Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

Sabiagrik; Udine; In loco; EUR 90.000 - 110.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading humanitarian agency is looking for a Government Partnerships Consultant to enhance social protection efforts globally. This role is integral to forming and managing partnerships with government donors, focusing on strategic fundraising initiatives. Qualified candidates will have advanced degrees and substantial experience in social protection policy.

Competenze

• Minimum of eight years in partnership roles involving social protection policy.
• Expertise in social protection financing and programming.
• Fluency in English (Level C); knowledge of Spanish, French, or Arabic is an asset.

Mansioni

• Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan.
• Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio proactively.
• Assist in coordinating the Social Protection Trust Fund.

Conoscenze

Social Protection Policy

Resource Mobilization

Negotiation

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Formazione

Advanced University degree in International Development

Economics, International Relations, Social Protection

Descrizione del lavoro

Job Title: Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

Type of Contract: International Consultancy

Division: Global Partner Countries – Thematic Team

Duty Station (City, Country): Rome HQ, Italy – would involve some travel

Duration: 5 months – with possibility for extension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT :

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.

The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports organization-wide efforts to meet resource needs at corporate and country levels through active engagement with governments and public sector institutions. Within GPC, the Thematic Team was created in 2021 to advance WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolio through more systematic and strategic fundraising for thematic and development activities, which requires a different approach than fundraising for WFP’s humanitarian work.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

WFP is seeking to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection, based in the Global Partner Countries Division at Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

JOB PURPOSE

WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions to finance its projects. Relationships with fundraising partners from the public sector are pivotal in supporting WFP projects that save and change the lives of millions of people around the globe.

Fundraising for the thematic agenda from development partners is gaining increasing momentum following the approval of WFP’s Strategic Plan. Such fundraising requires a distinct targeted and cross-departmental strategy that demands specific knowledge and skills – particularly in the area of social protection financing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan on social protection to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships supporting WFP’s strategic objectives. This includes identifying a common agenda between WFP and Government Donors on social protection and organizing joint actions such as thematic discussions, events, and publications.
2. Drive the positioning with partners on WFP’s value proposition in social protection, develop donor engagement materials tailored to individual partner audiences, and support policy dialogue in national and global fora. Manage internal coordination for coherent partner engagement.
3. Guide units, Regional Bureaux, and Country Offices on partnership strategies for social protection, offering support in proposal writing, partnership management, and best practices. Update social protection programming portfolios and funding needs.
4. Maintain up-to-date donor intelligence on social protection and promote the use of key information systems within WFP.
5. Assist in coordinating the Social Protection Trust Fund, ensuring donor relations and reporting are managed effectively.
6. Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio proactively, including partner profiling, data analysis, and outreach planning to maximize resource mobilization and partnership growth.
7. Support corporate dialogue with partners through high-level consultations, highlighting strategic opportunities and issues, and providing recommendations to senior management.
8. Contribute to the design of complex partnership proposals, negotiate agreements or MOUs, and ensure partner visibility and compliance with conditions.
9. In countries with WFP presence, support positioning of the social protection portfolio vis-à-vis governments and international institutions, sharing insights on donor interests and engagement strategies.
10. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Advanced University degree in International Development, Economics, International Relations, Social Protection, or related fields.

Experience: Minimum of eight years in partnership roles involving social protection policy, financing, programming, and multistakeholder engagement.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Expertise in social protection policy, financing, and programming.
• Understanding of government and corporate strategies, public policy, and influence levels.
• Experience in developing partnerships, organizing advocacy events, and expanding engagement across sectors and geographies.
• Proven ability in resource mobilization, negotiation, data-driven decision-making, and external messaging.
• Experience in system improvements and partner intelligence platforms.

Languages

Fluency in English (Level C). Knowledge of Spanish, French, or Arabic is a strong asset.

Terms and Conditions

WFP offers a competitive compensation package based on the contract type and candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Visit “Our work” and “Countries” on WFP’s website for more information about WFP’s operations.

Ref. : VA No.832956

All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to an inclusive work environment and conducts background checks on all candidates.

Note: No appointment will be made to members of UN oversight bodies within three years of service.