Localization Policy Specialist

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• Job title: Localization Policy Specialist (Cslt level III/IV)
• Type of contract: Intl consultancy
• Unit/Division: PRO
• Duty station: Rome, Italy
• Duration: 6-8 months

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The localization agenda gained traction during the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit. Since then, localization has been prioritized by the humanitarian community in key multilateral and inter-agency fora, such as the Grand Bargain and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC). More recently, donors have been reviewing their policies and targets, calling for UN agencies to provide greater visibility on their own progress at the corporate level.

Committed to strengthening the capacity of local governments and organizations and to prioritizing local and equal partnerships, WFP supports localization through a broad spectrum of programme and supply chain work.

As done by other agencies, WFP now wishes to review and updated its commitments and plans on localization.

In late 2022, WFP’s Programme & Policy Department initiated a reflection exercise on this agenda which produced an internal white paper providing a snapshot of the current landscape on localization, including 1) the variety of definitions on localization; 2) the commitments made by other UN agencies and donors; and 3) WFP’s current localization efforts, including policy instruments, activities, and metrics. The white paper also offers an overview of opportunities, challenges, and potential next steps for WFP to further operationalize the agenda notably through the production of a first corporate strategy on localization.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THESE TERMS OF REFERENCE

The consultant will manage the Localization Strategy Formulation Process (LSFP) and formulate the actual strategy document. He/she will work with the support of one or two more junior consultants. He/she will work closely with a small LSFP steering team composed of relevant WFP Directors. In more details, the consultant's accountabilities/responsibilities will include the following:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSABILITIES

• To formulate WFP's localization strategy based on corporate quality standards for policy/strategy formulation, existing internal and external evaluations, internal & external localization papers/approaches, evidence/data. The strategy will need to reflect internal and external stakeholders’ consultations. The strategy will be informed through a dedicated design, consultation and review process. Through the process, the consultant will produce progressive versions of WFP's localization strategy reflecting maturing levels of thinking and consultation. The strategy document will be accompanied by a summary implementation plan with relevant actions, timelines, responsibilities and needed investments.
• To inform the LSFP, the consultant will build on existing corporate papers on localization and localization references in multiple WFP thematic policies and strategies. Building on the white paper, the formulation of the strategy will require:
  1. summarizing key positions and approaches on localization of key donors and other UN agencies.
  2. conducting an in-depth review on current WFP practices and lessons learned in the field and on the global evidence.
  3. outlining the full spectrum of WFP localization efforts across humanitarian and development contexts (with emphasis on the former).
  4. elaborating the risks associated with localization, including alignment with the corporate risk matrix used in WFP Country Strategy Plans (CSP); and
  5. developing proposals (for consultation) on adopting new models of working; investment in tracking; and agreed upon corporate targets.
• To undertake a mapping and prioritization of key issues to be addressed during the LSFP; and to regularly update a one-page road map on the main milestones, activities and timelines required to formulate the strategy and implementation plan.
• To lead preparation, roll-out and coordination of consultations with internal and external partners, in coordination with WFP PRO Dep Dir and which will include key in-house functions (e.g. Relevant HQs depts/divisions and RBs, GNV and NY offices) and external partners (EB working localization working group, sample of key CPs and other local partners).
• To produce regular updates for WFP's senior management and WFP's EB on this process.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

• Initial LSFP roadmap with the milestones, activities and timelines (NB. to be updated regularly).
• Audit trail/Analytical briefing of key issues (desk review, conversations with internal and external stakeholders).
• Consolidation of an effective approach to consultations in coordination with PRO Dep Director.
• Roll-out of an inclusive stakeholder consultation process with internal and external partners.
• Production of progressing versions of the evolving draft strategy policy taking into consideration WFP's standards for the formulation of strategies/policies.
• Consolidation of a summary implementation plan to accompany the strategy.
• Regular updates to WFP's senior management and WFP's EB.
• Effective collaboration with one or two more junior consultants supporting the LSFP (which could include a writer/drafter/editor and a process supporter).
• Effective collaboration with LSFP Steering Team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

EDUCATION

Advanced University degree in International Development, International Relations, or other field relevant to international development assistance, or First University Degree with additional years of related work experience

EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of relevant international experience. The candidate should be able to demonstrate strong competence in the following areas:
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Experience in consolidating organizational programme strategies and development policies, ideally with exposure to those processes in different multilateral organizations and bilateral development agencies.
• Experience with the localization agenda and the development of programmes, policies, strategies or plans engaging local actors in the area of food security and/or nutrition.
• Excellent work planning and project management skills ideally demonstrated in a WFP or other international context.
• Has had some exposure if not direct engagement with WFP’s work at corporate and country levels.
• Has demonstrated research ability and capacity to link analysis to strategy/policy design in the context of WFP programmes.
• Has experience in supporting/working with local actors in the developing world.
• Has led teams in strategic discussions and facilitated stakeholder consultations effectively.
• Has experience working in an international environment heavily dependent on virtual networking and engaging individuals from a diverse range of geographical and functional areas.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Solid understanding of Agenda 2030 and of SDG2 and SDG17 and respective targets and how the work of WFP can contribute to achieving them. Familiarity with the Grand Bargain agenda would be a clear asset.
• Solid knowledge of WFP’s mandate, intervention modalities, programme and project lifecycle tools, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation desirable.
• Data collection and analytical writing skills, including ability to analyse and consolidate quantitative and qualitative information to understand local/national capacities across a wide range of policy and programme areas.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor through demonstrated technical leadership.
• Strong communication and conceptual skills.
• Skilled in leading/facilitating/moderating group discussions/consultations.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written outputs and ability to present in English. Knowledge of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, Portuguese is desirable.
• Proficient computer literacy.

LANGUAGES

International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language.

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: 2nd July 2023

Ref.: VA No. 827753

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.

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