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

  External / Internal Vacancy Announcement

  No. WFP/GHA/PPO/FS/JUL/2025

  PROGRAMME POLICY OFFICER (SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS)

  The office of the United Nations World Food Programme invites applications from suitable candidates to fill the vacancy below.

  Job Title : Programme Policy Officer (Sustainable Food Systems)

  Duration : 1 year (renewable)

  Post Grade : National Officer Grade A

  Duty Station : Accra

  About

  The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

  Context

  In its 2nd generation CSP, the WFP Ghana is supporting the government of Ghana achieve its Food System Transformation Agenda in a facilitating role, while maintaining its footprint in emergencies. The Food systems Unit is implementing a number of projects including the Mastercard Funded Agribusiness for Youth Employment Project, Abinbev Project, CLTF and GAFSP all aiming at improving income for Smallholder Farmers particularly young women and men, through the enhancement of post-harvest loss management, market linkages and capacity building.

  Ghana’s CSP is anchored on capacity strengthening, which runs through all the five strategic outcomes with their various activity categories. The priorities of WFP’s first country strategic plan (CSP) covering the period 2019-2023 are in line with the findings of the Ghana zero hunger strategic review; interventions focus on direct food assistance using commodity vouchers and social behaviour change communication (SBCC) to improve the nutritional status of targeted populations, in line with national targets. The country office (CO) also aims to ensure vulnerable communities benefit from: (a) efficient and resilient food systems which support nutritional value chains; (b) capacity strengthening interventions to manage food security, nutrition and social protection programmes; and (c) advocacy and coherent policy frameworks support to key cooperating partners

  The Country Office is planning to implement a project: Strengthening Food Systems to Empower Smallholder Farmers and Young People project with the goal to contribute to the modernization and transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector and improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) with deliberate focus on youth. The project is aimed at creating jobs and contributing to reducing unemployment in Ghana among youth especially females through improvement in existing and creation of new opportunities in the agriculture sector. This will be achieved through reduction in post harvest losses, connecting smallholder farmers (SHFs) predominantly the youth, and other agriculture value chain actors to organised value chains and structured markets.

  The project main objectives include.

  • To reduce post harvest loss among smallholders, improve food safety and quality standards of the targeted commodity value chains.
  • To enhance capacity of farmers and provide access to structured and digital markets to Improve Livelihoods.

    The project intends to reach 100,000 smallholder farmers (direct beneficiaries-70 percent women) organised in 400 farmers organisations and engaged in production of maize, soybean, rice, sorghum, and millet as the primary target commodities or value chains. The project covers 11 regions of Ghana including Ashanti, Bono East, Bono, Upper East, Upper West, Savanna, Eastern region, Northern, Oti, Volta and North East. Of the 100,000 SHFs, 90 percent of project beneficiaries (60,000) will be youth aged between 18 -35 years, 70 percent of the youth beneficiaries will be young women (63,000). The focus of the project is on creating job opportunities for the youth especially young women and will analyse all bottlenecks that hinder young women from accessing available opportunities and will provide sustainable solutions to those bottlenecks. The project also intends to engage aggregators/SME buyers, and agro-processors, commercial, institutional, and regional buyers and will ensure that the targeted youths acquire new work created through wage and self-employment. The project is expected to be implemented in 5 years effective January 2022 to January 2027

    The project is applying an integrated value chain approach to implement context-specific interventions aimed at reaching the following outcomes:

    • Young people, especially women, have improved employment opportunities along the value chain
      • Smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, increase the value of their sales, resulting in improved income
      • Smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality for targeted crops
      • Improved inclusiveness of marginalized groups in agricultural value chains
      • Improved value chain efficiency for young people, in particular women

        In addition, whenever possible the initiative will explore and advance digital solutions to attract young people to the sector and increase value chain efficiencies.

