The greatest humanitarian organization in the world and recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, the World Food Programme (WFP), posted a job opening for a Programme Assistant (SC5) at its Zanzibar Sub-Office in January 2026.
In order to help the Zanzibar archipelago in particular, this position is essential to WFP’s operations in the United Republic of Tanzania. Building long-term resilience, improving human capital, and assisting the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger, are the main objectives of WFP’s involvement in Zanzibar.
- Overview of the Program Assistant Position (Zanzibar)
The Programme Assistant is an operational position that calls for a combination of administrative accuracy and interpersonal skills with government and community partners. The job holder works somewhat independently to make sure that food aid and development programs reach the most disadvantaged communities, usually reporting to a Programme Policy Officer.
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | World Food Programme (WFP) |
| Duty Station | Zanzibar, Tanzania |
| Contract Type | Service Contract (SC 5) |
| Duration | 12 Months (Renewable based on performance/funding) |
| Application Deadline | 26 January 2026 |
- Strategic Background: Zanzibar’s WFP (2026)
WFP’s activity in Zanzibar has changed from direct relief to capacity strengthening and resilience building as part of the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2022–2027. In 2026, important areas of concentration will be:
Supporting school feeding programs and nutrition treatments for expectant and nursing mothers is an example of human capital development.
Climate resilience is the ability of smallholder farmers, especially those in the seaweed value chain, to adjust to environmental deterioration and climate change.
Emergency Preparedness: Increasing the RGoZ’s capacity to react quickly to economic strains and climate shocks.
- Crucial Duties: The “Boots on the Ground”
The “connective tissue” for WFP projects is the program assistant. Key responsibilities include of:
A. Project and Operational Management
Specialized Support: Ensuring that all actions comply with WFP’s local and worldwide rules by carrying out standardized technical procedures.
Verifying and compiling data for program reports is known as data accuracy. The foundation of donor accountability and evidence-based decision-making in the UN system is reliable data.
Emergency Preparedness: Working under the Zanzibar Office Head to put standard procedures into place that enable WFP to quickly mobilize resources in the event of a disaster.
B. Collaboration & Government Involvement
Government Liaison: Helping the Policy Officer stay in touch with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s (RGoZ) ministries.
Collaboration: Monitoring collaborative programs and ensuring open communication by working with NGOs, CSOs, and the media.
UN Coordination: Making sure WFP continues to be a cooperative partner in the “Delivering as One” UN framework by taking part in events hosted by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN-RCO) in Zanzibar.
C. Support for Administration and Logistics
Resource Coordination: Setting up training courses, workshops, and meetings for local communities and partners.
Documentation: Keeping track of all field-level documents, such as workshop minutes and distribution records.
- Requirements: Who WFP Is Seeking
Candidates must exhibit both a solid academic foundation and real-world “support” experience in order to be considered for a SC5 level position.
Education: * Minimum: Secondary school graduation.
A degree in economics, social sciences, agriculture, nutrition, or environmental science from a university is preferred.
Experience: * One to three years of increasingly responsibility program operations experience, ideally with a UN agency or an international NGO.
particular expertise carrying out technical initiatives including agriculture, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and school feeding.
Language: Since the position requires technical reporting in English and field-level interaction in Kiswahili, proficiency in both languages is required.
Skills: As WFP transitions to more digital monitoring systems in 2026, expertise in data analytics and visualization will be crucial.
- Group Statistics, Diversity, and Inclusion
When it comes to encouraging an inclusive workforce, WFP is a pioneer. The company keeps a close eye on its dedication to diversity and reports on it.
WFP strives for gender parity (50/50) in all levels of staffing as of the 2024–2025 reporting periods. With more than 90% of employees in sub-offices like Zanzibar being national professionals, WFP places a high priority on the local content of its workforce in Tanzania.
Important Note: Regardless of ethnicity, country origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, HIV status, or handicap, WFP welcomes submissions from eligible applicants. During the hiring process, you can contact global.inclusion@wfp.org to request Reasonable Accommodation if you have a handicap.
- The WFP Protocol: How to Apply
A centralized Human Capital Management (HCM) system is used by WFP. To be taken into consideration, applications must be filed via the official portal. CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Go to the WFP Careers Portal directly.
Documents Required: At this point, all you need to send is your resume and a cover letter. Certificates should not be sent unless specifically asked.
No Fee Policy: There is never a fee associated with applying, interviewing, training, or receiving medical care from the United Nations. Any payment solicitation is fraudulent.
Technical Problems: For assistance, send an email to global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org if the online system malfunctions.
- Why Work in Zanzibar for WFP?
Impact: Rising sea levels and reliance on food imports are two of Zanzibar’s particular problems as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). The islanders’ food security is directly impacted by your work in this capacity.
Prestige: WFP was awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its use of food as a means of achieving peace.
Growth: WFP makes significant investments in the coaching, mentoring, and internal mobility of its employees throughout its international offices.