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)
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.
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