Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

Job Title: Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

• Type of Contract: International Consultancy
• Division: Global Partner Countries – Thematic Team
• Duty Station: Rome HQ, Italy – some travel involved
• Duration: 5 months – with potential 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. Its mission is to help achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. WFP works globally to ensure no child goes to bed hungry and that the most vulnerable, especially women and children, access nutritious food.

The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports organization-wide efforts to meet resource needs through engagement with governments and public sector institutions. The Thematic Team, created in 2021, aims to advance WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolios through strategic fundraising, requiring a different approach than humanitarian fundraising.

Organizational Context

WFP seeks to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection, based at Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Job Purpose

WFP relies on voluntary contributions to fund its projects. Building relationships with public sector partners is crucial for supporting projects that impact millions worldwide. Fundraising for social protection from development partners is increasingly important following WFP’s Strategic Plan, requiring targeted strategies and expertise in social protection financing.

Responsibilities

1. Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan on social protection, fostering partnerships aligned with WFP’s strategic objectives, including organizing thematic discussions, events, and publications.
2. Develop and position WFP’s value proposition in social protection, creating tailored donor engagement materials and supporting policy dialogue at national and global levels.
3. Guide and support regional and country offices on partnership strategies, proposal writing, and best practices, updating social protection portfolios and funding needs.
4. Maintain up-to-date donor intelligence and promote organizational use of key information systems.
5. Coordinate the Social Protection Trust Fund, managing donor relations and reporting.
6. Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio, identifying opportunities for growth and collaboration, and conducting assessments and due diligence.
7. Support corporate dialogue with partners, highlighting strategic opportunities and issues, and providing recommendations through briefs and presentations.
8. Assist in designing partnership proposals, negotiations, and agreements, ensuring partner visibility and compliance.
9. Support positioning of the social protection portfolio with national governments and international institutions, sharing insights and advising on donor engagement.
10. Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience

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

Experience: Minimum of 8 years in partnership roles, with expertise in social protection policy, financing, programming, and partnership development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in social protection policy, financing, and programming.
• Understanding of government and corporate strategies, public policy, and influence levels.
• Experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships and organizing advocacy events.
• Proven ability to build long-term relationships and expand engagement across sectors and geographies.
• Resource mobilization, negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Data-driven decision making and external communication skills.
• Experience with system improvements and partner intelligence platforms.

Languages

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

Terms and Conditions

WFP offers a competitive package, with details available on the website. All employment decisions are merit-based. WFP is committed to an inclusive, harassment-free workplace. Candidates will undergo background checks. Certain UN bodies’ members are ineligible for employment during or within three years of service.

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