Government Liaison Advisor - Baghdad 2021

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

In 2020, WFP assisted 898,000 people in Iraq. Through providing food for vulnerable people, skills to build futures and enhanced social protection, WFP is helping the Iraqi government build people’s resilience and food security.For more information, see wfp.org/countries/iraq and ar.wfp.org/countries/iraq

JOB PURPOSE

Support WFP’s effective positioning with Government of Iraq stakeholders and other external partners to attract policy support, resources, technical assistance and innovative solutions to advance the work of WFP while supporting member states in the achievement of the SDGs and Zero Hunger and projecting WFP’s contributions in this regard.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis the national government and international institutions, based on solid socio-political understanding, to influence the policy agenda in support of the SDGs, Zero Hunger and WFP’s role therein. Drive the positioning of WFP with Government and other national partners on WFP’s corporate value proposition in specific thematic areas and country/regional contexts, using tailored content and language that speaks to individual partner audiences and aligns with on-going policy dialogue in national and global fora.
• Represent WFP and attend meetings with the Government and other public entities, NGOs, sharing information, and supporting joint information programmes to increase WFP’s profile, and protect its interests.
• Help facilitate so that WFP Iraq maintain effective relationships with the host government and other partners, to keep them informed on important, strategic operational WFP issues. Provide information to these actors on strategy, design, relevance, and impact of programmes, organizing and planning meetings with them to advocate the work of WFP.
• Facilitate complex negotiations on strategic partnership agreements with public sector and external partners in line with WFP’s corporate norms, processes, and external regulations, in order to reach advantageous outcomes for WFP, such as more flexibility and predictability in funding WFP programmes.
• Enable partnership growth by identifying opportunities to expand existing partnerships, deepen collaboration and joint advocacy on common priorities and scoping new partners, guided by assessments, analysis, and due diligence, and ensure follow-up.

• Support corporate dialogue with partners, proactively highlight strategic opportunities and issues to senior management and present recommendations on best course of action to nurture trust and interest in the work of WFP.

• Identify capacity gaps and help develop capacity building of key government counterparts/line-ministries and partners as required. Ensure provision of support and facilitation in liaison and coordination with WFP Iraq Country Office management and External Relations Unit to clear and sign LoUs/MoUs between WFP and Government authorities

• Gather inputs from WFP that contribute to inter-governmental/inter-agency work, to ensure that WFP positions are properly explained and considered in decision making.
• Working closely with the concerned government authorities facilitate access for WFP operations, including clearance for the transported goods, staff/contractor’s movement, etc. in operation.
• Review MoUs/LoUs for government counterparts, negotiate with government authorities within WFP principles, share with the management an advice on legal issues and how to link it with the basic agreement. Facilitate credential papers for WFP CD.
• Coordinate with government authorities and provide support in planning and organizing high profile missions and hold meetings with high-level government officials (Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers/Vice Ministers and Governors etc.)
• Keep WFP Country Office management informed on political developments in Iraq.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Languages: Full proficiency (C level) in Arabic and English, ability to read/work in Kurdish an asset.
• Experience:At least 15 years relevant work experience in a related field, preferably in a similar role in an international organisation or UN agency, or in a Government department.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of governance and administrative structures of the Government of Iraq;
• Familiarity with the work of UN in Iraq;
• Knowledge of the general and specialized conventions and basic agreements defining the relationship between the UN and the Government of Iraq;
• Excellent communication, diplomatic and negotiation skills;
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality;

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title:Government Liaison Advisor - Baghdad

Contract duration: Part-tine contract for 11 months, renewable

Duty Station/travel: Baghdad with travel inside Iraq and occasionally abroad

Grade & Salary: Remuneration will take into account experience and current earnings

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

24 April 2021

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Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply