Program Policy Officer (Gender and Social Protection) at WFP

About the opportunity

The World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi Country Office is recruiting a Program Policy Officer (Gender and Social Protection) at the SC8 level under a 12-month renewable Service Contract. Based in Lilongwe and reporting to the Deputy Head of Programme, the role supports the implementation of the Malawi Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2024–2028. Key responsibilities include mainstreaming gender-transformative approaches across all CSP activities, supporting technical engagement with national social protection systems and the unified beneficiary registry, promoting protection, accountability to affected populations, and disability inclusion, and conducting disaggregated monitoring and evidence reporting.

Salary and benefits

• Competitive compensation package under WFP Service Contract conditions (SC8 grade level)
• Personal and professional development through training, coaching, mentorship, and accreditation programs
• Opportunity to work within a multicultural, diverse United Nations humanitarian agency

Who can apply?

• Advanced university degree in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Public Policy, International Affairs, or a related field; or a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and training
• At least one to two years of post-graduate professional experience in gender equality, social protection, protection, or related humanitarian and development programming
• Knowledge of gender mainstreaming approaches within food security, nutrition, and resilience programming
• Understanding of social protection systems, shock-responsive social protection, and beneficiary registries
• Familiarity with protection, accountability to affected populations (AAP), PSEA, and disability inclusion standards
• Fluency (level C) in English
• Ability to travel periodically to districts and field offices across Malawi

Required documents

• Completed Workday profile (including employment history, educational qualifications, language proficiency, and UN grade if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter

When to apply

• Applications open: Posted on September 25, 2026
• Application deadline: October 9, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+02:00 (Central Africa Time)

How to apply

• Create or log in to an account on the WFP Workday recruitment portal
• Complete all profile sections thoroughly, including academic qualifications, work history, and language skills
• Upload your CV and Cover Letter through the online portal
• Submit your application before the closing time of 23:59 GMT+02:00 on October 9, 2026

Additional information

• The position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, on an on-site basis ('Fully Present') with periodic travel to field offices and districts
• The contract duration is 12 months with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding
• WFP does not charge any application, processing, or training fees at any stage of the recruitment process
• Reasonable accommodation requests for candidates with disabilities can be submitted to global.inclusion@wfp.org
• Technical issues with the online application system should be directed to global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org