The World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, is currently inviting applications from qualified Canadian nationals for two prestigious Junior Professional Officer (JPO) positions based in Dakar, Senegal, and Rome, Italy.

These highly competitive international opportunities provide young professionals with the chance to build impactful careers within the United Nations system while contributing to global efforts aimed at ending hunger, improving food security, and supporting vulnerable populations affected by conflict, disasters, and climate change.

The available positions are:

JPO Logistics Officer – Dakar, Senegal
JPO Programme Policy Officer (Targeting Analyst) – Rome, Italy

Both assignments are offered for an initial duration of two years and provide extensive professional development, mentorship, international exposure, and hands-on experience within one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world.

About the World Food Programme

The World Food Programme is the leading humanitarian organization fighting global hunger. Operating in more than 120 countries and territories, WFP saves lives during emergencies and supports communities in rebuilding livelihoods after crises caused by conflict, natural disasters, economic shocks, and climate-related events.

As a global organization, WFP values:

Integrity
Collaboration
Commitment
Humanity
Inclusion

The organization is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and creating an inclusive workplace where employees from various backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Why Consider a Career with WFP?

Working with the World Food Programme offers far more than a traditional job. Successful candidates will join a global network of professionals dedicated to improving lives around the world.

Key benefits include:

Working for a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization
Attractive compensation package
Extensive professional training opportunities
Access to mentoring and coaching programmes
International career mobility opportunities
Exposure to global humanitarian operations
Opportunities to work alongside leading experts in humanitarian assistance
Development of technical and leadership competencies
Experience within the United Nations system
Meaningful work that directly impacts vulnerable populations worldwide

Opportunity 1: JPO Logistics Officer – Dakar, Senegal

Position Overview

The JPO Logistics Officer will be based at the Western and Central Africa Regional Office (WACARO) in Dakar, Senegal.

The role supports WFP’s regional logistics and supply chain operations across Western and Central Africa, a region characterized by complex humanitarian operations and growing emergency response needs.

The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Regional Head of Logistics and contribute to strengthening logistics systems that enable humanitarian assistance to reach millions of beneficiaries.

Key Responsibilities

The Logistics Officer will:

Support logistics planning and operational processes
Contribute to logistics projects and regional supply chain initiatives
Gather and analyze logistics data from humanitarian actors
Identify operational bottlenecks and recommend improvements
Support procurement, shipping, port operations, and customs clearance processes
Coordinate transport and warehouse service contracts
Assist country offices during emergency responses
Develop logistics reports, situation updates, and operational overviews
Support staff and partner capacity-building activities
Participate in logistics preparedness assessments
Review and improve logistics procedures and standard operating procedures
Update logistics maps and operational documentation
Conduct field missions across the region

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the assignment, the JPO is expected to gain:

Advanced knowledge of WFP logistics systems
Expertise in humanitarian supply chain management
Strong operational planning skills
Experience supporting emergency responses
Regional field experience across Western and Central Africa
Strategic understanding of humanitarian logistics operations

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas may be particularly competitive:

Transportation management
Customs clearance processes
Freight monitoring
Warehouse operations
Commodity management
Supply chain software and databases
International humanitarian operations

Opportunity 2: JPO Programme Policy Officer (Targeting Analyst) – Rome, Italy

Position Overview

The JPO Programme Policy Officer (Targeting Analyst) will be based at WFP Headquarters in Rome, Italy, within the Analysis, Performance and Planning Division.

The position focuses on improving targeting systems and methodologies that help WFP identify and prioritize populations most in need of assistance.

The officer will collaborate with headquarters teams, regional offices, country offices, and external stakeholders to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and improve humanitarian programme effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

The Targeting Analyst will:

Draft policy documents and technical guidance materials
Support research and innovation initiatives related to targeting methodologies
Document lessons learned and operational best practices
Produce learning resources and training materials
Facilitate workshops and webinars
Monitor policy and strategic frameworks
Conduct operational reviews and field missions
Support implementation of corporate targeting guidance
Provide technical assistance to country offices
Contribute to the Global Assurance Project
Support benchmark development and performance tracking

Expected Learning Outcomes

Successful candidates will develop:

Strong expertise in targeting analysis
Advanced understanding of humanitarian programming
Knowledge of food security and nutrition programming
Experience in policy development and implementation
Skills in capacity building and technical guidance
Familiarity with WFP’s global operations and frameworks

Training and Professional Development

Both positions provide extensive learning opportunities, including:

On-the-job training
Mentorship from experienced supervisors
Access to WFP’s corporate learning platforms
Participation in workshops and professional courses
International missions and field assignments
Exposure to regional and global humanitarian operations
Cross-functional collaboration opportunities

These assignments are designed to prepare professionals for long-term careers within international organizations and the broader humanitarian sector.

Working Environment

WFP offers a highly inclusive and multicultural workplace where employees collaborate across regions, cultures, and disciplines.

The organization promotes:

Equal employment opportunities
Diversity and inclusion
Professional growth
Staff wellbeing
Ethical leadership
Continuous learning

Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of race, colour, ethnic background, gender, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, or social background.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare:

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Complete Workday profile
Academic qualifications
Language proficiency information
Employment history details

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for subsequent stages of the recruitment process.

Important Application Deadlines

JPO Programme Policy Officer (Targeting Analyst) – Rome, Italy

Deadline: 8 June 2026 (23:59 CET)

JPO Logistics Officer – Dakar, Senegal

Deadline: 10 June 2026 (23:59 GMT)

CLICK TO APPLY

These Junior Professional Officer opportunities represent an exceptional pathway into the United Nations system and provide a unique chance to contribute to life-saving humanitarian operations while building a globally recognized international career.

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

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