Assistant Executive Director, Programme
ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
The Assistant Executive Director, Programme will be responsible for leading and promoting innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness across WFP's programme implementation. They will lead and foster a culture that reinforces the commitment to program excellence, integrated design and delivery, and addressing priority issues. The incumbent will ensure end-to-end planning, sourcing, and delivery of assistance through the delivery of safe food, goods and services for WFP and the humanitarian community. The position requires a strong strategic vision, leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- As a member of WFP's senior leadership team work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and COO, Assistant Executive Directors and other senior leaders to develop and implement policies, strategies, and programmes that advance WFP's mission and goals.
- Set strategy for WFP's programme that aligns with the organization's mandate and goals and ensure they are delivered effectively and efficiently, meeting the needs of beneficiaries.
- Engage Division heads and lead the formulation, integration and implementation of relevant policies, strategies and plans which promote the strengthening of WFP’s work in the field.
- Strengthen the link between programme design, implementation, procurement and delivery.
- Lead the cultivation and management of strategic partnerships with implementing partners to mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technologies and financial resources.
- Promote and set the tone for innovation, efficiency, and effectiveness across WFP's programmes.
- Engage and represent WFP in high level fora (e.g. United Nations, Governments, Executive Board, Humanitarian and Development Communities, etc.), asserting the organization’s position and ensuring that WFP interests are at the forefront of discussions and considerations.
- Lead and foster inter-agency partnerships to enable coordinated and holistic preparedness and response to humanitarian and development needs, ensuring WFP actions complement inter-agency efforts.
- Act as a role model, setting an example of the highest standards of integrity for all staff through personal behaviour. Foster and ensure an organizational environment that respects diversity, gender equality and cultural/racial sensitivity and facilitates openness to diverse perspectives.
- Other accountabilities, as required.
CORE REQUIREMENTS
- At least 20 years of relevant and progressive professional experience in supply chain and programmatic management, preferably in a humanitarian or development context
- Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex, large-scale supply chain and programmatic operations
- Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team of professionals
- Strong strategic thinking and visioning skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at the highest levels
- Demonstrated experience in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusion
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to think strategically and analytically
- High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage complex and challenging situations with empathy and tact
- A firm commitment to the work, objectives, values, and guiding principles of WFP and the United Nations system
- Impeccable personal and professional integrity
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills, evidenced by an extensive network of contacts with key players and stakeholders at the international level
- An intellectually curious, creative, and strategic thinker who can challenge conventional norms, try new approaches, and think outside the box with tact and judgment
- A team player with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the mission and objectives of WFP
- Able to provide leadership and responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work
- Willingness to travel to different locations worldwide, often in challenging and remote environments
LANGUAGES AND EDUCATION
- Fluency (level C) in English language.
- Working knowledge of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) highly desirable
- Advanced university degree in business administration, supply chain management, international development, economics, or related field
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract at the Assistant Secretary General level, with a probationary period of one year.
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, as well as expatriate entitlements such as home leave, an education grant for dependent children, and compulsory pension plan and medical insurance. For more details please visit icsc.un.org.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
All applications should include a cover letter and the curriculum vitae of the candidate in English and must be submitted through the WFP Careers website by Tuesday, 1 August 2023 at 23:59 Rome time.
