Programme Policy Officer (Environmental and Social Safeguards) SSA9

About the opportunity

The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the Government of Kenya, is seeking a Programme Policy Officer (Environmental and Social Safeguards) SSA9 based in Nairobi, Kenya. The Officer will provide technical leadership and operational coordination for environmental and social (E&S) safeguards under the Climate-Resilient and Inclusive Food Systems Programme across 14 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties. Core responsibilities include coordinating E&S screening and baseline risk assessments, developing consolidated safeguards instruments (including ESMPs, SEPs, IPEPs, and GRMs), supervising field-level ESS focal points, and liaising with DFIs and national regulatory authorities.

Salary and benefits

• Attractive compensation package according to WFP terms and conditions
• Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment
• Access to personal and professional development programs including training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities

Who can apply?

• Advanced university degree in environmental science, environmental management, natural resource management, anthropology, social sciences, development studies, public policy, or a closely related field (or a first-level degree with additional relevant experience)
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in environmental and social safeguards, applying IFC Performance Standards and/or the World Bank ESF
• Technical competence to independently review and quality assure SEPs, IPEPs (IFC PS7/UNDRIP), Economic Displacement/Resettlement instruments (IFC PS5), and Biodiversity procedures (IFC PS6)
• Experience leading or coordinating preparation of E&S instruments (ESMPs, ESIAs, SEPs/IPEPs, GRMs) and engaging directly with DFI E&S due diligence processes
• Experience assessing and mitigating GBVH/PSEA risks and leading Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes
• Demonstrated supervisory experience managing, mentoring, and performance-managing field-based teams
• Fluency (Level C) in English
• Registration as an EIA Lead/Associate Expert with Kenya's National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is desirable
• Experience working in ASAL/drylands, humanitarian-development nexus contexts, or innovative development finance mechanisms is desirable

Required documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter

When to apply

• Application deadline: September 2, 2026, at 23:59 EAT (GMT+03:00)

How to apply

• Ensure your Workday profile is complete and accurate, including employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable).
• Submit your CV and Cover Letter exclusively online through the WFP recruiting system.
• If experiencing technical issues during submission, contact global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support.

Additional information

• This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with regular travel required across 14 targeted ASAL counties.
• The UN does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, or testing fees.
• Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
• Members of oversight bodies such as ACABQ, ICSC, FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, and JIU are ineligible during service and for 3 years after.