Consultant

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 United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education :

Advanced university degree in development studies, international relations, public administration, business administration, economics, social sciences, international law, or related field.

Knowledge and Skills :

A minimum of five years of professional experience, including relevant work experience in the United Nations system, other international organizations, NGOs, or with donor governments, focusing on humanitarian and / or development issues. Experience providing support and oversight at an executive level in international organizations or national governments is considered a strong asset. Experience with high-level engagement on international political, humanitarian or development matters is considered an asset. Field experience in humanitarian and development contexts as well as donor capital experience is also considered an asset.

Language :

Proficiency / level C of English (requirement) and other United Nations language(s) desired.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The position is in the Office of the Chief of Staff (CoS). The Office provides strategic guidance to the Executive Director and works closely with the Leadership Group and the regional directors to steer the direction of the organization and ensure optimal performance throughout.

JOB PURPOSE

In order to deliver on its mandate, it is essential that WFP maintains its operational aptitude and implements changes as required by the changing contexts, and the Office of the Chief of Staff plays a key role in supporting senior management.There is a need to strengthen the Front Office setup to ensure strong communication, optimize processes, increase collaboration with other offices, and organizational units overseen by the Chief of Staff and the Executive Director.The Special Assistant / Programme Policy Officer is part of the CoS Front Office Team, reports directly to the Director of the Office of the Executive Director and Office of the Chief of Staff, and works closely with other offices including the front office teams. The focus of the position is to directly support the Chief of Staff and the Director, , advising on matters of strategic importance and assist with the smooth operation of the office.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Provide advice and guidance as appropriate to the Chief of Staff and the Director,
• Coordinate the drafting and clearance of various strategic documents of corporate relevance on behalf of the Director. When appropriate, take the lead in drafting documents including talking points, briefing notes, analysis or background papers.
• Keep the Chief of Staff and the Director informed on matters requiring attention and ensure appropriate follow-up as directed; identify possible problems, overlaps, or disconnects, and propose options for resolving them.
• Conduct research, review and situation analysis of key documents relevant to the office. Analyze and engage in the various emerging concepts / systems / policies related to strategic corporate priorities, coordinate / consolidate feedback as appropriate.
• Liaise with other relevant actors in country offices, regional bureaux and across headquarters on a regular basis with regards to follow up on issues, priorities and decisions concerning management.
• Assist the Chief of Staff and the Director, in the daily operations to achieve the objectives of the office. Ensure smooth and effective operation of the Front Office through planning, coordination, and supervision of daily activities and tasks.
• Foster teamwork and communications among the staff of the Front Office team, coach and motivate colleagues as needed to ensure individual and team objectives are met.
• Act as the focal point for coordinating meetings / retreats and for follow-up actions.
• Undertake special assignments and lead initiatives of strategic importance as requested by the Chief of Staff and the Director,
• Ensure that confidentiality on all subject matters is maintained as required.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as and when required.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Strong planning, prioritization, coordination, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity, and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to provide information, tools, resources to support work achievement.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of WFP operations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent drafting skills with the ability to edit and clear reports, speeches, and correspondences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a highly pressure environment.
• Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality, and accountability.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE