About the opportunity
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a Programme Policy Officer for Community Infrastructure (SC8) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This role focuses on supporting food assistance for asset creation and rehabilitation, specifically targeting resilience to climate-related shocks like cyclones and floods. The officer will lead the design and implementation of small irrigation structures and natural resource management (NRM) practices to strengthen community resilience and institutional capacity.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive compensation package.
- Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
- Investment in personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities.
Who can apply?
- Nationality: Nationals of Sri Lanka only.
- Education: Advanced University degree in civil engineering, irrigation, environmental engineering, land and water development, irrigation water management, environmental sciences, disaster risk management, or resilience studies; OR a First University Degree in these fields with additional years of related work experience and/or training.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in irrigation scheme rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration, watershed management, agroforestry, land degradation control, or civil/environmental engineering.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrated experience implementing minor irrigation schemes with community participation, water harvesting, or community infrastructure.
- Language: Fluency (level C) in English and the duty station's language.
Required documents
- CV
- Cover Letter
When to apply
- Deadline for applications: 9 September 2026, 23:59 GMT+05:30 (Colombo time).
How to apply
- Ensure your Workday profile is accurate and complete, including employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Submit your application exclusively through the WFP online recruiting system.
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…
- Sri Lankan nationals with an advanced degree in civil, environmental, or irrigation engineering.
- Professionals with at least 5 years of experience in irrigation scheme rehabilitation or watershed management.
- Individuals passionate about climate resilience and community-based infrastructure development.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a Service Contract (SC8) rather than a permanent staff position.
- Candidates must be fluent in English and the local language to effectively engage with communities.
- The work involves field-level implementation, requiring strong technical and community-engagement skills.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is a significant opportunity to contribute to large-scale humanitarian efforts in Sri Lanka. It allows the incumbent to apply technical engineering expertise to real-world climate adaptation challenges, while benefiting from the WFP's focus on professional development and internal mobility.
Our take
Highly qualified Sri Lankan engineers with a background in community-based infrastructure should apply; those without the required technical experience in irrigation or environmental management will find this role less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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