External Partnerships Officer, Baghdad, Iraq - International Consultant

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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 United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity, and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. In 2021 WFP supported 652,800 people in Iraq. Through providing food assistance for vulnerable people, skills to enhance livelihoods, and strengthen social protection, WFP is helping the Government of Iraq build people’s food security and resilience. In Iraq, WFP's programmes have transitioned into development and this is an opportunity for a driven and creative Partnerships Officer to join the team. For more information, see wfp.org/countries/iraq and ar.wfp.org/countries/iraq.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

This role operates across the partnerships area and works independently, using technical knowledge and experience, to analyse data and identify solutions for partnership activities. The job supports process improvements and partnership opportunities with a host of public, private sector, and external entities; these can include governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental institutions, international financial institutions, individuals, corporations, foundations, and NGOs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Lead the implementation of the work plan for the partnerships area to enable WFP Iraq to identify, develop and strengthen quality partnerships in support of its strategic objectives.

2. Engage with other functional units on Iraq country- specific offerings, developing content and language that speak to individual audiences and align with on-going policy dialogue in national and global fora.

3. Proactively support a wide range of aspects of the partnerships portfolio, including partner profiling, data/trends analysis and outreach plan, to maximize resources and leverage policy and technical support for the work of WFP in Iraq.

4. Facilitate dialogue with partners and proactively highlight strategic opportunities and issues to senior management and propose options for the best course of action to nurture trust and interest in the work of WFP Iraq. Support the preparation of public events, as required, that can advance WFP Iraq interests and objectives. Manage website.

5. Gather and share partner intelligence (including forecasting), using key information systems, and assess results. Conduct desk research and prepare background information to support programme and project proposals, draft donor profiles and develop an extensive contact list of all relevant stakeholders to ensure a positive outreach, develop guidance notes on donor priorities, assist in developing approaches to expand the donor base, including private sector donors and research and mapping of future trends.

6. Provide support in coordinating and publishing press releases, press briefing notes and situation reports, brochures, communication materials, public information, and monitoring and evaluation reports, targeted fund-raising products and visibility materials for WFP Iraq. Ensure partner visibility and that partners conditions are met.

7. Facilitate partnership growth, by exploring opportunities to expand existing partnerships and scope of new partners, guided by assessments, analysis and due diligence. Present recommendations to senior management and ensure follow-up.

8. Contribute to the preparation of partnership proposals, strategic agreements, joint strategies and/or MOU, taking into account corporate norms, processes and external regulations. Ensure quality control of content by engaging with relevant stakeholders.

9. Use socio-political insights to support WFP Iraq effective positioning vis-à-vis the national Government with the aim to influence the policy agenda.

10. Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work to ensure equal participation of women and men.

11. Manage staff providing coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.

12. Other relevant duties as may be required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Journalism, Business, Communications, or other relevant fields. Or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience: For holders of an Advanced degree, a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional work experience in communications and resource mobilization, and within a development assistance context with at least one posting served in a developing country. For holders of a First degree, a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional work experience as described above.

Language: Excellent skills in the English language both spoken and written. Knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated experience and success in engaging with bilateral and multilateral donors

Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with Government including projects involving co-funding of programmes with Government Ministries

Experience in developing joint funding proposals with sister UN agencies and/or NGOs

Experience in developing climate change programme proposals would be highly desirable

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR THE ROLE

Good understanding of government and corporate strategies and priorities and experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Significant experience in exploring new opportunities and providing inputs to design and develop solutions with prospective partners.

Experience in managing all resource mobilization processes and resource strategies, negotiating contract terms and providing resourcing advice to senior management.

Understanding of partner’s focus areas and knowledge of internal capabilities to create a Unique Value Proposition for the partners.

Experience in using technology and digital tools for data collection, analysis and shared data-based insights to add value to all partnerships.

Experience providing input into training and support strategy for technical systems users and advanced technical support.

Ability to create team spirit and contribute to a gender-balanced, inclusive and sound working environment. 

CAPABILITIES

FUNCTIONAL

New Partner Prospecting

Partner Relationship Management and Strengthening

Resource Mobilization

Analysing and Using Information /Data

Positioning WFP for Partnerships

Business Process Support and Technical Guidance

BEHAVIOURAL

Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments

Fosters Inclusion and Collaboration

Applies Strategic Thinking

Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: External Partnerships Officer

Contract Type: International Consultancy (CST II)

Duty Station: Baghdad, Iraq

Medical Plan: Medical plan for the employee only

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications close on 29th August 2022

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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.