Programme Policy Officer (Early Warning System Specialist) - CST II - Peshawar, Pakistan

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

16 September 2026-23:59-GMT+05:00 Pakistan Standard Time (Karachi)

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

ABOUT THE JOB

Job Title: Programme Policy Officer (Early Warming Systems Specialist)
Type of Contract: Consultancy Level II
Unit: Programme
Duty station: Peshawar, Pakistan
Duration: 11 Months

Date of Publication: 2 September 2026

End Date: 16 September 2026

This Vacancy Announcement is Open to Non-Pakistani Nationals Only

Note: This vacancy announcement will also be used to build a roster of prequalified applicants for future similar opportunities.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary, medical insurance, among other benefits.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The World Food Programme (WFP), as an implementing entity of the GCF, is implementing a climate resilience initiative in Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project aims to strengthen community resilience to climate-induced risks, particularly flash flooding, through the establishment of an end-to-end Early Warning System (EWS), development of Anticipatory Action (AA) protocols and promotion of impact-based forecasting (IBF).

Significant groundwork has already been in process under this initiative. A national EWS consultant has conducted as comprehensive capacity assessment of key stakeholders and developed detailed technical specifications for hydrometeorological equipment, which have been reviewed and validated by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Based on this work, the locations for installation of equipment will be identified by PMD. In addition, Terms of Reference have been proposed for engaging an international firm responsible for procurement and delivery of equipment and national firm to support installation, calibration and local facilitation where required.

The project will also support the establishment of a Decision Support System (DSS) to facilitate data integration, analysis, and decision-making across stakeholders. Furthermore, specialized firms will be engaged to undertake flash flood modelling and forecasting. Within this context, the WFP programme team, including the Programme Policy Officer responsible for anticipatory action and impact-based forecasting, is already leading technical coordination and integration across these components.

Given the above, there is a need for a short-term international expert to provide targeted, high-level advisory support at critical stages of system design and operationalization. The role is not intended to duplicate existing functions or undertake implementation tasks, but rather to provide strategic guidance, quality assurance, and technical validation in line with global best practices.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMET:

The purpose of this assignment is to provide independent, high-level technical advisory support to strengthen the overall

coherence, quality, and effectiveness of the end-to-end early warning system being established under the project. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Provincial Office and close collaboration with the Programme Policy Officer (Project Coordinator), based in Peshawar, the consultant will focus on ensuring that the different components of the system -including monitoring infrastructure, forecasting models, the Decision Support System, and anticipatory action mechanisms - are well-integrated, aligned with international standards, and responsive to the needs of national and sub-national stakeholders. This assignment is designed as a short-term, intermittent advisory engagement, complementing the ongoing work of WFP staff, the national EWS consultants, and contracted firms.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Contribute to formulation of WFP-wide programme policies in line with both organizational strategy and the practical realities of operating in the field; or translate programme policy into Country level practices. Developing programme guidance and implementation modalities and operations, to ensure a clear and strong connection between HQ and field operations.

2. Provide advice and support on moderately complex issues to clarify ambiguities and ensure that policy and programme operations are consistent with WFP policies, Executive Board decisions, and other relevant guidance.

3. Provide technical advice or mobilise technical expertise on programme and policy issues including assessment and analysis, the choice of objectives, activities, transfer modalities and appropriate food products, the deployment and testing of innovative approaches and the development of strategies to support government efforts to reduce hunger and malnutrition.

4. Assist counterparts in governments and other partners in identifying where food assistance can be usefully employed and provide support and technical expertise for the planning, formulation and implementation of moderately complex food assistance programmes to strengthen government and community ownership and effectiveness of food security and nutrition programmes at national and sub-national levels.

5. Establish and maintain operational partnerships to identify opportunities for collaborative approaches and initiatives that improve assistance packages and support advocacy work.

6. Enhance WFP’s leadership status in forums relating to area of specialism, for example food security, nutrition, livelihoods, resilience or engagement in humanitarian, transition and development contexts through direct participation, briefings, information products and other materials.

7. Manage operational research and evidence building on issues relevant to food assistance.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS:

The consultant will undertake the assignment in a primarily advisory capacity, providing strategic inputs at key stages.

1. The consultant will review the output produced by the national EWS consultant, including the capacity assessment and technical specifications for equipment, and provide independent technical feedback to ensure alignment with global standards and best practices.

2. The consultant will also review and advise on the technical approaches and deliverables of the international firm responsible for procurement and development of the Decision Support System, as well as the national firm supporting installation and calibration, where applicable.

3. A key aspect of the assignment will be to advise on the integration of different system components into a coherent end-to-end EWS. This includes ensuring effective linkage between data collection and monitoring systems, forecasting and modelling outputs, impact-based forecasting approaches, and anticipatory action triggers. Particular attention will be given to ensuring that the Decision Support System is effectively aligned with operational decision-making needs and supports timely and evidence-based early action.

4. The consultant will provide on-demand technical backstopping to WFP and its partners, helping to clarify technical expectations, identify potential risks or gaps, and recommend practical solutions. This will include engagement with relevant stakeholders such as PMD, disaster management authorities, and other technical agencies, with a focus on strengthening coordination, interoperability, and data-sharing arrangements.

5. In addition, the consultant will provide strategic advice on institutional arrangements and governance aspects necessary for the long-term sustainability of the system. This will include guidance on roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, as well as considerations for operation and maintenance of equipment and systems beyond the project period.

6. The consultant may also support the delivery of targeted technical sessions or workshops, focusing on specific areas such as the integration of impact-based forecasting into early warning systems and the use of decision support tools. These engagements will be built on existing capacity development efforts, rather than constituting comprehensive training programmes.

7. Finally, the consultant will contribute to quality assurance by reviewing key project milestones, such as system design documents, DSS prototypes, and outputs from flood modelling and forecasting exercises, and providing concise, actionable recommendations.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Inception note outlining the proposed approaches, methodology and key focus areas.

• Technical review notes on key EWS components, system architecture and project deliverables.

• Advisory note on the integration of Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) and Anticipatory Action (AA) within the EWS framework.

• Recommendations on institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms and governance structures.

• Inputs on sustainability measures, including operational, technical and institutional sustainability considerations.

• Final advisory report summarizing key findings, technical recommendations, priority actions and measures to strengthen the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of the system.

• Finalization of Gap Assessment Report for EWS.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
 

Education:

The consultant should possess an advanced university degree in Meteorology, Hydrology, Climate Science, Environment, Disaster Management or related field.

Experience:

Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in the design and implementation of early warning systems, particularly in the context of flash flood forecasting and risk management.

Prior experience working in developing country contexts, and familiarity with institutional arrangements for disaster risk management, will be considered an asset.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong communication and coordination skills are essential, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical and actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders.

Languages:

• Excellent written and spoken English (level C).

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action. 

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

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Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at [email protected]. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.