DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
21 July 2026-23:59-GMT+05:00 Tajikistan Time (Dushanbe)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).
WFP currently implements its Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023–2026 in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the same period, pursuing a strategic shift from direct implementation towards strengthening national and subnational capacities to deliver food security and nutrition outcomes. WFP supports achievement of SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and operates across the whole country through a network of field offices in Bokhtar, Gharm, Khorog, and Khujand complementing the country office in Dushanbe.
WFP’s programme portfolio covers emergency preparedness and response, resilience and livelihoods, nutrition, and school meals. Across these areas, WFP is placing greater emphasis on anticipatory action, shock-responsive social protection, evidence generation, and support to national systems for risk-informed planning and response. As WFP Tajikistan transitions to its next CSP for 2027–2030, it is further positioning itself as a technical and operational partner to the Government, with a stronger focus on nationally led solutions and earlier action ahead of crises.
Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Head of External Relations leads the Partnerships and Communications Unit and is responsible for positioning WFP as a trusted partner in support of national development and humanitarian priorities in Tajikistan. The role provides strategic leadership for resource mobilization, donor relations, partnerships, advocacy, media engagement and external communications, ensuring alignment with WFP's country strategic objectives and corporate priorities. The incumbent leads engagement with donors, UN agencies, international financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, secure funding and enhance the visibility of WFP's work and impact.
The Head of External Relations is expected to deliver a high-performing partnerships and communications function that supports programme implementation through effective donor stewardship, quality funding proposals, timely reporting, strategic communications and advocacy initiatives. The incumbent will oversee the development and implementation of partnership, communication and advocacy plans; ensure compliance with donor requirements; strengthen WFP's public profile and media presence; and provide strategic advice to senior management on emerging opportunities, risks and stakeholder engagement. Through effective leadership, coordination and representation, the role contributes to increased resource mobilization, stronger partnerships and enhanced recognition of WFP's contribution to food security and resilience in Tajikistan.
This position is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and reports to the Country Director. The starting monthly salary for this position is 2,630 USD.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
1. Lead the development and implementation of WFP Tajikistan’s partnerships, resource mobilization, external relations, communication and visibility strategies ensuring alignment with WFP’s corporate and country strategic objectives.
2. Identify, cultivate and strengthen strategic relationships with bilateral and multilateral donors, international financial institutions, UN agencies, the private sector, foundations and other stakeholders to expand funding and partnership opportunities.
3. Provide strategic leadership on donor engagement, negotiations and resource mobilization efforts, ensuring sustainable and diversified funding for WFP operations and programmes.
4. Oversee the identification, analysis and tracking of donor priorities, funding trends, partnership opportunities and emerging risks, providing strategic advice to senior management for decision-making.
5. Lead and serve as the principal drafter and coordinator for the development, quality assurance and submission of high-quality concept notes, proposals, donor reports, briefing packages and other external communications in coordination with Programme, VAM, Finance, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation, Field Offices and other Units.
6. Coordinate the preparation of strategic documents, presentations, talking points, speeches, briefing notes and official correspondence for senior management's engagement with donors, and partners.
7. Manage and maintain high-level stakeholder mapping and engagement plans, ensuring effective positioning of WFP’s mandate, priorities, achievements and operational needs.
8. Manage media relations and external communications, including engagement with journalists, preparation of media materials, and coordination of media coverage for WFP activities and events promoting accurate understanding and positive visibility of WFP’s work and impact.
9. Oversee the production of communication products, including stories, press releases, social media content, audiovisual materials and visibility initiatives, to strengthen WFP's positioning and advocacy efforts.
10. Ensure effective stewardship of donor agreements and partnership commitments, monitoring compliance with reporting requirements, visibility commitments and contractual obligations.
11. Lead the External Relations Unit work plan, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, managing risks and ensuring the timely delivery of outputs and commitments.
12. Represent WFP in relevant coordination mechanisms, donor forums, inter-agency working groups, technical meetings and external events, promoting WFP’s strategic objectives and interests.
13. Provide guidance, supervision and capacity strengthening to partnerships and external relations staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and results-oriented team environment.
14. Oversee the consolidation and analysis of information from different units and partners to support strategic planning, resource mobilization, advocacy and reporting requirements.
15. Ensure effective communication and coordination between internal and external stakeholders, facilitating information sharing and timely resolution of issues requiring senior-level attention.
16. Lead country office visibility, advocacy and reputation management efforts, identifying opportunities to strengthen WFP’s public profile and proactively addressing communication risks.
17. Supervise communications activities and staff, providing direction, guidance and feedback to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality communication, media and visibility products.
18. Lead communication support for high-level visits, donor missions, special events and emergency responses, ensuring coherent messaging and effective stakeholder engagement.
19. Perform any other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Advanced University degree in Economics, International Affairs, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a field relevant to International Development/Humanitarian Assistance, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience.
Experiences for entry into the role:
Five years of relevant professional work experience. Working experience in developing countries is desirable.
Language: Fluency in English, as well as Tajik and/or Russian is required.
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.