Programme Policy Officer – Humanitarian Access Specialist

About the role

The World Food Programme is seeking a Programme Policy Officer with a focus on humanitarian access to support emergency food assistance across Ethiopia. Based in Bahir Dar, the officer will work closely with the Head of Area Office and the Head of Field Coordination to ensure safe and effective delivery of programmes in the Amhara, Tigray, Afar and Benishangul‑Gumuz regions.

Key responsibilities

• Provide policy guidance and technical support on humanitarian access issues for WFP operations.
• Coordinate with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs and other partners to negotiate and secure safe access for food assistance.
• Monitor and report on access constraints, risks and mitigation measures.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of resilience‑building interventions.
• Support the preparation of situation analyses, briefing notes and strategic recommendations.

Required profile

• Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience in humanitarian affairs, international relations, or a related field.
• Experience working in complex emergency contexts, preferably in Ethiopia or the Horn of Africa.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian access principles, protection standards and coordination mechanisms.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills.

Required skills

• Humanitarian access negotiation
• Policy analysis and development
• Stakeholder coordination
• Field reporting and documentation

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to life‑saving food assistance in a challenging environment.
• Professional development through training, mentorship and internal mobility.
• Inclusive, diverse and multicultural workplace.