DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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: Business operations assistant and Events coordinator

UNIT/DIVISION: Private Partnerships Division (PSP)

TEAM: Global Philanthropy

DUTY STATION: Rome HQ

CONTRACT TYPE: CST REG

DURATION: 11 months

WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time

LINE MANAGER/SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, directly assisting 152 million people in 2023. The needs are still immense, and the 2025 SOFI report estimates that  between 638 and 720 million people, corresponding to 7.8 and 8.8 percent of the global population, respectively, faced hunger in 2024. WFP’s mission is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetime. Each year, WFP works globally 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. 

To contribute to a world with Zero Hunger, WFP is investing in and growing private sector partnerships to reach more people. The Private Sector Partnerships Division (PSP) is responsible for engaging the private sector (corporations, individuals, foundations, philanthropy) through high-impact partnerships in support of WFP's strategic priorities, and through individual giving to build and retain support from the general public worldwide. Partnerships can be fundraising or/ and technical in nature, with some bringing purely financial resources to the organization, whereas other bringing in-kind support, in the form of expertise and assets. PSP mobilizes funding, technical assistance, innovative solutions, visibility and awareness to help WFP fulfil its mission and operations. PSP also provides guidance to WFP Regional Bureaus (RBs), Country Offices (COs) and HQ Technical Units on partnership development, best practices, as well as compliance with rules and regulations for engaging with the private sector. Joining PSP is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to co-develop and implement our new private partnerships and fundraising strategy.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

Reporting to the Division Deputy Director overseeing the Global Philanthropy workstream, the Business operations assistant and Events coordinator will provide operational support to ensure professional, fluid and effective follow-up of partnerships and engagements, including agreements, event logistics and meetings. The role will also manage events end-to-end related to WFP ‘s engagement and cultivation of High-Net-Worth Individuals and Family Offices. These will include: bilateral meetings, fire-side chats, intimate gatherings, panels, dinners and high-level multi-stakeholder events. Our ideal candidate is someone proactive, creative, reliable, flexible, and enthusiastic about working within a multicultural environment.
 

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the strategy, planning and logistics of all types of  meetings, travel and events to support implementation of WFP Global Philanthropy strategy.
• Support the Global Philanthropy team to coordinate across projects including meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication within the team, Regional Bureaux and Global Offices, coordinating meeting schedules, agenda, note-taking, circulation of next steps and taking ownership of follow-up actions.

• Support the division in the coordination of the overall engagement strategy for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and ‘billionaires’, including development of communication materials, presentations, and management of high-level meetings and correspondence on behalf of the project lead and the Director.
• Conduct research, assist the screening of prospects and donors, support on due diligence process, for the development of the global philanthropy pipeline; identify key information such as philanthropic interests and areas of focus, engagement opportunities and peer to peer connections. Coordinate the use of WealthX for the global philanthropy team.
• Prepare internal and external-facing presentations on MS PowerPoint and other applications/tools as needed to support organization of meetings, workshops, events and all-hands sessions.
• Prepare first draft of appeals, take meeting minutes and assist with meeting facilitation when needed.
• Manage files and content in the Global Philanthropy SharePoint page, documents and confidential assets creating a secure repository for internal use.
• Ensure that divisional activities within your remit and oversight follow WFP Rules and Regulations. Other responsibilities as required.

• DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

• Updated events calendar for the year (for Leadership team and PSP Management)
• Updated partner and prospect lists; Salesforce entries; SharePoint folder; and forecasts
• Drafting of reports, research, briefing and presentation materials, including presentations to new staff and to external partners.
• Reliable and timely organization of events, information, communications, confidential assets, and other materials, including consistent supervision of internal processes
• Efficient coordination of divisional activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education

• Completed University degree in Political Sciences, Business Management, International Relations, Intercultural Heritage and Identity, Languages and Cultural Mediation or related disciplines.

Work history

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience working in an administrative role, and/or project management experience is highly desirable.

Technical expertise

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office applications: proficiency in Word and PowerPoint
• Technically savvy with ability to use SharePoint and project management tool.
• 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
• Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language would be a plus (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

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

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

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.