        JOB PURPOSE:

        Oversee and be responsible for the implementation of all sustainable food systems (SO3) activities in the6 regions of the Middle Belt: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Oti, Volta and the Eastern regions – with a focus on efficient production systems, post-harvest loss management, innovative market linkages, access to affordable financial services and support to community and medium scale food processors and aggregators

        MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

        Under the supervision of the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator in Accra, the Programme Policy Officer – Sustainable Food Systems will be expected to perform the following duties:

        1.Support the Food Systems Coordinator in all efforts and activities to guide the implementation of WFP's Smallholder Agriculture and Market Support (SAMS) programme in the 6 regions of the Middle Belt: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Oti, Volta and the Eastern regions (May be called upon to serve in other regions).

        2.Support the Food Systems Coordinator in the management, implementation and reporting on the Strengthening Food Systems to Empower Smallholder Farmers and Young People project and all other Projects under Unit

        3. Engage with stakeholders, explore, develop and/or maintain partnerships that support efficient and effective food systems programme implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

        4. Liaise with the regional departments of agriculture through the designated regional focal points for implementation, monitoring, and reporting; follow-up on monthly activity/project progress reports, review, consolidate and share with the Food Systems Coordinator and the Head of Programme/DCD.

        5. Facilitate capacity strengthening of Small Holder Farmers (SHF), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aggregators, and other rural actors to participate in structured markets; through improved agricultural commodity quality standards and promote market linkages through e-commerce platforms and other end buyers.

        6.Collaborate with key government agencies like Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), and other private sector agencies to facilitate acquisition of national certifications to support Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and other value chain actors to access digital platforms; and promote both traditional and digital marketing models.

        7. Ensure active participation of smallholder farmers including women and youths in organized value chains and structured markets to facilitate job creation for the youths.

        8. Facilitate and promote youth innovations that create efficiency in marketing for smallholder farmers e.g., e-commerce innovations, digital payments, transport, packaging, storage, and other logistical innovations.

        9. Support with the coordination, implementation and monitoring of Post-Harvest Management interventions and technologies among farmer-based organizations and aggregation systems. 10. Support Smallholder Farmers and Communities’ Resilience building through crop insurance, training or other forms of assistance including Climate Smart and Nutrition-Sensitive Agricultural Initiatives.

        11. Liaison with the Food Technologist, and the Food Systems Coordinator, to provide technical support and coordinate efforts to strengthen food safety and quality management systems along the agricultural value chain.

        12. In coordination with the Food Systems Coordinator, and the Head of Programme/DCD, liaise with the Research Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) team to develop sound monitoring and evaluation plan for learning and accountability.

        13. Liaise with the Food Systems Coordinator to contribute towards the development of routine reports, Annual Performance Plan (APP), Annual Country Report (ACR) and other corporate requirements.

        14. In coordination with the Food Systems Coordinator actively participate in Resource mobilization activities including development of Food systems concepts and proposals aimed at raising funds from international donors and financial institutions.

        15. Perform any other duties as may be provided by Supervisor.

        MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

        Advanced University degree in applied Agricultural sciences, Agricultural economics, Agribusiness, Development studies or other related fields.

        DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

        • A minimum of one-year postgraduate professional progressive experience managing programmes related to sustainable food systems, agriculture and nutrition value chains or other related fields.
        • In-depth technical knowledge on sustainable food systems, e-commerce/commodity exchange platforms, youth in agriculture, agriculture and nutrition value chain, programme co-ordination and projects implementation.

          LANGUAGE: Fluency in English language is essential. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana will be an advantage.

          How to apply:

          Applicants should submit their applications and CV stating 3 references online to: www1.wfp.org/careers/job.openings and follow the steps.

          Qualified Female Candidates are encouraged to apply

          People living with disability are also encouraged to apply

          Only shortlisted candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.

          Note:

          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 has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.

          External / Internal Vacancy Announcement

          No. WFP/GHA/PPO/FS/JUL/2025

          PROGRAMME POLICY OFFICER (SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS)

          The office of the United Nations World Food Programme invites applications from suitable candidates to fill the vacancy below.

