Programme Officer (Climate and Environment)

Host entity: WFP Ghana

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Climate change, environment, Natural resources management, Community development

Application deadline: 25/10/2026

Mission and objectives

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

Assignment context

The incumbent will work directly under the deputy country director and would provide technical assistance to strategic outcomes (SO) managers of 3 pillars of the Ghana Country Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028). The purpose of this assignment will be to provide technical assistance to colleagues and partners in climate related interventions under SO1 (crisis response and emergency preparedness and response), in climate and environmental sustainability as well as energy efficiency matters under the Social Protection and Food systems portfolios (SO2 and SO3).
This will include programme development, review of effectiveness of initiatives including activities previously implemented or initiated. The incumbent reviews and analyses would also form the basis of concept note development for resource mobilisation. The position would be based in Accra with travel to the field, providing guidance to different WFP programme outcomes as well as coordinating with relevant external stakeholders if required.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme teams in integrating climate adaptation, environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction considerations into programme activities.
2. Support the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of climate resilience, en-vironmental sustainability and clean energy initiatives aligned with WFP programme objectives, climate change policies and international safeguards.
3. Support the development and implementation of clean cooking solutions linked to school feeding programmes, including the promotion of energy-efficient cooking stoves and sustainable fuel alternatives.
4. Assist in the planning and coordination of activities aimed at strengthening climate-smart and sustainable food systems, with a focus on improving food security, nutri-tion, and livelihoods.
5. Support colleagues to engage with government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities on climate, environment, and clean energy ini-tiatives.
6. Contribute to the preparation of concept notes, project proposals, technical reports, presentations, and other programme documentation.
7. Under the agroforestry project funded by the Changing Lives Transformation Fund (CLTF), Support the implementation and coordination of agroforestry activities aligned with Ghana’s environmental policies and climate adaptation priorities, including activi-ties promoting climate-smart and environmentally sustainable livelihood opportunities.
8. Identify opportunities to strengthen agroforestry and regenerative practices to restore ecosystems, enhance resilience to climate shocks.

WORKPLAN
During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Minimum of one year of relevant experience (three years of relevant experience required for candidates holding a bachelor's degree):
• Experience in programme/project support, coordination, implementation, monitoring or reporting, preferably in international development, climate change, environment, resili-ence, sustainable development or a related field.
• Experience supporting programme/project development and implementation, including preparation of reports, briefs, concept notes, presentations or other programme doc-umentation.
• Experience in stakeholder coordination and engagement with government institutions, development partners, civil society, communities and/or the private sector would be an asset.
• Demonstrated interest, knowledge or experience in climate change, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable food systems or related areas.
• Experience in a developing country or international development context would be an advantage.
• Exposure to disaster risk reduction, clean energy, climate finance, agroforestry or related climate/environmental initiatives would be an asset.


Skills in:
• Knowledge of or experience in climate adaptation and resilience-building programmes, including community engagement.
• Understanding of programme cycle particularly evidence-based programmes
• Proven ability to write briefs and analytical documents to a high standard, and to present complex technical information/analyses to technical and non-technical audience in simple and easily understandable way.
• Ability to foster cooperation with multiple stakeholders.
• Previous experience in proposal development and fund-raising
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is con-sidered a plus.
• Knowledge of agricultural value chains is considered an advantage

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Empowering Others
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

The UN Volunteer will be based in Accra, Ghana's capital city, with periodic travel to project locations across the country. Accra is generally considered a safe, vibrant, and cosmopolitan city with modern infrastructure and access to a wide range of services. Accommodation options include furnished apartments, guesthouses, and residential compounds suited to different budgets and lifestyles. The city offers supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, healthcare facilities, banks, and recreational amenities. Reliable transportation options are available through services such as Yango, Bolt, and Uber, as well as taxis and public transportation. While living conditions are generally comfortable, the cost of living in Accra is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. Volunteers should be prepared for a tropical climate, occasional traffic congestion, and periodic field travel to rural and remote communities where living conditions may be more basic than in the capital.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.