Head of TEC Advocacy and Engagement

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: Head of TEC Advocacy and Engagement

Type of Contract: Consultant Level II 

Division: TECC, Technology Division 

Duty Station: Rome / HQ 

Duration: 11 months  

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT: 

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. The WFP Technology Division (TEC) seeks to digitally enable the organization to deliver this mandate in an effective and efficient manner, with sufficient agility required for humanitarian operations. 

Digital technology and data are rapidly reaching some of the most vulnerable people and places affected by crisis, while also expanding operational approach to those same crises. As one of the main humanitarian actors, WFP has the opportunity and obligation to leverage data and technology to better know and serve those in need by digitally transforming the way it works. Such ambition has led to the developing a new WFP IT Strategy whose core elements inform the end-to-end business processes of the organization.  

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:  

The Technology Division (TEC) is continuing its transformation journey toward becoming a flexible, customer-centric, digital leader in the humanitarian field. This requires a solid, experienced and digitally savvy Communications Officer who can drive TEC’s internal and external communication and help shape its approach to Knowledge Management. 

The incumbent will report to the CIO & Director of the Technology Division (TEC) and in close coordination with the Communications Advocacy and Marketing Division (CAM), will conduct the following duties:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and lead an internal communications strategy, including setting clear goals and objectives, defining key tasks, messaging, audience targeting and analysis, to supports WFP’s mission and TEC’s strategy, and engages TEC staff; 

• Develop and lead an effective external communications plan and manage activities that promote, enhance, and protect TEC reputation; 
• Manage media relations, act as a spokesperson for TEC and maximise social media opportunities to ensure that TEC is regularly featured on the social media, in alignment with WFP Communications team; 
• Build and develop external partnerships related to communications and campaign work with peer organisations and WFP communication team; 
• Provide advice and support the Regional IT Officers (RITOs), ensuring compliance with TEC and wider WFP and communications strategy, taking in consideration specific region/country needs; 
• Lead and manage a team of Communications Officers, and oversee day-to-day activities including budgeting, planning, staff performance and development; 

• Ensure collaboration with internal global/regional communication partners to ensure and consistency in messaging to enhance understanding and support for WFP’s TEC initiatives; 
• Perform other duties as required. 

DELIVERABLES:  

• Develop a Knowledge Management strategy for TEC using a consultative approach with key stakeholders and begin implementation of plan; 
• Develop an external TEC Communications strategy to align with the WFP IT Strategy and oversee its implementation; 
• Develop an internal TEC Communications strategy to align with the WFP IT Strategy and oversee its implementation; 
• Build effective collaborations internally and externally to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to communications, achieving visibility for TEC. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

Education: 

Advanced University degree in Journalism, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience.

Experience: 

At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in an international environment, with emphasis on communications and advocacy for technical subjects including information technology.  

Technical Skills & Knowledge: 

• Excellent communication skills, confident in contributing ideas and working in a collaborative way;  
• Exemplary writing and copy-editing skills in English at native level; 
• Ability to offer robust advice to senior management on sensitive issues; 
• Ability to function calmly and effectively under stress; 

• Ability to manage multiple streams of work simultaneously; 
• Creative, with the ability to think analytically and laterally; 
• Field experience and/or strong experience liaising with the field  
• Knowledge of technology pain points and opportunities; 
• Experience in developing communication strategies/advocacy campaigns/marketing plans.   

• Experience planning, gathering, and producing tailored multimedia content; 
• Experience managing teams with related areas of expertise; 
• Solid project management experience; 
• Digitally savvy; 
• Ability to design clear and compelling information products and find innovative ways to communicate, including through new technologies; 

• Understanding of the dynamics of intra-organizational communications within large international organizations; 
• Proactive and able to seek out communications and advocacy opportunities; 
• Adaptable, resourceful, driven, with a strong sense of ownership and dedication to personal excellence and constant improvement; 

Strong collaboration skills, working cross-functionally in WFP and within the Technology Division as well as convening cross-functional stakeholders for communications projects. 

Language: 

Fluency in oral and written English with an intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or Portuguese (one of WFP’s working languages) is desirable. 

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:  01 September  2022 at 11:59pm Rome time (CET/CEST)

REF: 171587

Qualified 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. 

Saving lives, changing lives