Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management

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.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking an Assistant Executive Director (United Nations Assistant Secretary-General level) who will be a member of WFP’s Senior Leadership Group. It is expected that the incumbent would have overarching responsibility and play a vital role in steering the diverse operational facets of Management Services, Security, Human Resources, and the promotion of Wellness within the organization. The AED would ensure the harmonious and efficient integration of these functions, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and well-being. The AED Workplace and Management would uphold WFP’s position as a trusted partner within the UN community and its partners, leading efforts that contribute to the UN Reform agenda, with a focus on empowering managers and staff, simplifying processes, increasing transparency and improving the delivery of our mandate.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of WFP's cohesive senior leadership team work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and COO, Assistant Executive Directors and other senior leaders to develop and implement policies, strategies, and programmes that advance WFP's mission and goals.
• Provide comprehensive strategic direction and guidance across various operational functions within WFP's Workplace and Management Department that align with the WFP’s mandate and goals.
• Offer strategic leadership in integrating management functions across the organization to ensure effective coordination and alignment.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and fosters an environment of respect and collaboration.
• Act as a role model, setting an example of the highest standards of integrity for all staff through personal behaviour.
• Engage and represent WFP in high-level fora (e.g. United Nations, Governments, Executive Board, Humanitarian and Development Communities, etc.), asserting the organization’s position and ensuring that WFP interests are at the forefront of discussions and considerations.
• Lead and foster inter-agency partnerships to enable coordinated and holistic preparedness and response to humanitarian and development needs, ensuring WFP actions complement inter-agency efforts.
• Promote and set the tone for innovation, efficiency and effectiveness.
• Other accountabilities, as required.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• An advanced university degree in Organizational Development, Business Administration, Leadership, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in management, administration or other relevant fields.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong track record of leadership and strategic management at the international level, preferably in humanitarian or development sectors
• Proven experience in successfully managing and leading roles with significant breadth and complexity.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think strategically and analytically.
• High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage complex and challenging situations with empathy and tact.
• Impeccable personal and professional integrity.
• Firm commitment to the work, objectives, values, and guiding principles of WFP and the United Nations system
• Able to provide leadership and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Willingness to travel to different locations worldwide, often in challenging and remote environments.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language.
• Working knowledge of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) highly desirable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract at the Assistant Secretary General level, with a probationary period of one year.
• WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, as well as expatriate entitlements such as home leave, an education grant for dependent children, and compulsory pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org.
• The role is subject to approval of the reorganized structure.

HOW TO APPLY

All applications should include a cover letter and the curriculum vitae of the candidate in English and must be submitted by 27 November, 2023 (11:59pm Rome time)