty Station: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
• Contract Type: Fixed-term (Limited)
• Duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027
• Application Deadline: 19 May 2026

Strategic Context of the Role

The position supports WFP’s Country Strategic Plan (2023–2027), which aims to strengthen:

• Resilient and inclusive food systems
• Climate adaptation and disaster risk management
• Nutrition-sensitive school feeding programmes
• Shock-responsive social protection systems

The programme aligns with national development priorities and global frameworks focused on food security and climate resilience.

Key Responsibilities

The Programme Policy Officer will lead a multidisciplinary team and oversee the design and implementation of integrated food systems programmes.

Core Functions Include:

1. Policy Development and Strategic Alignment

• Translate global WFP policies into national-level strategies
• Align programmes with national development frameworks and UN cooperation plans
• Strengthen links between policy dialogue and field implementation

2. Programme Leadership and Innovation

• Lead design of food systems and climate resilience interventions
• Develop scalable models for nutrition-sensitive school feeding systems
• Integrate climate risk analysis and early warning systems

3. Partnership and Coordination

• Build partnerships with government, UN agencies, IFIs, and civil society
• Strengthen collaboration on value chains and climate-smart agriculture
• Support joint programming and co-financing opportunities

4. Evidence Generation and Research

• Manage operational research and learning initiatives
• Produce analytical reports and policy briefs
• Translate evidence into scalable programme improvements

5. Resource Mobilization

• Support fundraising for climate and food systems programmes
• Engage with donors such as climate finance mechanisms and development partners
• Monitor project budgets and risk management

6. Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a team of approximately 13 staff
• Ensure performance management and capacity development
• Foster collaboration across technical and operational units

7. Emergency Preparedness

• Support early warning systems and disaster response planning
• Integrate anticipatory action into programme design
• Contribute to crisis response readiness

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants are expected to have strong technical and leadership experience in food systems, agriculture, climate resilience, or related fields.

Education:

• Advanced university degree in:
  • International Affairs
  • Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental Science
  • Nutrition or Health
  • Social Sciences
• Or a first university degree with additional relevant experience

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Background in:
  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Food systems or value chain development
  • Social protection or nutrition programmes
• Experience working with governments or international development partners is highly desirable

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)
• Knowledge of Russian or Kyrgyz is an advantage

Skills and Competencies

Ideal candidates should demonstrate:

• Strong policy analysis and programme management skills
• Experience in climate resilience and food security programming
• Ability to manage multi-stakeholder partnerships
• Knowledge of donor-funded project environments
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Capacity to translate research into practical policy solutions

Why This Role Matters

The Programme Policy Officer role at the World Food Programme is central to advancing climate-resilient food systems in Kyrgyz Republic.

It contributes directly to:

• Strengthening national food security systems
• Supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods
• Expanding school feeding and nutrition programmes
• Improving disaster preparedness and climate adaptation
• Promoting sustainable agricultural value chains

The role sits at the intersection of humanitarian response, development policy, and climate action.

Application Process

Candidates must apply through the official WFP online recruitment system. Applications submitted via email or other channels will not be considered.

Required Documents:

• Updated CV
• Cover letter

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment stages, including interviews and background checks.

Apply

This vacancy with the World Food Programme represents a high-impact leadership opportunity for professionals in food systems, climate resilience, and international development.

With its focus on integrating climate action and food security policy in Kyrgyz Republic, the role offers a chance to contribute to one of the most pressing global challenges: building sustainable and resilient food systems in the face of climate change.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding