About the opportunity
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a qualified Programme Policy Officer with expertise in agri-food technologies, post-harvest loss management, and quality control. Based in Dakar, Senegal, this 12-month Service Contract (SC L8) position sits within the Programme/Nutrition unit. The selected expert will provide technical guidance to strengthen food fortification strategies, improve the availability of nutritious foods, and promote sustainable transformation and production technologies across cereal value chains including rice, millet, and sorghum. The role involves working closely with public and private stakeholders, women’s and youth-led enterprises, and local cooperatives to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food safety compliance, and support national sovereignty in food systems under WFP’s strategic plan.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive compensation package under WFP Service Contract terms (SC L8 grade)
- Opportunities for personal and professional development through training, coaching, and mentorship programs
- Multicultural and inclusive working environment with career mobility across global, regional, and country offices
- Engagement with impactful humanitarian and development initiatives addressing food security and nutrition
Who can apply?
- University degree (Bac+4 or higher) in agronomy, agri-food, nutrition, or related disciplines
- At least two years of proven professional experience in monitoring and evaluation of agri-food projects and programmes, including post-harvest loss reduction and food safety/quality assurance (FSQ) and food fortification
- Demonstrated ability to design, apply, and evaluate context-specific solutions aligned with agricultural product quality standards
- In-depth knowledge of food technologies, particularly regarding post-harvest losses, cereal quality (rice, sorghum, millet), and transformation/conservation techniques
- Thorough knowledge of national food fortification programmes, objectives, technical approaches, quality standards, and nutritional issues
- Excellent writing and communication skills to produce clear technical reports and popularize complex technical information
- Proven ability to work in multicultural teams and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including producers, cooperatives, and institutions
- Availability to travel frequently within WFP intervention regions in Senegal
Required documents
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Relevant professional references
When to apply
- Application deadline: 13 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT (Dakar time)
- Expected start date: 1 October 2026
How to apply
- Ensure your Workday profile is accurate and complete, including employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade if applicable
- Submit your application exclusively through the online WFP recruiting system
- Attach your updated CV, cover letter, and professional references
Additional information
- Contract type: Service Contract
- Grade: SC L8
- Duration: 12 months, renewable
- Duty station: Dakar, Senegal, with regular travel to WFP intervention sites
- Number of positions: 1
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply in support of gender parity
- The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, or testing fees
- Technical support email for application issues: global.hrerecruitment@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…
- Agri-food or nutrition professionals with at least two years of experience in post-harvest loss reduction.
- Experts knowledgeable in food fortification strategies and quality control for cereal value chains.
- Candidates capable of working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including women's and youth-led enterprises.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a 12-month service contract, which is temporary in nature.
- The role requires frequent travel within WFP intervention regions in Senegal.
- The position is based on-site in Dakar.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 12-month contract offers a valuable opportunity for a technical expert to implement sustainable food system solutions and gain experience within a major humanitarian agency.
Our take
Professionals with a background in agri-food technology who are looking for a focused, one-year humanitarian project in Senegal should consider this role.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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