Partnerships Officer- Yerevan, Armenia (& potentially other locations in Middle East & North Africa)

The UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization working towards zero hunger by 2030, 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. Powered by the passion, dedication and professionalism of our 20,000 staff worldwide, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) works in over 80 countries to bring life-saving food to people displaced by conflict and made destitute by disasters, and help individuals and communities find life-changing solutions to the multiple challenges they face in building better futures. In 2020, WFP assisted 115.5 million people – the largest number since 2012. On any given day, WFP has 5,600 trucks, 30 ships and nearly 100 planes on the move, delivering food and other assistance to those in most need. Every year, we distribute more than 15 billion rations at an estimated average cost per ration of US$ 0.61.

We work to enhance nutrition in women and children, support smallholder farmers in improving productivity and reducing losses, help countries and communities prepare for and cope with climate-related shocks, and boost human capital through school feeding programmes. In conflict situations, we bring relief to exhausted populations and use food assistance to build pathways to peace and stability. For its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

This Vacancy Announcement seeks to identify Partnerships Officer for Armenia Country Office, and as a Roster potentially for other locations within the RBC region (Regional Bureau for Middle East and Northern Africa) . This consultancy assignment is critical to support successful implementation of the WFP Armenia Country Strategic Plan (2019-2024). Under the leadership and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Consultant will support WFP Armenia in the management and development of new and existing partnerships with public, private, national and international stakeholders - including the Government of Armenia, traditional and emerging donors, the Private Sector, UN agencies - and ensure maximum advocacy of the work of WFP in the country.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead the implementation of a work plan for an assigned area to enable WFP to identify, develop, diversify and strengthen quality partnerships in support of WFP operations in the country. This includes development of strategic partnerships with development agencies, international financial institutions, the private sector, and diaspora actors.
2. Proactively support a wide range of aspects of a partnerships portfolio, including partner profiling, data/trends analysis and outreach plan, to maximize resources and leverage policy and technical support for WFP’s work.
3. Ensure partner visibility and relevant conditions are met.
4. Facilitate Country Director’s dialogue with partners through preparation of quality briefing materials in support of outreach opportunities.
5. Maintain awareness of current affairs and donor policies and conduct analysis to understand how they may impact WFP activities and programmes in the country.
6. Proactively highlight strategic issues and propose options for the best course of action to nurture trust and partnership growth.
7. Contribute to the preparation of partnership proposals and relevant agreements / MOU, taking into account corporate norms, processes and external regulation. Ensure quality control of content by engaging with relevant functional units, Regional Bureau and Headquarters.
8. Provide inputs to partnerships strategies, including the development and regular update of Partnership Action Plan.
9. Gather socio-political insights to support WFP’s effective positioning vis-à-vis national governments and relevant institutions with the aim to influence the policy agenda.
10. Solicit inputs from other WFP entities that contribute to inter-governmental and/or inter-agency work to ensure that WFP positions are properly explained and taken into account in decision making.
11. Manage staff, providing coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance
12. Other as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, Marketing Communications or another relevant field, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training courses.

Experience: At least three years (for level I) or five years (for level II) of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in international development, donor aid programmes or other related fields; previous experience with fundraising, negotiations, public relations/advocacy and work experience within the private sector are an asset.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language an asset.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

1. Has a good understanding of government and corporate strategies and priorities and gained experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.
2. Has gained significance experience in exploring new opportunities and providing inputs to design and develop solutions with prospective partners.
3. Has developed long-term partner relationships and expanded engagements across geographies and sector.
4. Has designed and managed all resource mobilization processes and resource strategies, negotiated contract terms and provided resourcing advice to seniors.
5. Has used understanding of partner’s focus areas and knowledge of internal capabilities to create a Unique Value Proposition for the partners.
6. Has gained experience in using technology and digital tools for data collection, analysis and shared data-based insights to add value to all partnerships.
7. Has provided input into training and support strategy for technical systems users and provided advanced technical support.
8. Has experience in managing a team.
9. Has motivated team spirit and contributed to a gender-balanced, inclusive and sound working environment.
10. Minimum three (for level I) or five or more years (for level II) of relevant professional work experience in partnership roles.

Terms and Conditions

• This vacancy announcement has 1 confirmed vacancy for Yerevan, Armenia potentially for 11 months duration. Candidates are expected to relocate to duty station, upon securing work visa.
• Besides the above, we are also building a Roster for multiple upcoming potential positions that are not tied to any currently open position or any specific duty stations. Candidates for Roster can express their interest for future upcoming short or mid-term (1 month to 11 months) Consultant opportunities in any of the WFP RBC countries. WFP RBC provides strategic guidance, policy/technical support and direction to WFP operations and activities in Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, State of Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen and UAE.
• All applications received will be reviewed and go through a selection process to asses relevant experience and qualifications. Applicants who meet the selection criteria may be contacted for further interviews or assessments and to confirm their interest and availability.
• WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP. http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

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

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.