Programme Policy Officer (Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion)

The Programme Policy Officer (GEDSI) supports the implementation of WFP Lao PDR's new CSP 2027–2031 by integrating gender equality, disability inclusion and social inclusion across all strategic outcomes and activities. The role provides technical leadership to ensure these principles are embedded in programme design, implementation, monitoring, partnerships and evidence generation.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, implementation and review of the Country Office GEDSI approach and action plan, aligned with the CSP 2027–2031, the Framework on Accountability for Results, and relevant WFP policies and standards.
• Provide technical support to programme teams and field offices on GEDSI priorities, risks, opportunities and inclusive programming approaches.
• Support the integration of GEDSI considerations, indicators and milestones into programme activities, and contribute to monitoring and reporting through programme reviews, the ACR and donor reports.
• Promote a twin-track approach by supporting both GEDSI mainstreaming and targeted actions to address barriers faced by women and girls, persons with disabilities, minority communities, Indigenous Peoples (where applicable), and other at-risk groups.
• Contribute to programme design, transition planning, localization and systems-strengthening efforts to help ensure interventions are inclusive and responsive to diverse needs and barriers.
• Support SO Managers, Programme, Research, Assessment and Monitoring (RAM) teams and field offices to integrate GEDSI considerations throughout the programme cycle, including assessments, targeting, activity design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Work with SO Managers across emergency response, nutrition, resilient livelihoods and food systems, school meals, and shock-responsive social protection to identify and address barriers related to gender, disability and social exclusion.
• Review programme and partnership documents and provide practical recommendations to strengthen inclusion, participation and programme quality.
• Promote accessible and inclusive communication, consultation and service delivery, and support engagement with women's organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities, minority community representatives and other relevant local actors.
• Contribute GEDSI inputs to safeguards, data protection, risk management and other relevant programme processes in coordination with responsible teams.
• Work with the RAM Unit and SO Managers to strengthen inclusive assessments, targeting, monitoring, learning and the use of sex-, age- and disability-disaggregated data, in line with data protection and do-no-harm principles.
• Support analysis of programme evidence and community feedback to identify barriers and disparities in access, participation and benefits, and contribute practical recommendations for programme improvement and adaptation.
• Contribute GEDSI-related analyses, learning products and reporting inputs for the Annual Country Report (ACR), donor reports, evaluations, management briefings and other corporate reporting requirements.
• Assess capacity needs and support the delivery of training, coaching and learning activities on gender-responsive and disability-inclusive programming, meaningful participation and inclusive use of data and evidence.
• Develop practical tools, guidance and learning materials to help SO Managers, programme teams and field offices apply GEDSI standards in their daily work.
• Support the integration of GEDSI responsibilities into workplans, programme reviews and implementation processes to strengthen ownership and accountability across teams.
• Support engagement with government counterparts, UN agencies, development partners, civil society, women-led organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities to promote inclusive food security, nutrition and resilience outcomes.
• Represent WFP, as delegated, in relevant United Nations and national GEDSI coordination forums and support the preparation of briefing notes, presentations and advocacy materials.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by integrating GEDSI analysis, results and budget considerations into project proposals, concept notes and partnership materials.
• Coordinate with the designated national officer responsible for CFM, PSEA, AAP and protection to ensure alignment, complementarity and clear division of responsibilities.
• Provide GEDSI inputs to community engagement, feedback and consultation processes to strengthen accessibility, inclusion and meaningful participation of women, persons with disabilities, minority communities and other at-risk groups.
• Support programme, monitoring and field teams to incorporate relevant lessons and trends from community feedback into programme design, learning and adaptation, in coordination with the designated national officer.
• Perform other related duties as required in support of Country Office programme priorities and organizational objectives.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in gender studies, development studies, social sciences, disability studies, human rights, international development, public policy or another relevant field; or a first university degree with additional years of related professional experience and/or relevant training.
• At least three years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in gender equality, disability inclusion, social inclusion or inclusive programme policy and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience supporting programme design, implementation, monitoring and learning in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Experience with the United Nations, WFP, government systems, food security, nutrition, social protection, school meals, resilience or emergency programming is an asset.
• Experience working in Lao PDR or Southeast Asia is desirable.
• Strong technical knowledge of gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion and social inclusion in programme settings.
• Ability to translate policy commitments into practical programme actions and measurable results.
• Strong analytical, writing, facilitation and capacity-strengthening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work across programme teams and with government, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities.
• Sound judgement when handling sensitive issues and clear understanding of referral and safeguarding boundaries.
• Familiarity with inclusive data, qualitative research, results-based management and donor reporting is desirable.
• Fluency (level C) in English language.

Skills

• Gender Equality
• Disability Inclusion
• Social Inclusion
• Programme Design
• Programme Implementation
• Monitoring and Learning
• Humanitarian Programming
• Development Programs
• Policy Translation
• Analytical Skills
• Report Writing
• Facilitation Skills
• Capacity Strengthening
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Referral and Safeguarding
• Inclusive Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research
• Result-Based Management
• Donor Reporting

Languages

English