Strategic Relations & Partnerships Volunteer (Rotational)

World Food Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 25,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading humanitarian organization in Dubai seeks a volunteer for the SRM Unit to assist with enhancing supplier relationships and vendor management processes. You will engage with local and international suppliers, support vendor categorisation, and maintain compliance records. This role requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, providing an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international relations and diplomacy.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to interpret organisational procurement policies for vendor categorisation.
• Experience in intercultural communication in a business context.
• Capacity to work independently while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the annual vendor roster review and categorisation.
• Communicate with suppliers to verify and update records.
• Maintain accurate records of supplier interactions.

Skills

Understanding of international relations concepts

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic proficiency in MS Excel

Job description

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

9 January 2026 – 23:59 GMT+04:00 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. 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 and living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity and Inclusion). We work with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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).

Background

The SRM Unit plays a critical role in managing strategic partnerships with international suppliers to ensure the smooth delivery of food commodities and goods & services across global WFP operations. This volunteer offers an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in supplier engagement while applying principles of international relations, diplomacy and cross‑cultural communication.

Objectives

The volunteer will support the SRM Unit in strengthening global supplier relationships and enhancing vendor management processes by:

• Assisting the SRM Officer in the annual vendor roster review and categorisation exercise.
• Engaging with local and international suppliers to update and verify supplier records using diverse sources such as In‑Tend online platforms and direct communication channels.
• Applying intercultural awareness and diplomatic communication skills to foster positive engagement with suppliers from varied geopolitical and cultural contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Categorisation: Support the classification of suppliers into appropriate groups (e.g. manufacturer, trader, authorised dealer) in alignment with organisational procurement policies.
• Supplier Outreach: Review inactive/non‑responsive vendors and conduct outreach to verify and update contact details through online research and direct communication (email/phone).
• Cross‑Cultural Communication: Communicate effectively with suppliers from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds demonstrating sensitivity to international business norms and practices.
• Compliance & Record‑Keeping: Maintain accurate records of interactions and updates ensuring adherence to organisational compliance standards and international data protection regulations.
• Reporting: Provide regular progress updates and flag any compliance or ethical concerns to the SRM Officer.

Required Skills

• Understanding of international relations concepts such as cultural sensitivity and global governance applied in a business context.
• Ability to interpret organisational procurement policies and apply them to vendor categorisation.
• Strong communication skills with an emphasis on intercultural competence.
• Attention to detail in data management and compliance.
• Basic proficiency in MS Excel or similar tools.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.

Expected Deliverables

• A categorised vendor list based on agreed criteria.
• Verified and updated contact details for inactive vendors ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• A brief reflection report on intercultural communication challenges and strategies encountered during supplier engagement.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behaviour 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:

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.
• 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.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organisational needs, job requirements, merit and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority. Therefore all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.