ShareTheMeal Partnerships Manager (MENA)

World Food Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 257,000 - 331,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization seeks a Partnerships Manager for the MENA region based in Dubai. The successful candidate will drive fundraising initiatives, manage corporate relationships, and secure significant partnerships to support humanitarian efforts. Candidates should have extensive experience in business development within international contexts, particularly with a focus on corporate partnerships. The role requires fluency in English and Arabic, and a strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape in the GCC.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Attractive compensation package

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in Business Development or Account Management.
• Proven record of securing multimillion-dollar partnerships.
• Strong understanding of philanthropic trends specific to GCC.

Responsibilities

• Identify and secure high-value fundraising partnerships.
• Manage relationships with existing partners and track performance.
• Develop compelling materials for private sector outreach.

Skills

Business Development

Account Management

Negotiation

Networking

Fluency in English

Fluency in Arabic

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

30 December 2025-23:59-GMT04:00 Gulf Standard Time (Dubai)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled and high performing teams selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP visit our website: follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: ShareTheMeal Partnerships Manager (MENA)

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Regular Consultant level II

UNIT/DIVISION: Private Sector Partnerships (PSP)

DUTY STATION (City Country): Dubai, UAE

DURATION: 11 months

LINE MANAGER/SUPERVISOR: Head of ShareTheMeal Partnerships

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Around 20000 people work for the organization most of them in remote areas directly serving the hungry poor.

ShareTheMeal is WFP’s fundraising and awareness-raising app. Free to download the award winning app is a pioneering way for people to join our efforts in creating a world with zero hunger. ShareTheMeal was launched in 2015 as the first pilot of WFP’s Innovation Accelerator which, among other things, supports start‑ups and innovators in developing their ideas for zero hunger.

Over 1 million ShareTheMeal supporters worldwide have shared more than 160 million meals (US$ 100 million). WFP is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy for individual giving and ShareTheMeal. WFP is a key driver for this strategy going forward.

The team located in Berlin and around the globe is focused on further developing the app and platform to include new and innovative features and on increasing the engagement of existing users and growing the user base through marketing and communication initiatives.

Leveraging the existing and upcoming CSR Partnerships and Partner API integration features of ShareTheMeal, WFP is seeking an individual who is driving these partnerships forward. The role includes aspects of Business Development and Account Management with geographic focus on MENA.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

The Consultant reporting to the Head of ShareTheMeal Partnerships is expected to:

• Proactively identify and prospect high value fundraising partnerships with the corporate and corporate foundation sector. Work collaboratively as part of the ShareTheMeal team in collaboration with the PSP Business Development team to selectively identify, research and screen target corporates and corporate foundations then develop successful approaches for potential new partners including relationship and network mapping.
• Secure multimillion dollar innovative and/or technical partnerships which add genuine value to WFP and partner organizations by leveraging ShareTheMeal partnerships propositions and features.
• Develop and manage relations with existing partners including contractual agreements; monitor and report on partnership performance (including donation impact, donor quality etc.).
• Work collaboratively with internal programme focal points and experts to identify and create compelling materials and value propositions bespoke for the private sector audience.
• Bring best practices to the team proactively making suggestions to improve processes.
• Develop/contribute to effective pitches to sell WFP as a partner of choice: collaborate with PSP Global Services support team to develop and customize pitch materials for successful approaches as well as materials to support senior‑level meetings with prospects and potential partners.
• Negotiation preparation: independently lead or participate in negotiations secure contracts and agree on partner expectations.
• Monitor and report upon progress against KPIs for prospect pipeline under direct responsibility.
• Support WFP to utilize external awareness events to drive business development/fundraising opportunities: support global events (such as conferences, forums, panels and roundtables) convening multinational corporates to position WFP as a go‑to organization for partnership; provide inputs for Private Sector Partnerships leadership team to grow WFP’s presence at events and transform WFP into a go‑to brand for new fundraising partners.
• Keep supervisors abreast of key private sector trends and NGO partnerships related to WFP’s work.
• Support WFP offices in major city capitals WFP Programme teams Regional Bureaus and Country Office focal points: support and advise on local fundraising efforts and new business opportunities.
• Liaise with PSP Global Services team on due diligence process and contracting.
• Work together and collaborate with the PSP Global Business Development Team, Account Management Team and especially with the Dubai‑based Partnership and Communications team.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

The ShareTheMeal Partnerships Manager (MENA) will be responsible for driving and executing the global prospecting strategy (financial and technical contributions) with corporations and corporate foundations specifically in the MENA region. Deliverables for this post include:

• Securing new high-value six or seven‑figure corporate or corporate foundation partnerships.
• Establishing an active prospect pipeline and business development funnel.
• Managing the entire end‑to‑end business development lifecycle including identification of new prospects, screening, stewarding, negotiating and securing new partnerships.
• Delivering and monitoring progress against KPIs and individual targets set for this post.
• Creating compelling proposals and materials to attract, cultivate and engage new audiences.
• Translating complex programme material into compelling pitches and value propositions.
• Developing and managing relations with existing partners include contractual agreements; monitoring and reporting on partnership performance.
• Completing all internal processes such as Salesforce management, due diligence and legal; supporting partners through partnerships focal point regarding permits.
• Establishing effective relationships with the team and internal departments.
• Playing an active role in the team identifying improvements to processes and working well with others.
• Establish a working relationship with local governments across the region to secure permits for any fundraising/visibility opportunities and agree on reporting mechanisms to abide with local rules of fundraising.
• Work together and collaborate with PSP/STM and UAE Global Office to streamline work with different sectors operating in the same geographic area.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education: Bachelors degree in business, marketing, law, communications, social sciences or any other relevant field; masters degree is preferred.

Experience: At least eight (8) years of relevant national and international experience in Business Development, Account Management or Marketing in consumer‑facing and/or digital companies or related fields.

Experience of prospecting new high‑value fundraising partners in an international organization with a development/humanitarian mission ideally with UN experience is desirable.

Strong understanding of the philanthropic trends and parameters specific to the GCC including Islamic philanthropy and fundraising laws.

Recent experience in partnerships/work with local GCC foundations and charities is beneficial.

Extensive sales and marketing experience—experienced in research, planning, preparing and landing pitches, and negotiating with potential partners/clients: proven record of successful negotiations with global enterprises.

Demonstrated record of securing multi‑million dollar and multi‑year partnerships from prospect identification and research through agreement in the non‑profit or business sectors.

Experience of building a new pipeline with a positive attitude towards engaging new audiences. A network of corporate contacts in key markets which will be used to support the establishment of prospecting pipeline would be an asset.

Previous experience of building new propositions, integrations or products for the private sector that reflects current trends and interests.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate relationships and influence senior decision makers.

Knowledge & Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Understanding of API technical documentation and strong project management skills are beneficial.

Strong analytical abilities both quantitative and qualitative; ability to produce high‑quality written materials including graphically based PowerPoint presentations as well as text documents.

Ability in explaining complex issues to external partners presenting the organization and diverse operations in a compelling manner including when to leverage experience of internal stakeholders in a sales pitch; understanding of how to align the needs and interests of the organization with those of a corporate partner.

The ideal candidate will also be highly adaptable to change and comfortable dealing with ambiguity, stress and competing demands with grace and humor.

Languages: Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic (fluency/level C knowledge).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation please contact: (text omitted)

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee please disregard it. Furthermore please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.
• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application please contact us at for technical support only.
• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.
• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed please apply and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language.
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter.
• Additional documents such as passport recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Manager