Key accountabilities
• Support COs in engaging with and supporting national social protection systems, ensuring alignment with WFP corporate policies and guidance, particularly in relation to nutrition, food security, and emergency preparedness.
• Provide programme and policy guidance to COs in the design and implementation of social protection projects and initiatives, including support to building policy dialogue with host governments.
• Contribute to regional strategic discussions with different actors to identify priorities and entry points for strengthening WFP’s engagement in social protection Support the development of the regional social protection strategy document, its implementation plan, and contribute to its operationalization.
• Collaborate with other WACARO programmatic units to foster coordinated programme support, positioning social protection within broader engagements such as climate action (including AA and micro and macro insurance), emergency response, nutrition, school feeding, gender and resilience.
• Actively participate in working groups and other relevant regional coordination for a to advance the social protection agenda.
• Contribute to the identification and management of partnerships (UN agencies, World Bank, donors, NGOs) leading to stronger social protection systems in the region.
• Contribute to research and analyses on social protection policies, strategies, and programmes across the 19 countries to inform evidence-based decision-making.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports on social protection activities to foster coordination and informed decision-making within the regional office.
• Ensure dissemination of timely analytical products, including normative guidance notes, regional studies, and global strategic documents.
• Undertake regular field visits to support ongoing initiatives and identify new opportunities for engagement in social protection at the country level.
• Support capacity strengthening activities for WFP staff, partners, and national governments by providing inputs for guidance materials and learning initiatives.
• Guide and supervise more junior staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with queries related to social protection.
• Any other relevant tasks, as required.


Job requirements
• At least three (3) years of postgraduate professional experience in social protection, public policy, or international development.
• Proven track record in supporting national social protection systems or safety net programmes.
• Experience working within a regional context or providing technical support to multiple country offices.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse partners including government ministries, UN agencies, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs), including in navigating high-level discussions with competing priorities.
• Experience in research, data analysis, and the preparation of policy briefs or strategy documents.