DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
24 October 2025 – 23:59 GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Berlin)
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.
WHY JOIN WFP
WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate that offers an inclusive, diverse and multicultural working environment. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and internal mobility opportunities. WFP provides an attractive compensation package (see Terms and Conditions).
JOB TITLE
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Strategy and Portfolio Project Manager
TYPE OF CONTRACT
Remote Consultancy
UNIT / DIVISION
WFP Innovation Accelerator INNA
DUTY STATION
Admin D/S, Munich, Germany
DURATION
11 months
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The WFP Innovation Accelerator identifies, builds and scales innovative start‑ups and technologies to end global hunger. The incumbent reports to the Head of Innovative Finance, Frontier Innovations, and will develop and manage WFP’s AI/ML strategy and project portfolio, driving impact across internal processes and program delivery.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive the development and implementation of the WFP Innovation Accelerator AI/ML strategy and oversee the corresponding project portfolio.
- Develop AI/ML strategy and set focus areas to explore where AI can impact humanitarian response and food system transformation.
- Identify and scale promising AI/ML-based solutions from idea to deployment within the core Accelerator program.
- Define key performance indicators and milestones for AI projects and overall portfolio, ensuring impact measurement and reporting.
- Build collaborations with external partners, creating methods to access potential partnerships and working with AI Technical Solutions Consultants to prototype and iterate new solutions.
- Act as project manager to champion specific AI/ML initiatives led by WFP, including Country Office pilots related to emergency response, small‑holder farmer support, supply‑chain management, and other areas.
- Identify opportunities to use AI/ML for internal efficiency and effectiveness.
- Champion AI/ML piloting and integration within WFP operations or with partner organisations, liaising with internal units as required.
- Provide technical advisory and thought‑leadership on AI/ML initiatives and ecosystem trends, serving as an AI/ML expert to WFP staff in HQ and Country Offices.
- Produce AI/ML knowledge‑sharing events, workshops and case studies; evaluate and advise on implementation platforms and architectures.
- Support policy and regulatory changes needed for large‑scale AI/ML adoption within WFP.
- Support overall Innovation Accelerator operations: analysis, content preparation, stakeholder discussions, and core processes such as innovation sourcing, boot camps, sprint programmes and knowledge management.
- Deliver any other tasks as required.
DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT
- Develop an AI/ML strategy for the WFP Innovation Accelerator to inform WFP’s investments.
- Generate a pipeline of external and internal AI/ML projects and ensure technologies are used to deliver maximum value.
- Build partnerships to maximise AI/ML value‑add within WFP operations and field impact.
- Ensure all work and materials are well documented and available to the WFP Innovation Accelerator team.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business economics, marketing analytics or related quantitative discipline; Master’s degree is a plus.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in technology strategy, portfolio management, product development and partnership management, with experience in AI/ML technologies.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
- Technical understanding of AI/ML applications and methodologies (computer vision, NLP, chatbot, neural networks).
- Experience in innovation project life cycle – ideation, MVP, prototyping and implementation.
- Experience piloting and scaling AI/ML solutions in WFP presence countries is desired.
- Ability to translate complex issues for non‑technical audiences.
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills with independent research capability.
- Cross‑functional collaboration and agile execution.
- Experience in large‑scale organisations or partnership with such organisations.
- Track record of driving and delivering impactful projects in fast‑moving environments.
- Creative problem‑solving and new product idea development.
- Strong conceptual thinking for new strategies and innovative projects.
- Stakeholder engagement with maturity and tact.
- Excellent communication, presentation and writing skills.
- Collaborative spirit with credibility and diplomacy.
- Self‑motivated and autonomous.
- Ambitious and dedicated to WFP’s mission.
- Fully committed to achieving UN World Food Programme aims.
LANGUAGES
Fluency in oral and written English is required. Intermediate knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish or Portuguese) is an advantage.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
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.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Ensure your profile is accurate and complete (employment, qualifications, language skills, UN Grade if applicable). Upload a professional CV and cover letter in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, merit and qualifications. WFP maintains a safe and inclusive workplace free from discrimination and harassment.