DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS10 July 2025-23:59-GMT+02:00 Central Africa Time (Bujumbura)
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JOB TITLE:
Programme Policy Officer โ Social Protection
TYPE OF CONTRACT:
SSA, Level 8
UNIT/DIVISION:
Social Protection
DUTY STATION (City, Country):
Bujumbura, Burundi
DURATION:
1 August โ 31 December 2025
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Government of Burundi has made significant progress in strengthening its safety net system and establishing foundational delivery systems through the Merankabandi National Safety Net Programme in the past decade. The Merankabandi National Safety Net Programme seeks to improve the welfare of and increase resilience among specific groups to reduce poverty and vulnerability in Burundi. While the Merankabandi programme worked to put the foundational elements of traditional Safety Net systems in place, the Government is now committed to moving beyond cash transfers to an integrated Social Protection (SP) system to enhance the social and productive inclusion of the poor and vulnerable. While the achievements of Merankabandiโs first phase were significant, there is room for further development of SP systems to deliver on the national commitments and recently endorsed Social Protection Policy (2024-2033).
The previous programme was successfully implemented in 4 provinces of Burundi, benefitting over 56,000 households with cash transfers and accompanying measures on human capital development. It has set the basis for establishing a national social protection system by developing core delivery systems such as a targeting system, a payment system, an M&E system, a grievance redress mechanism, and a management information system to support the tracking of progress and reporting.
The Government of Burundi has requested the World Bank to support advancements in three areas: (i) enhancing institutional capacity and SP delivery systems, particularly the development of a Social Registry in the country, as well as to continue improving the efficiency of other delivery mechanisms; (ii) investing in scale-up of the existing nutrition-sensitive safety net, as well as testing customized Productive inclusion models as a complement to the regular cash transfers to improve human capital and self-sufficiency of poor and vulnerable households; and (iii) improving the shock responsiveness of the safety net system by expanding its coverage and strengthening financing arrangements for enhancing householdsโ resilience and providing timely support to cope with recurrent climate-induced droughts. In 2023, the Government and the World Bank launched the phase II of Merankabandi.
WFP SUPPORT TO SOCIAL PROTECTION IN BURUNDI
WFP is an active partner of the Government in long-term resilience programming to help vulnerable communities to address poverty and impacts of shocks and stressors including climate change. In striving to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) two, ending poverty and hunger by 2030, WFP aims to empower local governments and organizations to be self-reliant in the face of a crisis. WFP provides an increasing portion of its assistance in cash. This assistance can align with national social protection systems. This also positions WFP well to support Governments in designing, delivering, and enhancing cash-based interventions.
During the Burundi interim Country Strategic Plan (I-CSP; 2022-2024), WFP strengthened its position as a key partner to the Ministry of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender supporting the conceptualization of Social Registry Roadmap and contributing to activities prioritized in the National Social Protection Policy. The roadmap builds on the Social Registry Feasibility Study that was jointly commissioned by WFP and UNICEF in 2021. As a part of its effort to strengthen the Governmentโs capacity for the implementation of the registry, in February 2023 WFP also organized and funded a study visit to Kenya for officials from the Government of Burundi (Ministry of National Solidarity, SEP/CNPS, and Merankabandi Project Implementation Unit) and subsequently co-developed a technical roadmap for the operationalization of the social registry in July 2023.
Under the current CSP (2024-2027), social protection interventions focus on strengthening the building blocks of the national social protection system through Activities 7 and 8, including strengthening the capacities of the national social protection system to effectively respond to shocks. Specifically, WFP is implementing a Government of Burundi-funded pilot of the Merankabandi II โCash for Jobs Projectโ (USD$8 million) to integrate 8,000 refugee households (80% of camp population) into the national social protection system. Currently, WFP delivers bi-monthly cash transfers of 72,000 BIF to 3,420 households and is preparing for the roll-out of the productive inclusion activities. Further 4,580 were targeted and are currently being enrolled for support. In addition, WFP is also providing technical assistance to strengthen Government capacity to operationalize the social registry roadmap, with the inclusion of indicators on refugees, nutrition, and food security in the targeting methodology. Further activities to strengthen the capacities of SEP/CNPS and ONPRA are also covered by the Merankabandi funding. This is key, as previous studies including the WFP Burundi Social Protection Strategy (2021) identify the need to strengthen coordination and reduce fragmentation of the social protection system.
