📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara
Company: World Food Programme
Location: Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Job Type: On-site
Category: Programme Management
Date Posted: 2025-07-22
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara is responsible for managing a cross-functional team of programmatic, Results and Monitoring (RAM), and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professionals. This role oversees the delivery of the full programme cycle management of WFP’s Türkiye Country Office (TRCO) operational portfolio, with an estimated annual budget of $12m. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in programme design, implementation, and policy engagement, with experience in people management and stakeholder coordination.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: The following responsibilities are tailored to the web technology industry, focusing on programme cycle management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.

Programme Portfolio Management: Oversee the delivery of the programme portfolio of the TRCO CSP, ensuring minimum compliance standards for WFP programmatic operations are met at all times.
Team Leadership: Lead a team with a delegative management style, prioritizing professional growth of all team members, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
Strategic Decision Making: Actively participate in the Resource Management Committee and the TRCO Leadership team, contributing to strategic and operational decision making of the TRCO.
Programme Design and Monitoring: Ensure appropriate evidence and targeting measures inform the quality of the programme design, and establish appropriate monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and foster relationships with governmental stakeholders, including those from the Presidency of Migration Management and the Ministry of Agriculture, to enable the effective positioning of WFP to meet national goals and contribute to country capacity-strengthening efforts.
Cross-Cutting Expertise Integration: Ensure the integration of cross-cutting expertise, such as accountability to affected populations (AAP), conflict sensitivity, gender, protection, and inclusion considerations into programme design and implementation.
Emergency Response Leadership: Act as a key actor in leading scale up of operations in times of emergency response.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

📝 Enhancement Note: The following skills and qualifications are tailored to the web technology industry, focusing on programme management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.

Education:

Advanced University degree in International Affairs, Economics, Nutrition/Health, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or other field relevant to international development assistance.

Experience:

At least 7 years of relevant postgraduate professional experience in people management, programme design, implementation, and policy engagement.
Experience in liaising with government partners, with good negotiation skills and ability to communicate effectively.
Experience in business development/project/programme design and management.
Experience in policy discussions and providing input into policy decisions.

Language:

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Turkish, Arabic an asset.

Desired Experiences for Entry into the Role:

Experience working across the programme portfolio, including meeting basic food and non-food needs of emergency-affected populations, emergency preparedness and response, and social protection.
Experience leading a Sub Office or a country/area office programme team or a component of a country office programme portfolio.
Experience engaging in policy discussions and providing input into policy decisions.

Leadership Behaviours:

Leads by Example with Integrity: Lives the WFP values and shows humanity and integrity by role modelling care for others.
Upholds WFP values, principles, and standards: Demonstrates and encourages others to uphold the WFP values, principles, and standards.
Respects others and values diversity: Values diversity using respectful and inclusive language and encourages others to do the same.
Stays focused and calm under pressure: Stays focused and calm when under pressure, encourages others to do the same, and offers guidance and support to manage difficult situations.
Demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn: Demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn and share knowledge, frequently seeking and acting on feedback, and pursuing opportunities to develop.
Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments: Delivers on commitments and adapts readily to change.
Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork: Is inclusive and collaborative, and contributes to a culture of learning and personal growth.
Applies Strategic Thinking: Demonstrates commitment to gather perspectives, analyse options and risks, and propose new ways of doing things.

📊 Programme Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of WFP’s programme portfolio, including meeting basic food and non-food needs of crisis-affected people, emergency preparedness and response, and social protection.
Showcase experience in programme design, implementation, and policy engagement, with a proven track record in people management and stakeholder coordination.

Technical Documentation:

Provide evidence of successful programme cycle management, including programme design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.
Demonstrate experience in integrating cross-cutting expertise, such as accountability to affected populations (AAP), conflict sensitivity, gender, protection, and inclusion considerations into programme design and implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is not explicitly stated, but based on industry standards for similar roles in the international development sector, it can be estimated to be between $60,000 and $90,000 USD per year, depending on experience and location.

