Partnerships Officer CST I (Lilongwe)

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).

BACKGROUND:
In Malawi Country Office (CO), the Partnerships, Reports and Communications (PRC) unit plays a central role in delivering on WFP Malawi’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2024–2028. The CSP positions WFP to address urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening national systems for long-term resilience, food security, and social protection. The unit provides leadership and expertise to WFP’s positioning, partnering and resourcing efforts to continue Saving Lives and Changing Lives. 
The PRC unit leads WFP’s positioning and engagement with donors, host governments, multilateral institutions, the UN system, the private sector, academia, and the media. It ensures timely and compelling reporting to donors, drives public advocacy efforts, and develops strategies to influence and expand strategic partnerships. To succeed, the Country Office must maintain a strong and diversified resource base, forge strategic partnerships, and shape public and policy narratives that reinforce the value of WFP’s work.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships, Reports and Communication, the Partnerships Consultant will support CO’s strategic engagement with media, traditional and non-traditional donors, UN agencies, private partners, Regional Bureau, Headquarters among other.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Guided by the current CSP, WFP will intensify its resource mobilization and external communication efforts with the overarching goal of expanding the donor base and improving visibility of this unfolding crisis. This requires significant staff dedication to explore, nurture and grow new partnerships while also ensuring that high-quality external communication products are produced to position Malawi at national, regional and global level. WFP Malawi is seeking a qualified consultant to support the emergency response and create an enabling environment for fundraising and to raise the profile of Malawi.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities

Partnerships development and advocacy

• Identify and prospect high value partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams to identify target partners to support the emergency
• Negotiate new partnerships through the creation of compelling value propositions, key messages, presentations and briefings.
• Advance WFP’s value proposition in specific thematic areas, (particularly for the recovery phase of the cyclone) and create tailored content and language that speak to partner audiences.
• Explore IFIs and private sector engagement opportunities, including identification, development and maintenance of partnerships for increased collaboration and specific fundraising efforts.

• Contribute to the facilitation of high-level public events and donor missions to enhance the visibility of the crisis and influence existing and prospective partners. 

• Create and establish new knowledge management systems to ensure fluid and efficient processes (which involves the Country Office, Regional Bureau and Headquarters).

Strategic Communication  

• Design a production plan to deliver creative audiovisual content that make it easy for audiences to understand data, narratives, and proof points, working in anticipation and delivering quick turnaround solutions for last-minute requests. 
• Use existing high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage beyond emergency support to medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and resilience.
• Collaborate with different technical unit focal points to build new 'products' (infographics, video explainers, etc.) which can be used a sales pitch and unlock fundraising opportunities.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Malawi gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Serve as editor and reviewer of stories, media messages, news releases, fact sheets and operational briefs. Pitch stories to outlets and expand the network of regional and international media contacts.
• Provide strategic advice and give support to CO team to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support for CO team.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Partnerships development and advocacy

• Identify and prospect high value partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams to identify target partners to support the emergency.
• Negotiate new partnerships through the creation of compelling value propositions, key messages, presentations and briefings.
• Advance WFP’s value proposition in specific thematic areas and create tailored content and language that speak to partner audiences.
• Contribute to the facilitation of high-level public events and donor missions to enhance the visibility of the crisis and influence existing and prospective partners.
• Create and establish new knowledge management systems to ensure fluid and efficient processes (which involves the Country Office, Regional Bureau and Headquarters).

Strategic Communication 

• Collect, produce and disseminate multimedia materials, including photos, videos and written content relating to El Nino.
• Design a production plan to deliver creative audiovisual content that makes it easy for audiences to understand data, narratives, and proof points, working in anticipation and delivering quick turnaround solutions for last-minute requests.
• Use existing high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage beyond emergency support to medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and resilience.
• Collaborate with different technical unit focal points to build new 'products' (infographics, video explainers, etc.) which can be used a sales pitch and unlock fundraising opportunities.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Malawi gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Pitch stories to outlets and expand the network of regional and international media contacts.
• Provide strategic advice and give support to CO team to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support for CO team.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• First University degree in Arts, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, or other relevant fields.

Experience:

• At least five years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience, including specialized knowledge and experience required to design and drive strategic partnerships and design communication and branding campaigns.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Experience in partnerships management and communications.
• Ability to translate understanding of programme principles into relevant, effective, and context specific approaches.
• Ability to explain complex operations to counterparts and to communicate with Government and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Good interpersonal skills, teamwork spirit and ability to work in multicultural settings.

Languages:

• International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language, Proficiency in another UN language an asset.

Contract Duration: 6 months (with possible extension)

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.