Partnership Officer (Partnerships and Government Liaison), SC9, Juba, South Sudan

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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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.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE:    Partnership Officer (Partnerships and Government Liaison), SC9
TYPE OF CONTRACT:    Service Contract
UNIT/DIVISION:    Partnerships and Communications
DUTY STATION (City, Country):    Juba, South Sudan
DURATION:    12 Months   
 

JOB PURPOSE:  
In the context of shrinking humanitarian funding, complex emergencies, and a heightened need for sustainable development investment, WFP South Sudan requires a cohesive strategy to deepen partnerships with both external donors and national government entities. This role will strengthen WFP’s positioning with public and private sector actors, as well as government stakeholders, to attract policy support, technical assistance, and resources that advance the Country Strategic Plan. The candidate will work across donor relations, government liaison, and strategic engagement to support WFP’s operations, including crisis response, nutrition, resilience, and logistics (UNHAS and Logistics Cluster). The role also includes positioning the Country Office to respond to regional challenges, including the impact of the Sudan crisis.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Support the implementation of the WFP South Sudan Partnerships Action Plan, including stakeholder mapping, engagement planning, and pipeline tracking.
•    Engage proactively with key donors, including traditional and non-traditional partners such as the United States, to strengthen strategic relationships and funding prospects.
•    Organize regular bilateral meetings with donors to discuss joint initiatives and co-funding opportunities.
•    Draft high-quality funding proposals and donor reports aligned with the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) and emerging priorities, including climate financing and social protection.
•    Develop tailored content (briefs, factsheets, decks, talking points) for donor engagement, and participate in donor meetings, consultations, and field visits.
•    Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through proactive outreach, research, and alignment with donors’ strategic priorities.
•    Develop a dedicated engagement plan for key ministries, particularly the Ministry of Finance, to facilitate access to International Financial Institution (IFI) funding and explore debt swap opportunities.
•    Facilitate WFP’s engagement with national and sub-national government entities, ensuring alignment with national policies and plans.
•    Support negotiations and formalization of partnership agreements (e.g., MoUs, LoUs) with government counterparts, ensuring compliance with WFP and host government frameworks.
•    Represent WFP in meetings with government authorities, UN agencies, and other key partners to raise awareness, advocate for support, and reinforce WFP’s mandate and value proposition.
•    Provide strategic advice to senior WFP leadership on political and policy developments in South Sudan that may impact operations.

•    Coordinate and support high-level missions, including planning and protocol arrangements for engagements with senior government officials.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

Education:  

 •    Advanced University Degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Public Administration, or related field OR A first-level university degree with additional relevant professional experience.
Experience: 

•   At least 3 years of relevant experience with master’s degree or at least 5 years with of progressively professional experience in donor relations, partnership building, government liaison, or external relations within a humanitarian or development organization.
•    Experience working with government institutions and understanding of national administrative and political structures in fragile contexts.
•    Previous experience with the UN system or humanitarian agencies is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills:  

 •    Knowledge of governance and administrative structures of the Government of South Sudan
•    Strong communication, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
•    Proven ability to draft proposals, donor reports, and strategic briefing materials.
•    Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Grant 360) and internal coordination platforms.
•    Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
•    Understanding of South Sudan’s humanitarian and development context preferred.
Languages:

   •    Fluency in English is required.
•    Working knowledge of local languages or Arabic is an asset.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

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Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

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.