JOB TITLE: Programme Policy Officer (Head of Access)
TYPE OF CONTRACT: International Consultancy level 2 (CST-2)
UNIT/DIVISION: Access unit
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Juba, South Sudan
DURATION: 11 months (renewable subject to performance and budget availability)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
In September 2018, after more than five years of civil war, the Republic of South Sudan signed a peace agreement with several opposition parties, including the SPLA-IO. Yet implementation of the peace agreement has stalled and South Sudan continues to present a wide array of challenges to the secure, principled and predictable delivery of humanitarian assistance. In 2026, armed conflict continues and has expanded in several parts of the country. Sub-national and local violence has increased in Greater Upper Nile, the Equatorias and is reaching parts of the Greater Bahr el Ghazals, resulting in the killing of civilians, large scale displacement and contributing to expanding food insecurity and malnutrition. Civilian authorities, security forces and non-state armed groups persistently compromise humanitarian space through illegal taxation, bureaucratic impediments and interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities. South Sudan also remains one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian personnel to work, with consistent attacks on aid workers, humanitarian convoys and the looting of relief.
To effectively deliver humanitarian assistance in a complex context like South Sudan, WFP needs to ensure the safeguarding of its humanitarian principles, advocate and negotiate for adequate humanitarian space with all relevant stakeholders on all levels.
The position of Head of Access Unit requires someone with in-depth knowledge of the political, ethnic, and security context in the country. You will need to be able to analyze regional, national, and sub-national geopolitics and conflict dynamics, with pre-existing skills and experience in negotiating access for humanitarian operations and advocate for principled and sustained humanitarian access.
ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Country Director, you will be responsible for the following duties:
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Lead, motivate and support staff of the Access Unit.
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Ensure the timely, secure and principled movement of WFP staff and supplies, as well as those for the Logistics Cluster and UNHAS, including clearing movements, notifying authorities and other stakeholders of movements, and addressing any challenges through engagement and negotiations.
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Lead the Conflict, Security and Access Team (CSAT) in joint analysis and operational support to Field Offices and CO Units.
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Assist in the development of conflict analysis and internal/external analytical reports, including regular situational analysis, 6-month risk outlook and topical analysis on arising issues.
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In conjunction with the CSAT, Operational Units and Field Offices, develop access and programme strategies to ensure consistent, secure and principled access to and for populations in priority areas for WFP.
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Map, analyze, build and maintain relationships with actors for access negotiations, including but not limited to, national, state and local authorities, military commanders, non-state armed actors, youth militias and traditional leaders.
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Conduct access negotiations to ensure consistent, secure and principled access to and for populations in need, including through advice and support to Heads of Field Offices with their local access negotiations.
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Ensure efficient and effective clearance procedures and systems are in place and provide advice to management for higher-level advocacy with authorities.
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Advise and provide input to the Country Director and senior management on strategies and UN humanitarian advocacy efforts, and on matters regarding the safeguarding of humanitarian principles whilst ensuring the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.
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Ensure inter-agency coordination on access-related issues, including through WFP’s role as a co-lead and member of the Access Working Group, as well as with the CMAG, JOC and other relevant coordination forums.
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Provide training in basic negotiations and relevant do’s and don’ts to staff to ensure a principled response.
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Support and enable the work of WFP partners as it pertains to access challenges, including through provision of training and daily problem solving.
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Regular travel to Field Offices, deep field locations and hard to reach areas for access negotiations, engagements and strategic support to emergency response in areas of WFP operational focus.
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Conduct ad-hoc negotiations or other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
- Advanced University degree in political science, law, history, international relations, anthropology or a related field or First University degree with additional years of experience.
EXPERIENCE:
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At least 8 years of postgraduate experience (master’s degree holder) or 10 years (for bachelor’s degree holder), with significant humanitarian programming with demonstrated experience in deep-field locations.
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Experience in development of strategies for humanitarian access, management of teams, and strategic advice to humanitarian leadership on policies regarding the protection of civilians and humanitarian principles
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At least 5 years of field experience in complex emergencies
LANGUAGE:
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Fluency (level C) in English language.
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Knowledge of spoken Arabic or a major indigenous language in South Sudan is advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills:
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Strong knowledge and understanding of humanitarian access and response in complex emergencies and in the context of national, sub-national and local violence
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Extensive demonstrated experience in humanitarian access, engagement and negotiation, as well as civil-military coordination.
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Strong initiative and independence, maturity of judgement, tact and interpersonal skills
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Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
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Ability to deliver on responsibilities with minimal guidance
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Ability to establish and work within teams and build effective working relationships with persons of many national and cultural backgrounds
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Demonstrated ability and willingness to cope with emergency situations and to live in challenging environments
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In-depth knowledge of humanitarian principles, and operationalization of delivery in emergency contexts. General knowledge of UN rules, regulations and procedures
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Relevant contextual knowledge is highly desirable. Good knowledge of WFP programming.
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Flexibility in accepting work assignments outside normal desk description or outside Terms of Reference
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
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Interested individuals can apply for the vacancy announcement by clicking below vacancy link. Apply before the elapse of the deadline of 30 March 2026.
External Link: Click Here
Or
Programme Policy Officer (Head of Access), CST II
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