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.

Job Title: Consultant

Type of Contract: Junior Consultant

Division: LEG

Duty Station: Rome, Italy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

We are seeking a research analyst to join the Due Diligence Unit of WFP’s Legal Office, based in Rome, Italy.* The Due Diligence Unit was established within the Legal Office to support the implementation of WFP’s private sector partnerships and fundraising strategy. The Junior Consultant will report to a Legal Officer.  The duration of the consultancy is expected to be for an initial period of 6 months.

* Teleworking from the country of origin/residence may also be considered. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive):

Under the general supervision of the Legal Officer, the Junior Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

1. Conduct research on prospective WFP private sector partners and donors, with a focus on core United Nations values and principles concerning human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption, as reflected in the United Nations Global Compact and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
2. Identify practices and policies that may pose a reputational risk to WFP, or otherwise appear to compromise the integrity or independence of the organization;
3. Timely preparation of reports that present research findings in a neutral, accurate and concise manner, including objective analysis of key facts and issues;
4. Assist with the preparation of materials relating to the work of WFP’s Private Donors and Partnerships Committee;
5. Assist with the development and maintenance of reference materials and knowledge management tools, as appropriate;
6. Perform other duties as required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent).  A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, preferably demonstrated through relevant work experience.
• Significant experience in conducting open source and database research.

This vacancy targets (but is not limited to) candidates with 0-3 years of professional experience.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Awareness of issues relevant to corporate social responsibility.
• Strong time management skills and ability to work under stringent deadlines.
• General knowledge of the United Nations system is an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

LANGUAGES:

Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

ASSESSMENT:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Terms and Conditions

WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP.

http://www.wfp.org Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.

Deadline for applications: 31 August 2022

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.