          Job Title : Programme Policy Officer (Sustainable Food Systems)

          Duration : 1 year (renewable)

          Post Grade : National Officer Grade A

          Duty Station : Accra

          About

          The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

          📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

          ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

          Context

          In its 2nd generation CSP, the WFP Ghana is supporting the government of Ghana achieve its Food System Transformation Agenda in a facilitating role, while maintaining its footprint in emergencies. The Food systems Unit is implementing a number of projects including the Mastercard Funded Agribusiness for Youth Employment Project, Abinbev Project, CLTF and GAFSP all aiming at improving income for Smallholder Farmers particularly young women and men, through the enhancement of post-harvest loss management, market linkages and capacity building.

          Ghana’s CSP is anchored on capacity strengthening, which runs through all the five strategic outcomes with their various activity categories. The priorities of WFP’s first country strategic plan (CSP) covering the period 2019-2023 are in line with the findings of the Ghana zero hunger strategic review; interventions focus on direct food assistance using commodity vouchers and social behaviour change communication (SBCC) to improve the nutritional status of targeted populations, in line with national targets. The country office (CO) also aims to ensure vulnerable communities benefit from: (a) efficient and resilient food systems which support nutritional value chains; (b) capacity strengthening interventions to manage food security, nutrition and social protection programmes; and (c) advocacy and coherent policy frameworks support to key cooperating partners

          The Country Office is planning to implement a project: Strengthening Food Systems to Empower Smallholder Farmers and Young People project with the goal to contribute to the modernization and transformation of Ghana’s agricultural sector and improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers (SHFs) with deliberate focus on youth. The project is aimed at creating jobs and contributing to reducing unemployment in Ghana among youth especially females through improvement in existing and creation of new opportunities in the agriculture sector. This will be achieved through reduction in post harvest losses, connecting smallholder farmers (SHFs) predominantly the youth, and other agriculture value chain actors to organised value chains and structured markets.

          The project main objectives include.

          • To reduce post harvest loss among smallholders, improve food safety and quality standards of the targeted commodity value chains.
          • To enhance capacity of farmers and provide access to structured and digital markets to Improve Livelihoods.

            The project intends to reach 100,000 smallholder farmers (direct beneficiaries-70 percent women) organised in 400 farmers organisations and engaged in production of maize, soybean, rice, sorghum, and millet as the primary target commodities or value chains. The project covers 11 regions of Ghana including Ashanti, Bono East, Bono, Upper East, Upper West, Savanna, Eastern region, Northern, Oti, Volta and North East. Of the 100,000 SHFs, 90 percent of project beneficiaries (60,000) will be youth aged between 18 -35 years, 70 percent of the youth beneficiaries will be young women (63,000). The focus of the project is on creating job opportunities for the youth especially young women and will analyse all bottlenecks that hinder young women from accessing available opportunities and will provide sustainable solutions to those bottlenecks. The project also intends to engage aggregators/SME buyers, and agro-processors, commercial, institutional, and regional buyers and will ensure that the targeted youths acquire new work created through wage and self-employment. The project is expected to be implemented in 5 years effective January 2022 to January 2027

            The project is applying an integrated value chain approach to implement context-specific interventions aimed at reaching the following outcomes:

            • Young people, especially women, have improved employment opportunities along the value chain
              • Smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, increase the value of their sales, resulting in improved income
              • Smallholder farmers, especially youth and women, reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality for targeted crops
              • Improved inclusiveness of marginalized groups in agricultural value chains
              • Improved value chain efficiency for young people, in particular women

                In addition, whenever possible the initiative will explore and advance digital solutions to attract young people to the sector and increase value chain efficiencies.

