Regional Advisor for Operational Partnerships NOC

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.

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: Regional Advisor for Operational Partnerships    

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Fixed term NOC

UNIT/DIVISION: Operational Partners Unit- Delivery Assurance HQ

REPORTING TO: OPU Head of Field Support and Digital Assurance

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Cairo, Egypt

DURATION: 12 months

Organizational Context

The technical advisor supports WFP’s programme quality and accountability through technical advisory services, policy translation, and operational field support related to partnership management, assurance systems and capacity strengthening.

The position provides field support to Country Offices across the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia-Pacific Regions (MENAEERO and APARO) and other regions as needed, supporting the application of corporate policies and guidance in diverse operational contexts, including emergency and protracted crisis settings.

The role operates with a high degree of independence within a defined technical area and works in close coordination with regional hubs and Headquarters technical units.

Job Purpose

To provide technical leadership, policy advice and regional field support to Country Offices in MENAEE and Asia-Pacific and other regions as needed, on partnership management, assurance and capacity strengthening, ensuring programmes are compliant with WFP corporate policies, Executive Board decisions and risk management frameworks, while remaining operationally feasible and responsive to field realities.

Key Accountabilities

(Within delegated authority)

1. Policy Translation and Technical Advisory Support

• Interpret, adapt and support the implementation of WFP corporate policies, guidance and normative frameworks related to NGO partnerships, assurance, localization and programme risk management.

• Provide technical advice to Country Offices on moderately complex partnership and programme quality issues, clarifying policy ambiguities and supporting compliant, risk‑informed operational solutions.

• Provide ongoing regional field support to MENAEERO and APARO Country Offices and other regions as needed, including remote and mission-based support, to address partnership, assurance and compliance challenges.

2. Partnership Management and Assurance

• Support Country Offices in the planning and management of operational partnerships, including partner selection, engagement modalities, capacity assessments and oversight arrangements.

• Advise on assurance standards, spot checks, audit follow-up and compliance mechanisms, supporting Country Offices to address audit recommendations and mitigate operational and fiduciary risks.

• Review and provide technical input on partnership-related documentation and submissions to ensure alignment with corporate requirements.

• Provide technical advice to Country Offices on assurance, risk mitigation, and compliance considerations related to government‑implementing partnerships and other non‑NGO delivery modalities, in line with corporate guidance.

3. Capacity Strengthening and Localization Support

• Support the design and implementation of partner capacity strengthening initiatives aligned with WFP’s localization commitments, assurance requirements, and operational priorities.

• Contribute to the development, refinement and dissemination of tools, guidance notes and learning materials related to partnerships, assurance and compliance.

• Promote practical, evidence-based approaches to capacity strengthening that balance accountability requirements with partner realities.

4. Programme Quality, Evidence and Risk-Informed Decision-Making

• Promote the use of evidence, lessons learned and field feedback to inform technical advice, policy application and programme improvement.

• Support Country Offices in adopting risk-informed approaches to partnership and programme management across emergency and non-emergency contexts.

• Contribute to analytical products, briefing notes and internal reports related to programme quality, partnerships and assurance.

5. Coordination and Representation

• Act as a technical focal point for partnership, assurance and capacity strengthening issues for MENAEERO and APARO Country Offices, liaising with Regional hubs and Headquarters units to ensure coherent and consistent advice.

• Participate in regional workshops, webinars and coordination fora related to partnerships, assurance, programme quality and localization.

• Maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and partners as required.

6. Team Support and Knowledge Management

• Provide technical supervision, coaching and quality assurance support to junior staff and consultants within the area of responsibility.

• Contribute to knowledge management by documenting good practices, lessons learned and emerging operational issues.

• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

• Master’s degree in international affairs, business administration, social sciences, development studies, or a related field; or a first university degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant professional experience and/or professional development.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of post-graduate, progressively responsible professional experience in development or humanitarian contexts, including at least two (2) years in international field settings.
• Demonstrated experience integrating operational partnership considerations into programme design, implementation, and oversight across humanitarian–development–peace contexts.
• Demonstrated experience engaging at a strategic level with cross‑functional teams to translate policy into operational practice and to advance organizational priorities and advocacy.
• Proven experience facilitating workshops, delivering training, and supporting capacity strengthening initiatives for country offices and field operations.
• Strong understanding of the social, cultural, and political contexts shaping programme and partnership implementation in the MENAEE and Asia‑Pacific regions.
• Experience providing technical guidance and advisory support to diverse audiences, including country office teams, senior management, and regional technical units.

Desirable:

• Experience in emergency settings.

Skills and knowledge:

• Strong knowledge and practical application of key areas including localization, country capacity strengthening, people‑centred approaches, conflict sensitivity, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).

• Knowledge of risk management, internal control frameworks, and assurance principles, with the ability to support risk‑informed programme and partnership decision‑making.

• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and maintain collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders at all levels.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently, contributing to team environments and providing contextual, demand driven support across units and functions.

• Ability to interact respectfully and productively with individuals from diverse national, cultural, and professional backgrounds, including those with varying levels of experience and seniority.

• Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to set priorities, coordinate tasks, and adapt to evolving assignments and unforeseen challenges.

• Effective communication and negotiation skills.

• Understanding of the United Nations system and the roles of its various agencies in advancing localization and related themes.
• Strong analytical and writing skills in both Arabic and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); knowledge of tools such as Canva or SPSS would be an asset.
• Flexibility to travel frequently and on short notice, as required by the assignment.

Languages:

• Fluent (level C) verbal and written English and Arabic is required.
• Working knowledge of French (level B or above) would be advantageous.

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.