EU Partnership and Compliance Officer, P4

EU PARTNERSHIP and COMPLIANCE OFFICER (P-4 / NON ROTATIOAL)

ABOUT WFP

WFP Seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive Basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. 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. At WFP, we are driven and defined by our mission to fight world hunger, save lives, feed people’s dreams of a brighter future, reduce risk and help enable people, communities and countries meet their own food and nutrition needs. WFP goes anywhere it’s needed and does what it takes to get the job done. You will find our people at the heart of every major humanitarian intervention around the world, providing the essential life-saving foundation required for those furthest behind. Each year, we reach an average of 80 million people with food assistance in around 80 countries. Delivering our mission requires deep respect for personal and cultural differences and close collaboration between every member of our global team. While the 15,000 people working for WFP reflect the rich diversity of the world in which we work, the vital importance of our shared mission underpins a remarkably close community of purpose.

The World Food Programme (WFP) is offering life-changing job opportunities you are unlikely to find in other organizations. Working at WFP will give you the opportunity to work beyond your expectations, to be enriched by truly meaningful work and deepen your professional expertise.

Location: Brussels, Belgium 

Context: The main objective of the World Food Programme Brussels Office is to support country offices, regional bureaux and HQ divisions in mobilizing funds from the EU and the Belgian government. This is achieved by establishing and fostering partnerships with a number of EU and Belgian institutions as well as providing technical support to WFP offices during the negotiation, formulation and management of EU and Belgian contracts. The negotiation and management of EU contributions requires in-depth knowledge of EU policies as well as the regulatory frameworks of the different financing instruments and specific EU-UN agreements.

Supervision received: The EU Partnership and Compliance Officer reports to the BRU Deputy Director

Key Accountabilities (not all-inclusive): Within the delegated authority, the EU Partnership and Compliance Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide specialist advice, support and assistance to WFP Country Offices, Regional Bureaus and concerned units at Headquarters to strengthen relations with the European Union and increase fundraising opportunities from DG DEVCO, DG NEAR and DG Research.

• Lead negotiations for contributions agreements with EU Trust Funds and other concerned units within DG DEVCO, DG NEAR and DG Research, in line with WFP’s internal policies and regulations and the EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA), in order to reach advantageous outcomes for WFP.

• Provide guidance and support to WFP Country Offices, Regional Bureaus and concerned units at Headquarters for the negotiation of contributions agreements with EU Delegations to ensure compliance with WFP’s internal regulations and the FAFA.

• Identify, build and maintain effective relationships with EU representatives through appropriate channels, and represent WFP in regular donor meetings organized by EU institutions (DG DEVCO, DG NEAR and DG Research).

• Develop and present clear recommendations for senior staff members highlighting fundraising opportunities and develop strategies to increase funding from various EU institutions (DG DEVCO, DG NEAR and DG research).

• Advise on all EU legal matters and compliance of WFP contribution agreements with the EU Financial Regulation and the EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework (FAFA), including drafting, review and negotiation of complex legal agreements.

• Participate on behalf of WFP in inter-agency meetings and joint EC/UN working groups and tasks forces on the preparation and review of EC contract templates, and on the operationalization of the EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework (FAFA).

• Support WFP Integrated Road Map’s roll-out by ensuring alignment with the EU financial and legal frameworks as well as EU policy priorities.

• Act as main focal point within WFP Brussels Office and provide support to concerned units at WFP Headquarters for EU verifications and other EC related control exercises. Facilitate WFP dialogue with DEVCO and ECHO’s Legal, Finance, Contract and Audit section at Brussels level on all issues arising as a result of EC control exercises.

• Oversee, coordinate and contribute to the preparation of briefing documents for senior management levels meetings with EU institutions.

• Provide training to WFP Headquarters and field staff on the management of EU contributions and all EC related legal and contractual issues.

• Others as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Advance University Degree, or University Degree with additional years of experience; and advanced training/course in one of more of the following disciplines: Law preferably, political science, international development or related field.

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English and French language. Working knowledge of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese, is desirable.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• At least eight years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in international development, donor aid programmes or other related fields
• Out of these, a minimum of four years of proven experience dealing with EU institutions, policies, oversight and legal frameworks is essential, including negotiation and management of EU contracts and verifications.
• Proven experience in fundraising, negotiations and public relations/advocacy. 
• Experience managing teams of experts across a variety of job functions and creating an enabling environment.
• Solid communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration.
• Good working knowledge of EU development policies and of EU working modalities, regulations and administrative procedures.
• Experience working in developing country, preferably in the area of food aid or development cooperation desirable
• Previous experience with the World Food Programme is an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. He/she will be required to travel frequently to our field operations, which are located in over 80 countries in the world, mainly in developing countries. Travel requirements are often on ad hoc basis and are of irregular frequency. On average, each trip lasts two to three weeks.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, and home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org

Non-Rotational Nature

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

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.