Programme Policy Officer (Gender Specialist) - SC8 - Peshawar

Job Summary

The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization, is seeking a Programme Policy Officer (Gender Specialist) for a six-month service contract based in Peshawar, Pakistan. This role is pivotal in leading gender mainstreaming efforts within a Green Climate Fund-supported initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience in the Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project focuses on vulnerable communities affected by riverine flooding by enhancing early warning systems, anticipatory action protocols, and climate-resilient livelihoods. The Gender Specialist will collaborate closely with government agencies, local communities, and an international consultant to ensure gender perspectives are integrated throughout the project cycle, promoting inclusive participation and addressing challenges faced by women, girls, and persons with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities

The Gender Specialist will spearhead the gender component in alignment with the Gender Action Plan. This includes conducting capacity needs assessments within key government institutions such as the Pakistan Meteorological Department and the Federal Flood Commission. Working alongside an international consultant, the specialist will facilitate gender assessments using diverse data collection methods, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and questionnaires.

Coordination with community members and government stakeholders is essential to gather insights and effectively administer research tools. The role involves developing and implementing gender capacity-building plans and conducting gender-responsive training workshops aimed at empowering women’s participation in flood preparedness and response activities.

The specialist will engage communities to identify barriers faced by vulnerable groups in accessing early warning systems and co-develop inclusive training modules and technical guidelines related to disaster risk management, climate adaptation, and anticipatory action. Integrating gender and protection indicators, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), into risk assessments is a key responsibility.

Providing gender technical inputs to government departments as part of technical assistance plans is required. The specialist will assist in embedding gender considerations into anticipatory action protocols for flash flooding and support the creation of beneficiary databases. Collaboration with government stakeholders to institutionalize these protocols and conduct simulation exercises that emphasize gender and disability inclusion is critical.

Developing gender-responsive risk communication strategies to ensure timely dissemination of early warnings to vulnerable populations is part of the role. The specialist will coordinate with project management units and district groups to ensure smooth implementation and share gender-related knowledge across initiatives.

Monitoring and reporting on gender-inclusive activities, preparing progress and annual reports, and documenting lessons learned and best practices are expected. Additionally, the specialist will contribute to the development of technical guidelines for disaster risk reduction that incorporate gender and marginalized group considerations. Other tasks may be assigned to support overall project success.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must hold an advanced university degree or equivalent in Gender, Development Studies, Economics, Political Science, Anthropology, or related social sciences. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. A minimum of three years’ professional experience in gender mainstreaming within disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or related fields is essential.

Proven expertise in conducting gender analyses and integrating gender-sensitive approaches into development projects is required. Experience working in developing countries, preferably in South Asia, with a focus on gender and disaster risk management, is highly valued. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including collaboration with government bodies, women’s groups, and local communities, are necessary.

Candidates must demonstrate effective training, presentation, and digital communication skills. Fluency in English (C level) and proficiency in Urdu and local languages relevant to the duty station are mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

Experience with Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded projects is advantageous. WFP offers a competitive benefits package, including salary, pension, leave, and medical insurance. Appointment is contingent upon submission of Higher Education Commission (HEC)-verified educational documents.

WFP promotes an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural work environment, investing in professional development through training, mentorship, and internal mobility. This vacancy is open exclusively to Pakistan nationals and will also be used to establish a roster for future opportunities at the same or lower levels within Pakistan.

WFP is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or other status. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Interested candidates should apply via the WFP careers portal by 27 June 2025, 23:59 Pakistan Standard Time. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. WFP strictly prohibits any form of payment during the recruitment process.