Consultant

Due Diligence Unit, Legal Office

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the winner of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. We are 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.

ROLE AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The consultancy is for a home-based research analyst with the Due Diligence Unit of WFP’s Legal Office. As the Legal Office is based at WFP’s headquarters in Rome, Italy, the consultant may be required to participate in work-related activities during hours compatible with Central European Time. The duration of the home-based consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of 5 months, with potential for extension.

DESCRIPTION & KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Due Diligence Unit was established within the Legal Office to support implementation of WFP’s private sector partnerships and fundraising strategy. As a research analyst in the Due Diligence Unit, the consultant will assist with the following key duties:

• Conduct research on prospective WFP partners and donors, with a focus on core United Nations values and principles concerning human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption, as reflected in the United Nations Global Compact and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
• Identify practices and policies that may pose a reputational risk to WFP, or otherwise appear to compromise the integrity or independence of the organization;
• Prepare and review reports that present research findings in a neutral, accurate and concise manner, including objective analysis of key facts and issues;
• Assist with the management of team workflow and preparation of related reports, as requested;
• Assist with the development and maintenance of reference materials and knowledge management tools, as appropriate;
• Support the preparation of materials relating the work of WFP’s Private Donors and Partnerships Committee;
• Perform other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced university degree or first level university degree with additional years of related work experience;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills;
• Significant experience in conducting open source and database research;
• Mobility is a core value at WFP; while the current position is home-based, availability to travel/ relocate to Rome if required to meet organizational needs is an asset.

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KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong time management skills and ability to work under stringent deadlines;
• Awareness of issues relevant to corporate social responsibility;
• General knowledge of the United Nations system is an asset.

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LANGUAGE:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Intermediate knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable (Arabic/Chinese/French/Spanish/Russian), or Portuguese, which is one of WFP’s working languages.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

Deadline for applications: 7 March 2021.