To support the coordination and implementation of these activities, the Burundi Country Office is seeking a Social Protection Programme and Policy Officer. The incumbent will also contribute to development of the shock-responsive social protection programme portfolio. S/he will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Social Protection.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
The staff member will support WFPโs engagement in designing and implementing the Social Protection programme in Burundi as a vital member of the Country Office team. The incumbent will support practical implementation of the ongoing funded activities and analytical and technical assistance work while contributing to broaden the engagement with the Government on shock-responsive social protection.
Main responsibilities include:
Contribute to timely implementation of Merankabandi II activities supporting the inclusion of refugees into the national social protection systems, this includes preparation and follow-up activities on bi-monthly cash transfers for 8000 refugee households. Contribute to coordination of activities with WFP field offices and cooperating partners to ensure timely activity implementation and particularly of human capital development and productive inclusion components. Assist in drafting and finalizing analytical and programmatic reports, ensuring accuracy and alignment with WFP standards. Contribute to the development of a shock-responsive social protection portfolio by conducting background research, supporting formulation of funding proposals and engagement with relevant national counterparts. Engage in dialogue on the governmentโs Social Protection priorities. Assist government counterparts in identifying and analyzing policy problems and provide - or mobilizing - support and technical expertise for the design and delivery of suitable social protection solutions, including the support to the development of the social registry. Support the organization of workshops and technical meetings with relevant national counterparts, including logistical preparations and stakeholder engagement. Support the update and implementation of WFP Burundiโs Social Protection Strategy. Support the preparation of knowledge products and ensure proper documentation of lessons learned and good practices from programme activities. Other as required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Minimum of MSc degree in Development, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration or relevant discipline with at least two years of directly relevant work experience in social protection and economic inclusion programmes that promote poor households' income-generating capacity and resilience. Undergraduate degree with additional three years of experience can be accepted.
- Demonstrated experience with operations and critical aspects of programme cycle management and the operational implementation of social protection programmes in the field.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborating with governmental actors and non-governmental entities and managing strong partnerships and collaborative relationships.
- Solid track record in delivering results in challenging and low-capacity contexts, including programme monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
- Strong understanding of social protection policies and shock-responsive social protection mechanisms.
- Extensive knowledge of delivery systems and social registries is required. Previous experience in contributing to government-led social registry is an asset.
- Previous experience working with the World Bank and a strong understanding of World Bank operations and landing mechanisms are desirable.
- Strong analytical skills and proven ability to conduct policy-relevant research, translate theory into practical applications and adapt professional knowledge and technical skills to analyze, diagnose and propose solutions to policy issues and challenges.
- Ability to convey analysis in a readily communicable and compelling fashion and often short turnaround times. Demonstrated ability to capture knowledge and communicate main messages in knowledge briefs and policy notes, and PowerPoint presentations for high-level audiences.
- Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and proven ability to work in a team and an intercultural environment.
- Proven track record of managing competing demands and time-management.
- Fluency in French and English (written and verbal) is required.
COMPETENCIES
- Demonstrated social protection sectoral knowledge and experience including analytical and operational expertise. Candidates with demonstrated experience in Social Safety Nets and schok-responsive social protection will be given priority.
- Data collection, processing, and analysis โ demonstrates ability to contribute to the analysis and knowledge of the sector strategy, programs, and portfolio issues.
- Client orientation โ Record of developing strong internal and external client relationships. Capacity to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders within and outside WFP. Good interpersonal communication and diplomacy skills.
- Drive for results โ Takes ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results and has personal organization.
- Teamwork (collaboration) and inclusion โ Collaborates with other team members and contributes productively to the teamโs work and output, demonstrating respect for different points of view. Proven ability to work in teams and an intercultural environment with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge, learning, and communication โ Actively seek the knowledge needed to complete assignments and share knowledge with others, communicating and presenting information clearly and efficiently. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French required.
- Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making โ Analyzes facts and data to support sound, logical decisions regarding own and othersโ work.
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Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
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