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Programme Policy Officer (School Meals) – WFP, Islamabad, Pakistan
If you are passionate about improving child nutrition and education through structured policy work, this Programme Policy Officer (School Meals) position with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Islamabad offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to impactful humanitarian programmes.
In this role, you will support operational planning, monitoring, and policy development for a school meals programme that promotes better learning, health, and nutrition outcomes for children.
Organization Overview
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the largest humanitarian agency working globally to end hunger and support food security. It responds to emergencies while helping communities build stable pathways to improved nutrition, health, and resilience. The organization focuses on saving lives in crisis situations and also partners with governments to deliver sustainable solutions in food assistance and social protection.
Job Details Table
| Job Title | Company | Location | Employment Type | Salary | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme Policy Officer (School Meals) | World Food Programme (WFP) | Islamabad, Pakistan | Fixed Term (12 months) | Competitive (based on WFP standards) | 21 January 2026 |
Role Overview
The Programme Policy Officer will support WFP’s school meals initiative through policy guidance, coordination, and operational planning. Working closely with team members and partners, you will help guide delivery of effective food assistance strategies in Pakistan’s schools. This job is suitable for candidates with strong analytical skills and an interest in humanitarian and education programmes.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for the following duties:
- Support development and coordination of plans related to the school meals programme.
- Assist in operational planning to align activities with WFP policies and donor requirements.
- Help design monitoring systems to track programme progress and outcomes.
- Collect and analyze data to improve programme delivery and reporting.
- Prepare high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Work with supply chain teams to assist with logistics and procurement coordination.
- Support partnership development with government agencies and local partners.
- Help strengthen capacities of staff and partners through guidance and training.
Duties are assigned to ensure the school meals programme runs smoothly and produces measurable improvements in nutrition and education outcomes.
Required Qualifications & Skills
To excel in this role, you must have:
- University Degree: Advanced degree (master’s) in fields such as International Relations, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, Nutrition, Education or related disciplines. A bachelor’s with relevant experience may also be considered.
- Language Skills: Fluency in English and Urdu.
- Analytical Ability: Strong capacity to gather, analyze, and interpret data and information.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Project Support Experience: Knowledge of planning, monitoring and reporting functions.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
These qualifications ensure you can effectively support both policy formulation and operational tasks.
Preferred / Bonus Skills
Candidates with the following will have additional advantage:
- Experience working with international organizations or UN agencies.
- Previous involvement in school feeding, food security or community nutrition programmes.
- Skills in policy research, advocacy, or public sector coordination.
- Familiarity with data systems for monitoring social programmes.
These optional skills can make your application stronger in competitive candidate pools.
Salary & Benefits
WFP offers a competitive compensation package based on the organization’s standards for fixed-term positions. While the exact amount depends on experience and internal salary scales, benefits commonly include:
- Health insurance coverage
- Pension/retirement contributions
- Paid annual leave
- Parental leave
- Professional development opportunities
This package supports staff wellbeing and career growth in the humanitarian sector.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Prepare a current CV tailored to the job duties and required competencies.
- Draft a strong cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for the school meals role.
- Visit the WFP careers portal and register your profile.
- Find the Programme Policy Officer position in Islamabad.
- Upload your CV and cover letter through the WFP job portal.
- Submit your application before the deadline (21 January 2026).
Only applications submitted via the official process will be considered.
Interview Tips for This Role
To improve your chances in the interview:
- Understand WFP’s mission and values — emphasize how your skills align with humanitarian goals.
- Highlight relevant experience — especially related to policy support and programme coordination.
- Discuss measurable results — mention examples where your work contributed to successful outcomes.
- Show strong communication skills — convey confidence and clarity during the conversation.
- Ask thoughtful questions about the programme’s goals and expectations.
These tips will help you present yourself as a well-prepared and motivated candidate.
Career Growth & Related Opportunities
This role can open doors to:
- Senior Policy Officer positions
- Programme Management roles
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist roles
- Nutrition & Food Security Officer roles
- Partnership and Advocacy positions
Experience gained here strengthens your profile for both UN agencies and international NGOs focusing on food security, education, and public policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main goal of this job?
To support policy and operations for school meals programmes that improve children’s nutrition and education outcomes.
2. Where is this job based?
Islamabad, Pakistan.
3. Is this position open internationally?
This vacancy is open to Pakistani nationals only.
4. What is the contract duration?
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with possibility of extension.
5. What degrees are accepted?
Degrees in relevant fields like development, policy, economics, or related areas are preferred.
6. How important is language proficiency?
Fluency in English and Urdu is required.
7. Are official education documents required?
Yes — degrees must be verified by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
8. What skills will help beyond the basics?
Experience with UN or international agency work, research, and data analysis gives an advantage.
9. Can this job lead to a long-term career?
Yes — performance can support future roles in WFP or other humanitarian organizations.
10. How will I know if shortlisted?
Only shortlisted candidates are usually contacted for interview.
Step-by-Step Apply Method | Suggest 5 More Latest Jobs 2026
Step-by-Step Apply Method:
- Update your CV and cover letter.
- Visit WFP’s official careers page.
- Search for Programme Policy Officer in Islamabad.
- Complete the online profile and upload documents.
- Submit before the application deadline.
5 More Latest Jobs (2026):
• Project Analyst – UNDP, Islamabad• Monitoring & Evaluation Officer – UN Agency
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Conclusion
This Programme Policy Officer (School Meals) role with the World Food Programme is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking experience in policy support, monitoring, and humanitarian work. If your skills align with the responsibilities and you are passionate about improving children’s lives, don’t miss this chance — apply before 21 January 2026.
Note: This job information is sourced from official or publicly available listings. Always verify details from the employer’s official website before applying.
