Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist)

About the role

The World Food Programme is seeking a Programme Policy Officer (Food Technologist) to lead interventions that strengthen local agri‑food value chains and improve the nutritional quality of foods for vulnerable populations in West and Central Africa. Based in Dakar, the officer will work within the Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa (WACARO) and travel across the region to support large‑scale food fortification and nutrition value‑chain initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and monitor large‑scale food fortification (LSFF) projects.
• Develop and support nutrition value‑chain (NVC) interventions that promote local food solutions.
• Provide technical guidance to partners and field teams on food safety and nutrition standards.
• Prepare policy documents, reports and recommendations for regional and country offices.
• Coordinate with government agencies, NGOs and private sector actors to ensure alignment with WFP’s nutrition strategy.

Required profile

• Degree in Food Technology, Nutrition or a related field.
• Professional experience in large‑scale food fortification, nutrition value‑chain development, or local food‑system solutions, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multi‑country settings and travel regularly within West and Central Africa.

Required skills

• Large‑scale food fortification
• Nutrition value‑chain analysis
• Local food solution development
• Food safety standards compliance

What we offer

• Attractive compensation package.
• Inclusive, diverse and multicultural work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, mentorship and internal mobility.
• Chance to contribute to life‑saving humanitarian programmes across the region.