Partnerships Officer- Head of External Relations Unit (International Consultant)

BACKGROUNG AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in 123 countries delivering food assistance, partnering with governments and providing common services that allow the entire humanitarian community to save lives in emergencies and build the resilience of food insecure people and communities.

In strong partnership with the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, WFP Country Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 (CSP) aims to enhnace social protection and human capitals, emergency preparedness and response, disaster risk management and climate change adaptation as well as promote healthy and nutritious diets in schools to address food security and nutrition issues in the country. The CSP activities are aligned with the country's priorities described in the National Development Programme for 2022 – 2026 and derived from United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2023 – 2027 (UNSDCF).

The CSP planned budget is USD91 million for 5 years and WFP needs to ensure sufficient funds for the CSP implementation by diversifying its donor portfolio. WFP is also expanding development-oriented approach by exploring joint fund-raising with the Government, UN agencies, International Financial Institutions and the private sector.

The CSP focuses on the key priorities of the Government with overarching social proteciton lens, mainstreams Country Capacity Strengthening at all levels and enhances joint assessments, programmes and monitoring with the Government, UN Country Team and development partners.

WFP is amplifying SDGs advocacy and promoitng CSP priorities in close coordination with UN Country Team and development partners. WFP also meets timely and high-quality internal and external reporting requirements and ensures quality, consistent and standardized information management.

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the staff member is expected to lead the fund-raising team and the partnership team of the WFP Kyrgyz Republic by ensuring sufficient fund-raising and timely reporting, promoting effective advocacy and communications, and fostering partnerships with the Government, development partners and relevant stakeholders.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Explore funding opportunities, based on the CSP strategic priorities and funding needs; gather donor intelligence and develop donor partnerships.
2. Draft/consolidate funding proposals to be submitted to donors, in close coordination with relevant units; Lead other fund-raising activities by meeting donor requests, clarifyfing their queries and providing requested information in a timely manner.
3. Establish good rapports with donors, government counterparts, UN agencies and development partners to identify fund-raising and partnership opportunities for the CSP implementation.
4. Actively coordinate on fund-raising, partnership and communication/reporting matters with WFP colleagues in relevant units, regional bureau, headquarters and donor capitals and make recommendations to the Country Director as needed.
5. Position WFP as a partner of choice of different government counterparts and establish strategic partnerships through implementing joint assessments, programming and monitoring.
6. Analyze challenges and opportunities in the country to pursue national SDG targets and explore opportunities for WFP programmes to be integrated into the national policies and systems in the long-term.
7. Support coordination among WFP, UN agencies and development partners on UNSDCF, CSP and other strategic/policy issue and suggest solutions through consensus-building approach.
8. Participate in relevant coordination meetngs and events as needed and advocate WFP's roles in food security, nutrition, social protection, emergency response, climate change, education, amongst other relevant sectors.
9. Ensure effective external communication to the mass media, social media and the public through development and implementation of WFP communication strategies.
10. Ensure internal and external reporting requirements with high quality and in a timely manner.
11. Manage staff, provide coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.
12. Support any other task related to external relations, requested by the Country Director.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

– The amount of contributions increased and the donor portfolio diversified;

– Partnerships with the Government expanded and WFP programmes integrated into national policies and systems;

– Coordination with UNCT and development partners facilitated and WFP's contributions to UNSDCF and country's development plans promoted;

– Effective external communication ensured and quality/timely reporting needs met;

– Other key tasks delivered, as requested by the Country Director.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree (Master’s degree) in Political Science, Economics, International Development, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications or other relevant field or First University degree with additional 2 years of related work experience

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 5 years of working experience in the area of partnerships, donor relations, development, humanitarian assistance or related fields.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Has a good understanding of fund-raising in the development context. Has gained experience in developing partnerships with and coordination among the Government, UN agencies, IFIs and other stakeholders.

LANGUAGE

Fluency (level C) in English language is mandatory. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of Russian or other official UN languages is an advantage.

All WFP Employees are expected to demonstrate the competencies and standards of behaviour aligned with our core values and defined in the WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK, namely:

Leading by example with integrity,

Driving results and delivering on commitments,

Fostering inclusive and collaborative teamwork,

Applying strategic thinking,

Building and maintaining sustainable partnerships.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:

It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to the Diversity and Inclusion team on: global.inclusion@wfp.org, cc’ing bangkok.recruitment@wfp.org. A member of the reasonable accommodation team will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.

This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements, and not for sending the application itself. Due to volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered as a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.

WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. WFP has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination. 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.