Program Policy Consultant_Special Assistant to the Country Director CST II

JOB PURPOSE:

The Special Assistant to the Country Director will report directly to the Country Director and will be responsible for providing day-to-day support to the Country Director in the execution of their functions and in maintaining strategic communication with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. The Special Assistant will also be responsible for facilitating the smooth operation of the management front office, handling highly confidential and sensitive matters, analysing situations accurately, providing timely advice, and following up on agreed action points.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Country Director, coordinate and oversee the overall planning of activities for the Country Director as required.
• Review, respond to, or draft management reports and correspondence on behalf of the Country Director, escalating issues that require their decision-making. Ensure clear and consistent internal communication from the Country Director to staff, coordinating with relevant colleagues as needed. Leverage socio-political insights in providing advice to strengthen WFP’s strategic positioning and effectiveness.
• Coordinate, review and/or prepare as appropriate high-quality strategic background documents, talking points, and briefs for the Country Director to ensure he/she has all the information required for all meetings and engagements.
• Attend interagency, governmental, and internal meetings with the Country Director as required, ensuring consistency and clarity in the NFRs and coordinate follow up actions as required.
• Oversee and coordinate all functions of the Country Director’s front office managing other staff as necessary. Ensure that requests, feedback, and concerns from staff destined for the Country Director are dealt with in a professional, confidential and appropriate manner in line with Country Office and WFP policies and procedures.
• Actively liaise with other relevant actors in the RB, COs and HQ on a regular basis with regards to follow up on issues, priorities and decisions concerning management.
• Maintain strong relationships with counterparts in other UN Agencies and (I)NGOs, to ensure smooth and strategic information sharing, and coordination of meetings and joint missions as necessary.
• Organize travel with Country Director and accompany them, when necessary.
• Organize and coordinate high-level missions in the country and follow-up resulting action points.
• Assist the Country Director in promoting cross-sectoral integration, fostering positive team dynamics and optimizing workplace culture.
• Manage special projects and conduct research as and when required by the Country Director.
• Provide coaching and guidance to front office staff as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high-performance.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as and when required by the Country Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Advanced university degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Studies, Economics, Journalism, International Relations, Social Sciences, Communications or other related field, or First University degree with two additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field, with a focus on international humanitarian development. Preferred experience in a similar Special Assistant role, along with advanced writing, analytical, and relationship management skills. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to analyze and interpret information to develop key messages and talking points. Demonstrated responsibility, confidentiality, and accountability. Field experience is an asset.

Language: Fluency in English, excellent written skills. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of French. Fluency in French, especially written, will be an added advantage.