WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles.

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

We greatly appreciate your interest in WFP and joining our mission to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030

Saving Lives, Changing Lives!

JOB TITLE:

Junior Project and Events Coordinator

UNIT/DIVISION:

Private Partnerships and Fundraising (PPF)

DUTY STATION:

Rome HQ

CONTRACT TYPE:

Short-Term, Regular Consultant

DURATION:

11 months

LINE MANAGER/SUPERVISOR:

Head of Operational Excellence

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency working to create a world with zero hunger. WFP and its partners believe that no child should go to bed hungry and that individual and collective wellbeing can only be achieved if all children, women, and men get the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, dignify ed lives. Each year, WFP assists 90 million people in 83 countries. Every day, some 5,600 WFP-chartered trucks are on the road, 92 planes are in the air and 20 ships are at sea. These numbers speak to WFP’s unparalleled reputation as an emergency responder, one that is often the first on the scene in the most difficult environments. WFP also works with partners to strengthen the resilience of communities most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition through long-term development programmes aimed at boosting food security, local economies, education, employment, and gender equality. While hunger and malnutrition are the world’s largest solvable issues, the needs are still immense and growing. 821 million people in the world suffer from chronic hunger.

The Private Partnerships & Fundraising Division (PPF) is responsible for working with the private sector to achieve greater impact in WFP’s work. PPF has embarked on an exceptionally ambitious new strategy to raise an additional one billion dollars for hungry or malnourished people in the next five years and to expand the contribution to WFP from the business sector through effective and sustainable long-term partnerships as well as from private individual supporters around the world. This includes securing new high impact technical partnerships, signing significant new corporate deals, and growing existing relationships as well as building a base of one million individual supporters.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment as mandated by the new Executive Director (ED), is driven by PPF need to leverage her networks, position, and brand to engage with key private sector partners, including corporates, foundations, individuals, and philanthropists. The Project and Events Coordinator will work closely with the PPF teams to shape and facilitate the implementation of a detailed and proactive engagement leadership plan in 2023 and 2024. The plan will identify key moments such as COP28, UNGA, Davos, and other significant events to position WFP and the ED towards private sector partners.

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the engagement plan is executed effectively, and that specific events and opportunities are identified and leveraged to maximize engagement and partnership with private sector partners. The ultimate goal is to position WFP as a strategic partner for private sector organizations, and to secure sustainable funding and support for our mission to end hunger and build a better world.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

In close collaboration with the Operational Excellence Team Lead, the Project and Events Coordinator will be responsible for the following:

• Organize/create/summarize a mapping of events, networks, and participants of key moments for the Senior Leadership of the Organization and the Director or the Deputy Director to attend accordingly based on the level of participation.
• Serve as project manager of multiple activities, scope out project tasks/team assignments and guide team to create work plans and schedules, monitor progress, and meet milestones.
• In the planning phase of the event, create a schedule for the development of deliverables to be shared within the division.
• Operate as account manager on deliverables, program metrics, and status reports.
• Act as department representative at cross-departmental project meetings.
• Ensure consistent communication with key stakeholders both internal to the division and external to ensure feedback is shared in a timely manner, team members understand their individual tasks and the necessary tools are available for an effective collaboration.
• Ensure timely facilitation of the preparation of briefing materials for different moments, such as bilateral meetings, events, field visits, etc.
• Facilitate the work of teams and working of front office to engage with the Office of the Executive Director and to find solutions when problems and issues arise. The Project & Events Coordinator must have a solutions-focused approach and be prepared use their initiative to act when needed and escalate when appropriate.
• Organize and collect feedback from stakeholders to identify ways in which processes may be improved and compile lessons learned document to be shared and implemented going forward.
• Lead the division in implementing an agile approach and increasing the use of software for project planning and execution (e.g. Asana, Salesforce).
• Gain complete familiarity with all documents related to the project, including the Project Plan, governance structures, deliverables, and ways of working.
• Based on performance and delivery, reprofile the project plan as needed to reflect accurate milestones and timings.
• Take meeting minutes and assist with meeting facilitation when needed.
• Manage files, documents and assets creating a secure repository for internal use.
• Facilitate communication within the team by overseeing the organization of regular calls and establish innovative communication channels.
• Other responsibilities as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

Subject to the candidate’s specific experience and current corporate priorities, the Jr Project and Events Coordinator will be responsible for the full delivery of project including:

1. Organize a comprehensive high level engagement calendar for the year 2024 that includes all necessary activities to effectively engage with key stakeholders in the community and provide regular updates as needed.
2. Develop a detailed timeline for the Roundtable of Climate and Resilience Food Systems to ensure that all deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
3. Coordinate with key partners to ensure that the roundtable event is organized smoothly, with all logistical requirements taken care of, and that all participants are fully engaged and informed.
4. Develop a detailed timeline and action plan for the COP28 event that aligns with the division's objectives and priorities.
5. Develop an engagement plan for the World Economic Forum Annual Planning Meeting.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

Completed high school education, a university degree in Political Science, International Management, International Relations is a plus.

Work history

At least 1.5 years of progressively responsible national and international experience within a UN agency. Experience in strategy/ project management role is essential, including program and event planning, programming and promotion.

Technical Skills

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office applications: proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Technically savvy with ability to perform SharePoint development.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management, research & analytical skills.

Soft skills

• Highly organized with exceptional planning skills to deliver on commitments.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically.
• Excellent communicator with ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across different cultures, disciplines, and time zones.
• Motivated and friendly team player with the ability to contribute to a gender-balanced, inclusive, and sound working environment.
• Outstanding organizational skills, able to work to tight and multiple deadlines and prioritize workload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with all levels of management and staff.

Language(s)

• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of another official UN language is a plus (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

Deadline for application: 13 October 2023 23:59 H CET