Are you a recent graduate or university student passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and international development? The World Food Programme (WFP) is inviting applications for the Youth Volunteer (Innovation Unit) position based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This 12-month volunteer opportunity offers young professionals the chance to gain practical experience in humanitarian innovation while supporting projects that improve food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods across Tanzania.
If you’re eager to work with one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career while making a meaningful impact.
About the World Food Programme (WFP)
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives during emergencies and helping communities recover from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
Awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, WFP operates in more than 120 countries and territories, delivering food assistance while supporting long-term development, resilience, and peace.
WFP is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and high-performing workforce where employees are empowered to learn, innovate, and grow professionally.
Position Details
- Position: Youth Volunteer (Innovation Unit)
- Organization: World Food Programme (WFP)
- Duty Station: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department: Innovation Unit
- Job Type: Full-Time Volunteer
- Duration: 12 Months
- Reports To: Head of Innovation Unit
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time)
About the Innovation Unit
The WFP Tanzania Innovation Unit works across various programmes to identify, test, and scale innovative solutions that improve food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
The unit collaborates with:
- Government institutions
- Universities and research institutions
- Private sector organizations
- Startups
- Innovation hubs
- Development partners
Its mission is to strengthen humanitarian and development programmes through innovative technologies, partnerships, and new approaches.
Purpose of the Role
The Youth Volunteer will support the Innovation Unit by assisting with research, programme coordination, partnership engagement, and knowledge management.
The position provides valuable exposure to innovation programming while allowing the successful candidate to contribute to real-world development solutions that benefit vulnerable communities across Tanzania.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation Programme Coordination
The successful candidate will:
- Support planning and coordination of innovation initiatives.
- Assist in organizing workshops, innovation clinics, and learning events.
- Coordinate activities involving government, academia, private sector partners, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.
- Prepare innovation project documents and presentations.
Innovation Research and Scouting
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct research on emerging innovations relevant to WFP programmes.
- Explore innovations in areas such as:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Digital finance
- Clean energy
- Circular economy
- Prepare research briefs to support innovation programming.
Knowledge Management and Learning
The Youth Volunteer will also:
- Document innovation initiatives and lessons learned.
- Prepare case studies and briefing notes.
- Develop innovation reports.
- Maintain knowledge repositories and documentation platforms.
- Support learning and information-sharing activities.
Expected Deliverables
During the assignment, the volunteer is expected to contribute to:
- Documentation of innovation initiatives.
- Research reports and briefing papers.
- Reports from innovation events and workshops.
- Updated innovation knowledge management platforms.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess or be completing a university degree in one of the following fields:
- Innovation
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Administration
- Agricultural Economics
- Environmental Studies
- Development Studies
- International Development
- Or another related discipline.
Desired Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Ability to support project coordination.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to work in multicultural and international environments.
- Passion for humanitarian and development work.
Learning Opportunities
This volunteer programme offers hands-on experience in:
- Innovation programme design and implementation.
- Humanitarian and development programming.
- Startup and innovation ecosystem engagement.
- Partnerships with government and private sector organizations.
- Monitoring, evaluation, learning, and documentation.
- Cross-functional collaboration within WFP programmes.
Why Join WFP?
Working with WFP provides an opportunity to:
- Gain experience with the world’s largest humanitarian organization.
- Work alongside international development professionals.
- Build valuable professional networks.
- Learn through mentorship, coaching, and professional development programmes.
- Contribute to innovative solutions that improve lives across Tanzania.
- Work in an inclusive and diverse international environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official WFP online recruitment system.
Applicants should prepare and upload:
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Cover Letter.
Applications sent via email or other platforms will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
31 July 2026 (23:59 East Africa Time).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.
Important Information
- WFP does not charge any application or recruitment fees at any stage of the hiring process.
- Only online applications submitted through the official recruitment portal will be accepted.
- Selected candidates will undergo reference and background verification.
- WFP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or background.
