Head of Sub-Office, Ali Sabieh G6

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

24 June 2026-23:59-GMT+03:00 East Africa Time (Djibouti)

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ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
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WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Head of Sub-Office, Ali Sabieh

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed term G6

UNIT/DIVISION: Programme

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Ali Sabieh, Republic of Djibouti

DURATION: 1 year

REPORTING LINE: Head of Programme

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

WFP’s strategy in Djibouti is aligned with Djibouti Vision 2035 and takes into account regional strategies of the African Union, in particular Agenda 2063 and the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth, and IGAD sub-regional strategies. It is also aligned with the UNDAF for 2018–2022 and builds on relevant recommendations of the Zero Hunger Strategic Review. Addressing poverty is a major pathway to addressing food insecurity in Djibouti. Agricultural potential is limited, but the agricultural, pastoral and fisheries sectors offer opportunities for providing direct assistance for rural households susceptible to food insecurity and malnutrition.

This position is based in Ali Sabieh and reports to the Deputy Country Director based in Djibouti. The job holder will work under the close support and guidance of a more experienced professional staff member receiving guidance and regular feedback on work performed. They will be involved in programme or policy activities of similar nature and analytical work of limited complexity.

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Field Office, G6, is based in Ali Sabieh and reports to the Deputy Country Director. The job holder is responsible for managing the field office, ensuring effective implementation of WFP programmes, and maintaining strong relationships with local partners and authorities. The role requires initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage resources and support staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Effectively manage the Sub-Office to ensure the continued development of a cohesive and high performing team.
2. Plan and manage WFP field operations within the area of assignment to ensure effective and efficient delivery of food assistance and that daily operational issues are timely resolved to prevent losses or delays.

3. Ensure that allocated resources are used efficiently and are in line with agreed plans, and any deviations are reported to the Country Office.

4. Hold accountability for the security of WFP staff, operations, premises and assets in the Sub- Office to ensure that WFP security and safety standards are locally set and followed.

5. Actively participate and contribute to the Area Security Management Team (ASMT).

6. Conduct timely monitoring of activities and prepare accurate and comprehensive reports on WFP’s operations and performance with regular and timely submission for Country Office review to inform efficient operational planning and decisions.

7. Build effective and collaborative relations with the local authorities and contribute to the expertise sharing and capacity building for effective preparedness and response to food assistance needs.

8. Build partnerships to improve the provision of assistance, develop and sustain liaison with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, UN agencies, civil societies, beneficiaries and other partners and media engaged in the field of food security.

9. Engage with beneficiaries, inspect storage places and points where WFP commodities are received, in order to ensure compliance with WFP policies and that progress is made in the achievement of project objectives.

10. Ensure extensive and frequent presence at project areas, distribution sites and centres.

11. Other as required

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area is desirable (but no required).

Experience:

Six (6) years of relevant professional experience in the relative business stream or four (4) years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Desired experience for entry into the role:

• Has developed, or supported in the development of, single discipline work plans to support the achievement of WFP strategic aims within a defined area.
• Has gained exposure in field operations, preferably in a hardship duty station or emergency situation.
• Has field experience via field rotations or working in a sub-office, and through field postings.
• Gained experience of analyzing local political situations and assessing risk accurately.
• Has gained experience managing small to mid-size financial budgets, balancing priorities effectively.
• Has experience leading a small to mid-size team to ensure the effective delivery of objectives.
• Participated in a vendor/government/ partner negotiation within area of focus.
• Participated in a small emergency operation/ development programme.
• Has experience with security co-ordination and compound management within a smaller area.

Functional capabilities

• Applies strong understanding of key national and international socio-political issues and the complexity and range of WFP programmes to plan and oversee implementation of programmes in area of responsibility, coordinating and monitoring to ensure effective fulfilment of the area’s needs.
• Applies understanding of WFP’s operations within the area of assignment to ensure optimal deployment of food aid and food assistance programmes and the resolution of high impact operational issues that arise. Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of WFP programmes, supply chain and budgeting principles.
• Proactively builds profile of WFP within area of responsibility, effectively leveraging this to lead fundraising initiatives. Utilizes understanding of WFP structure and delivery model and strong commercial knowledge to effectively develop, manage and control budgets, with frequently limited funding.
• Applies negotiation, networking and diplomacy skills to develop, nurture and sustain mutually beneficial external partnerships with local government authorities, international and local NGOs, civil societies, UN agencies, donors, beneficiaries and other partners/ media engaged in the field of food security, to improve assistance packages. Collaborates with governments and other partners to identify opportunities for food assistance programmes in-line with WFP’s strategic aims locally, and negotiates the optimal approach to delivery against these.

Language:

Fluency in both oral and written French language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of English language. Proficiency in Djibouti’s local languages is an asset.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.
• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.