About the opportunity
The World Food Programme (WFP) seeks a Programme Policy Officer (Climate Resilience Specialist) to provide technical leadership and oversight for WFP Malawi’s climate adaptation portfolio, particularly projects funded through climate finance mechanisms such as the Adaptation Fund and Green Climate Fund. Based in Lilongwe, the specialist will ensure evidence-based design, compliant and timely implementation, robust monitoring, and strong partnerships so that climate adaptation interventions protect and strengthen food systems, livelihoods, and nutrition outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive compensation package under a Service Contract (SC8 grade level).
- Opportunity to work with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate humanitarian organization.
- Access to personal and professional development through training, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility.
- Multicultural and inclusive working environment with career pathways across global, regional, and country offices.
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree in Climate Science, Environmental Management, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Disaster Risk Management, or a related field, or a First University degree with additional years of relevant work experience.
- At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in climate adaptation and resilience programming.
- Experience managing Adaptation Fund, GCF, or bilateral climate projects, including compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
- Proven track record in government coordination, partner management, and capacity building.
- Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Required documents
- CV
- Cover Letter
When to apply
- Application deadline is 9 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT+2 (Central Africa Time, Blantyre).
How to apply
- Submit your application exclusively through the online WFP recruiting system using the official job posting link.
- Ensure your Workday profile is accurate, complete, and up to date with your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade if applicable.
- Apply and submit your application before the deadline.
Additional information
- The position is offered as a Service Contract (SC8) for an initial duration of 12 months with possibility of renewal.
- The duty station is Lilongwe, Malawi, and the work arrangement is fully present with regular travel to project sites and sub-offices.
- The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.
- Technical issues with applications can be directed to global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org, and reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities can be requested via global.inclusion@wfp.org.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- An ideal opportunity for mid-to-senior climate resilience professionals with direct experience managing international climate finance projects like the GCF or Adaptation Fund.
- A strong match for individuals with robust backgrounds in government stakeholder coordination and community-based adaptation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Well-suited for experts skilled in mainstreaming gender, social safeguards, and monitoring frameworks into large-scale humanitarian or development portfolios.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role requires full-time, on-site presence in Lilongwe, Malawi, along with regular travel to field project sites.
- This is offered as a 12-month renewable Service Contract, which entails fixed-term employment conditions rather than an international civil service permanent post.
- Candidates must ensure their application profile is complete and tailored via the online Workday platform, as external submissions via email or LinkedIn are not accepted.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role directly supports professional advancement in international climate diplomacy, project management, and humanitarian policy within the United Nations system. It offers substantive exposure to national-level climate adaptation planning, making it an excellent stepping stone for long-term careers in environmental policy, disaster risk management, and international development.
Our take
Qualified candidates with extensive experience in climate adaptation programming and government coordination in developing contexts should seriously consider applying before the October 2026 deadline. Applicants who cannot relocate to Lilongwe or commit to an on-site, fixed-term service contract should look elsewhere.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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