Learning & Development Specialist CST II

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need. 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. 

The Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO) HR team is part of the Human Resources Division in Global Headquarters. It supports 14 offices (13 country offices and the regional office), with the delivery of professional, client-focused HR services, partnering with managers to implement HR and Talent Management solutions, aligned to WFP corporate priorities.  

In 2025 Global Headquarters underwent a Change Initiative, and in 2026 the organization continues to navigate an unprecedented financial and political context. In response, WFP has reviewed its global footprint and is focusing on doing better with less, through clear prioritization and increased strategic focus. HR plays a key role in supporting and implementing these changes with professionalism, care, and empathy. The Learning and Development Consultant will contribute these efforts as part of the HRM team for LACRO, under the leadership and overall guidance of the Senior Regional HR Business Partner for Latin America and the Caribbean.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Capacity Development, Career Management and Transition Programmes

• Design, implement and monitor regional capacity development, career management and transition programmes, to strengthen people management capabilities and preparing the workforce for current and future organizational needs.

• Ensure alignment of programmes with organizational strategy, corporate frameworks and talent priorities.

• Provide technical guidance and support to employees and managers on career development, mobility, and transition processes.

2. Strategic Coaching

• Lead the implementation of the Regional Coaching Initiative, including delivery of the “Coaching as a Manager” programme.

• Coordinate the Regional Coaching Programme, ensuring quality, methodological consistency, and alignment with leadership and performance objectives.

• Promote and reinforce a coaching culture that supports strategic leadership, accountability, and people development.

• Provide individual and team coaching to managers and teams, applying structured approaches and recognized coaching methodologies.

• Support change processes, performance enhancement, and the development of high‑performing teams.

• Ensure coaching interventions are aligned with strategic objectives, organizational dynamics, and operational priorities.

3. Learning Needs Assessments (LNAs)

• Plan and conduct Learning Needs Assessments (LNAs) across Country Offices across the region, upon request, using the WFP corporate LNA methodology.

• Identify current and future capability gaps, integrating organizational, operational and talent perspectives.

• Present findings and actionable recommendations to relevant stakeholders.

• Develop comprehensive learning and development action plans based on LNA findings, with clear prioritization and strategic focus.

• Ensure alignment of L&D plans with organizational objectives, competency frameworks, and Strategic Workforce Planning recommendations.

• Define monitoring indicators to track progress and assess the impact of development interventions.

4. Strategic L&D Initiatives and Regional Coordination

• Lead the design, coordination and implementation of innovative initiatives to strengthen a regional culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, collaboration, inclusion and employee engagement, contributing to enhanced performance across the region.

• Coordinate regional participation in corporate learning and development offerings, ensuring coherence, visibility and effective uptake.

5. Other Duties

• Perform other duties related to learning, development, coaching, and career management, as required and in line with regional and organizational priorities.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Regional capacity development, career management and coaching portfolio designed and delivered, aligned with organizational strategy, with defined objectives, standards and monitoring indicators.

• Strategic coaching initiatives operationalized, including coordination of the Regional Coaching Programme and delivery of “Coaching as a Manager,” with documented outcomes and quality assurance.

• Strategic Learning Needs Assessments conducted and translated into prioritized L&D action plans, providing actionable recommendations to Country Offices and regional stakeholders.

• Regional L&D initiatives coordinated and implemented, ensuring coherence with corporate offerings, knowledge sharing and measurable staff development impact.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced university degree in Human Resource Management, Public or Business Administration, Industrial Psychology or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience or trainings/courses.

Experience:

·        Five to ten years of postgraduate professional experience in Human Resources with an

interest in international humanitarian development and a focus on learning and development.

·        Solid professional experience in Learning and Development at organizational or regional level.

·        Certified Coach with experience in providing individual and team coaching, preferably within a medium to large organization.

·        Prior experience in conducting LNAs and developing learning and development action plans, particularly with the WFP methodology, or comparable corporate frameworks.

·        Experience contributing to the design and implementation of leadership development frameworks and programs.

·        Experience coordinating and implementing change initiatives, such as coaching programs, job swapping, and job shadowing initiatives.

·        Experience in project coordination or management, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and support larger initiatives.

Knowledge & Skills:

·        Sound knowledge of HR best practices, techniques and processes, supported by a solid theoretical foundation.

·        Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, under limited supervision, and to exercise sound professional judgment.

·        Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative data and develop evidence‑based recommendations.

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.

·        Well‑rounded interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

·        Experience working in multicultural environments, with sensitivity to regional contexts and organizational dynamics.

. Knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate, UN/WFP‑specific policies, processes and systems.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Spanish.

French is an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Number of openings: 1

Based in: Panama City, Panama

Type of Contract: Consultant

Level: CST II

Duration: Until December 31, 2026. Any further extension will depend on the availability of 2027 funds.