                JOB PURPOSE:

                Oversee and be responsible for the implementation of all sustainable food systems (SO3) activities in the6 regions of the Middle Belt: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Oti, Volta and the Eastern regions – with a focus on efficient production systems, post-harvest loss management, innovative market linkages, access to affordable financial services and support to community and medium scale food processors and aggregators

                MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

                Under the supervision of the Sustainable Food Systems Coordinator in Accra, the Programme Policy Officer – Sustainable Food Systems will be expected to perform the following duties:

                1.Support the Food Systems Coordinator in all efforts and activities to guide the implementation of WFP's Smallholder Agriculture and Market Support (SAMS) programme in the 6 regions of the Middle Belt: Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Oti, Volta and the Eastern regions (May be called upon to serve in other regions).

                2.Support the Food Systems Coordinator in the management, implementation and reporting on the Strengthening Food Systems to Empower Smallholder Farmers and Young People project and all other Projects under Unit

                3. Engage with stakeholders, explore, develop and/or maintain partnerships that support efficient and effective food systems programme implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

                4. Liaise with the regional departments of agriculture through the designated regional focal points for implementation, monitoring, and reporting; follow-up on monthly activity/project progress reports, review, consolidate and share with the Food Systems Coordinator and the Head of Programme/DCD.

                5. Facilitate capacity strengthening of Small Holder Farmers (SHF), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), aggregators, and other rural actors to participate in structured markets; through improved agricultural commodity quality standards and promote market linkages through e-commerce platforms and other end buyers.

                6.Collaborate with key government agencies like Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX), and other private sector agencies to facilitate acquisition of national certifications to support Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and other value chain actors to access digital platforms; and promote both traditional and digital marketing models.

                7. Ensure active participation of smallholder farmers including women and youths in organized value chains and structured markets to facilitate job creation for the youths.

                8. Facilitate and promote youth innovations that create efficiency in marketing for smallholder farmers e.g., e-commerce innovations, digital payments, transport, packaging, storage, and other logistical innovations.

                9. Support with the coordination, implementation and monitoring of Post-Harvest Management interventions and technologies among farmer-based organizations and aggregation systems. 10. Support Smallholder Farmers and Communities’ Resilience building through crop insurance, training or other forms of assistance including Climate Smart and Nutrition-Sensitive Agricultural Initiatives.

                11. Liaison with the Food Technologist, and the Food Systems Coordinator, to provide technical support and coordinate efforts to strengthen food safety and quality management systems along the agricultural value chain.

                12. In coordination with the Food Systems Coordinator, and the Head of Programme/DCD, liaise with the Research Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) team to develop sound monitoring and evaluation plan for learning and accountability.

                13. Liaise with the Food Systems Coordinator to contribute towards the development of routine reports, Annual Performance Plan (APP), Annual Country Report (ACR) and other corporate requirements.

                14. In coordination with the Food Systems Coordinator actively participate in Resource mobilization activities including development of Food systems concepts and proposals aimed at raising funds from international donors and financial institutions.

                15. Perform any other duties as may be provided by Supervisor.

                MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION

                Advanced University degree in applied Agricultural sciences, Agricultural economics, Agribusiness, Development studies or other related fields.

                DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

                • A minimum of one-year postgraduate professional progressive experience managing programmes related to sustainable food systems, agriculture and nutrition value chains or other related fields.
                • In-depth technical knowledge on sustainable food systems, e-commerce/commodity exchange platforms, youth in agriculture, agriculture and nutrition value chain, programme co-ordination and projects implementation.

                  LANGUAGE: Fluency in English language is essential. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana will be an advantage.

                  How to apply:

                  Applicants should submit their applications and CV stating 3 references online to: www1.wfp.org/careers/job.openings and follow the steps.

                  Qualified Female Candidates are encouraged to apply

                  People living with disability are also encouraged to apply

                  Only shortlisted candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted.

                  Note:

                  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 has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment.

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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: global.inclusion@wfp.org

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                  REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

                  • We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

                  • Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

                  • Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

                  • Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

                  • Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

                  • Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

                  • 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 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.