Innovation Consultant - Field Innovation Project Manager

Programa Mundial de Alimentos; München; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading humanitarian organization is seeking an Innovation Consultant – Field Innovation Project Manager to enhance its Innovation Accelerator based in Munich, Germany. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in humanitarian innovation and a strong background in project management. This role involves coordinating innovation strategies, building partnerships, and maintaining comprehensive reporting systems to support the organization’s global goals against hunger. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another UN language is advantageous. The contract is initially for 5 months, with the possibility of extension.

Leistungen

Competitive compensation package

Opportunity to work in a dynamic team

Diversity and inclusion support

Qualifikationen

• 5+ years of experience in humanitarian innovation roles.
• Experience coordinating teams across different locations.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of another UN language is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Drive the coordination and growth of WFP innovation hubs.
• Build comprehensive offerings for setting up new Innovation Hubs.
• Maintain robust data-driven storytelling and reporting.
• Support the overall operations of the WFP Innovation Accelerator.

Kenntnisse

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Innovation strategy

Collaboration

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Jobbeschreibung

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

Innovation Consultant – Field Innovation Project Manager

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives. We are currently seeking to fill a Field Innovation Project Manager position in the WFP Innovation Accelerator, based in Munich, Germany.

Background and Purpose of the Assignment

The WFP Innovation Accelerator is a global function that identifies, nurtures, and scales disruptive start-ups and innovations to end global hunger. Based in Munich, Germany, the Accelerator provides funding, hands‑on support, and access to WFP’s global operations. In 2023, the Accelerator supported innovations that positively impacted the lives of 60.7 million people globally.

General Information

• Title of Post: Innovation Consultant – Field Innovation Project Manager
• Unit: Innovation Accelerator, Partnerships and Innovation Division (INNA)
• Country: Germany
• Duty Station: Munich
• Initial contract duration: 5 months (extendable)
• Expected Start Date: 01.09.2024 (desirable)

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Drive the coordination and growth of the WFP innovation hubs and units and teams based in the field that form the WFP Innovation Network.

   • Manage and coordinate the overall integration of WFP Innovation Hubs and Units into the WFP Innovation Network and the WFP Innovation Accelerator.
   • Support WFP Innovation Hubs and Units in designing and adopting innovative strategies and programmes that align with WFP’s Innovation Strategy.
   • Act as the broader WFP Innovation portfolio manager and track different investable projects to create synergies and matches across opportunities for scale and funding.
   • Actively seek opportunities to design innovation programmes that can be co‑delivered by the Accelerator and members of the Innovation Network.
   • Actively pursue partnerships and fundraising opportunities, draft proposals to invest in the portfolio of the WFP Innovation Network.
   • Build relationships across the network, convene members regularly both virtually and in person, including through a yearly flagship event or workshop.
   • Activate online interactions and correspondence with and between members of the Network to strengthen the community feel.
   • Act as the global focal point for WFP Innovation Hubs and Units, providing input, routing correspondence and requests, and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge of operations.

2. Build a comprehensive offering for the setup of new Innovation Hubs and Units around the world.

   • Design and drive a service offering to set up and support the establishment of WFP Innovation Hubs and Units across the organization.
   • Advise WFP leaders and decision‑makers on opportunities and steps to establish innovation units through data‑driven and field‑based experience.
   • Manage the actual set‑up of Innovation Units in a given location, design a roadmap of implementation, drive local partnership creation, and travel to locations as needed.
   • Diligently work to align Country Innovation strategies with strategic plans and include innovation in Country strategic plans where appropriate.
   • Manage project budgets with sensitivity and demonstrate responsibility in accurate and correct documentation.
   • As needed, design and deliver workshops to co‑create hub models, design new milestones, bring alignment, and formulate theories of change.

3. Maintain robust data‑driven storytelling, reporting and continuously improve systems.

   • Manage reporting and participation of WFP Innovation Hubs and Units into the global innovation reporting system and cadence.
   • Analyze data and draft narrative summaries of each team’s work to showcase value and impact.
   • Keep abreast of latest plans, results and activities of the hubs and units, including funding status, people reached and impact.
   • Design and oversee the execution of a yearly communications plan to highlight WFP Innovation work in collaboration with the Accelerator’s communications team.
   • Maintain the WFP Innovation Network’s contribution in the Innovation Database and commit to the betterment of digital systems.

4. Support the overall WFP Innovation Accelerator operations.

   • Provide analysis and content preparation (data on projects, presentations, briefs) for corporate priority topics and management meetings.
   • Participate and carry out discussions with colleagues and external stakeholders on innovation topics.
   • Support other core processes of the WFP Innovation Accelerator (workshop facilitation, event hosting, speaking engagements).
   • Proactively contribute to a high‑performing team culture and collaborate across different teams.
   • Support the Head of the WFP Innovation Network, Head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator and the Director of the Innovation Division with any other activities as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree a plus.

Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible international experience in a humanitarian innovation role, start‑up accelerator, innovations in private businesses, or experience coordinating different teams spread globally.

Required soft skills / WFP Competencies

• In-depth understanding of humanitarian operations and how innovation can help achieve desired impact.
• Proficiency in end‑to‑end project design and management.
• Experience working at WFP in a field context is a considerable advantage.
• Experience setting up new teams or projects from the ground up.
• Understanding of innovation project life cycle – from ideation to implementation.
• Experience working in a large‑scale organization or in partnership with a large‑scale organisation.
• Proven track record of driving projects and delivering impactful outcomes in fast‑moving environments.
• Experience organising events, workshops and other convenings, both virtually and in person.
• Ability to generate new and original solutions to complex problems and design new product ideas.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to write strategy documents, develop business plans and present confidently.
• Collaborative spirit, able to partner with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures.
• Self‑motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy.
• Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of the UN World Food Programme.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory.
• Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is a plus.

Terms and Conditions

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

EEO and Diversity Statement

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV / AIDS status.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the United Nations system oversight bodies during their service or within three years after ceasing that service.

Fighting Hunger Worldwide