Benefits:

The World Food Programme offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and family allowances.
WFP also provides learning and development opportunities, as well as a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth.

Working Hours: The working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance as needed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The World Food Programme operates in the international development sector, focusing on meeting the basic food and non-food needs of crisis-affected people, emergency preparedness and response, and social protection.

Company Size: WFP is a large international organization with a global presence, employing over 20,000 people across more than 80 countries.

Founded: WFP was founded in 1961 and became a UN specialized agency in 1965.

Team Structure:

The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara reports directly to the Deputy Country Director.
The role manages a cross-functional team of programmatic, Results and Monitoring (RAM), and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professionals.

Development Methodology:

WFP follows a results-based management approach, focusing on delivering outcomes and impact.
The organization uses a project management framework to plan, monitor, and evaluate its programmes.

Company Website: World Food Programme

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara role is a senior-level position, requiring a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in programme design, implementation, and policy engagement.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Deputy Country Director and is responsible for managing a cross-functional team of programme professionals.

Technical Impact: The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara has a significant impact on WFP’s programme portfolio in Turkey, ensuring the effective delivery of food assistance and related services to crisis-affected populations.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and strong performance, the Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara may progress to more senior roles within WFP, such as Deputy Country Director or Country Director.
Technical Skill Development: The role offers opportunities to develop skills in programme management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership, as well as exposure to emerging trends in the international development sector.
Technical Leadership Potential: The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara has the potential to become a technical expert in programme management, with the opportunity to influence WFP’s global programme portfolio and contribute to the organization's strategic direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The World Food Programme operates in a professional office environment, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Office Location(s): The Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara is based in the WFP’s Ankara office, with the possibility of occasional travel to other locations in Turkey and internationally.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: WFP’s offices are designed to foster collaboration and communication, with open-plan workspaces and shared meeting areas.
Development Tools: WFP provides access to relevant software tools and technologies to support programme management and monitoring.
Work Schedule: The working schedule for this role is 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Application Review: WFP will review all applications and shortlist candidates based on their qualifications and experience.
Phone or Video Screening: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a phone or video screening to assess their communication skills and cultural fit.
In-depth Interview: Successful candidates will be invited for an in-depth interview, focusing on their programme management experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and leadership potential.
Final Assessment: The final assessment may include a presentation or case study, allowing candidates to demonstrate their problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to highlight your programme management experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and leadership potential.
Case Studies: Include detailed case studies of your programme management experience, focusing on the impact you made and the challenges you overcame.
Quantifiable Results: Quantify the results of your programme management efforts, demonstrating the impact you made on crisis-affected populations.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Programme Management Scenarios: Familiarize yourself with common programme management scenarios and practice responding to them.
Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios: Prepare for stakeholder engagement scenarios, focusing on your ability to communicate effectively and negotiate successfully.
Leadership Scenarios: Practice leadership scenarios, demonstrating your ability to manage teams, make strategic decisions, and drive results.

ATS Keywords: (Not explicitly stated in the job listing, but relevant keywords for this role include: programme management, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, international development, crisis response, and capacity strengthening.)

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara position:

Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your programme management experience, stakeholder engagement skills, and leadership potential.
Prepare for the interview process by practicing common programme management scenarios, stakeholder engagement scenarios, and leadership scenarios.
Research the World Food Programme and the international development sector to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus: Tailor the job description to emphasize programme management, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership skills relevant to the web technology industry.
Quality Standards: Ensure the job description is comprehensive, well-organized, and valuable to programme management professionals seeking their next opportunity in the international development sector.
Industry Expertise: Incorporate specific programme management techniques, stakeholder engagement strategies, and team leadership best practices relevant to the web technology industry.
Professional Standards: Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout the job description.
Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis: Emphasize programme management skills, stakeholder engagement strategies, and team leadership potential in the job description and interview preparation tips.
Avoid: Avoid generic business jargon not relevant to programme management roles in the international development sector.

Head of Programme - NOC, Ankara