DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

13 March 2025-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Time (New York)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP’s values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency working to create a world with Zero Hunger. While hunger and malnutrition are the world’s largest solvable issues, the needs are still immense and growing. Up to 309 million people are facing acute levels of food insecurity in 2024 in the 71 countries with WFP operations and where data is available. WFP and its partners believe that no-one should go to bed hungry and that individual and collective wellbeing can only be achieved if all children, women and men get the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, dignified lives. Each year, WFP works globally as an emergency responder, one that is often the first on the scene in the most difficult environments. WFP also works with partners to strengthen the resilience of communities most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition through long-term development programmes aimed at boosting food security, local economies, education, employment and gender equality.

To contribute to a world with Zero Hunger, WFP is investing in and growing private sector fundraising and partnerships to reach more people. The Private Partnerships Division (PSP) is responsible for engaging the private sector (corporations, individuals, foundations) through high-impact partnerships in support of WFP’s strategic priorities, and through individual giving to build and retain support from the general public worldwide. Partnerships are both fundraising and technical in nature, with some bringing purely financial resources to the organization, whereas other bringing in-kind support, in the form of expertise and assets. PSP strives to mobilize funding, technical assistance, innovative solutions, visibility and awareness to help WFP fulfil its mission and operations. PSP also provides guidance to WFP Regional Bureaus (RBs), Country Offices (COs) and HQ Technical Units on partnership development, best practices, as well as compliance with rules and regulations for engaging with the private sector. Joining PSP is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to co-develop and implement our new private partnerships and fundraising strategy.

JOB PURPOSE:

We are looking for a talented Partnerships Officer based in New York, USA at a P3 level. This role will serve as an enabler and influencer to effectively position WFP with public, private and external partners, specifically with faith-based, humanitarian organizations and private sector partners to attract policy support, resources, technical assistance and innovative solutions to advance the work of WFP. Additionally, this role will foster and strengthen collaborative relationships with WFP USA, WFP’s Friends organization in the US, and supporting member states in the achievement of the SDGs and Zero Hunger and projecting WFP’s contributions in this regard.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, based in New York, USA, the position is responsible for the following:

• Contribute to the positioning with strategic partners and prospects on WFP’s corporate value proposition, specifically in relation to faith-based, humanitarian and private sector partners, using tailored content and language that speaks to specified audiences and align with on-going policy dialogue in national and global fora.
• Manage and facilitate a portfolio of strategic cash and technical partnerships with key entities, including major North American partners and faith-based organizations, ensuring these partnerships align with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Support the business development efforts of corporate partners, in collaboration with WFP USA, by researching and screening target corporates and developing successful engagement strategies for potential new partners.
• Support the strategic relationship with WFP USA, focusing on private sector engagement (Corporates, Foundations, Philanthropy). Lead the implementation of a workplan supported by a tailored MOU, addressing challenges and opportunities to secure new partnerships and streamline partnership management with US-based organizations.
• Provide inputs for negotiations and manage relationships with key partners to secure and expand funding opportunities, joint strategies and/or MOUs in line with corporate norms, processes, and external regulations, in order to reach advantageous outcomes for WFP. Build and maintain trust, ensuring continuity and stability in partnerships.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships, deepen collaboration and joint advocacy on common priorities and scoping new partners, and disseminate best practices in partnership development and collaboration and provide technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders in this regard. Supervise and mentor direct reports, supporting their professional development and drive their performance, enduring they meet partner needs, expectations, and priorities.
• Support functional units, RBs and COs on partnership strategies (including Partnership Action Plans); Extend support/guidance on partnership/contribution management, including quality proposal and report writing, by engaging with other WFP entities and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate corporate dialogue with partners, proactively highlight strategic opportunities and issues to senior management and present recommendations on best course of action to nurture trust and interest in the work of WFP.
• Identify and lead on private-sector-based events by driving engagement with organizations which can advance WFP and wider interests and objectives that are aligned with realizing zero hunger.
• Solicit inputs from other WFP entities that contribute to inter-governmental/inter-agency work to ensure that WFP positions are properly explained and taken into account in decision- making.
• Support in coordinating Leadership Group and senior official visit in the US, including working on strategic engagements, schedules, briefing documents, and details relating to high level events and participation in private sector fora.
• Stay on top of key relationships with organizations that host events, including at the United Nations but also across the USA.
• Take part in key private sector working groups and fora within the UN system at UN Headquarters in New York.
• Other as required.

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STANDARD MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.

Experience:

• Has at least five (5) years of relevant and demonstrated experience in partnership development, business development, brand management, fundraising with large-scale corporations.
• Has significant experience working with faith-based and humanitarian organizations, understanding their unique operational frameworks, values, and objectives. This includes adapting strategies to align with these partners’ goals while respecting their cultural contexts.
• Has a demonstrated track record in managing multi-million-dollar strategic fundraising partnerships. Experience should include managing complex stakeholder relationships, navigating partnership dynamics effectively and negotiating terms and agreements with key stakeholders and partners, coupled with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain long-term relationships.
• Has developed long-term partner relationships and expanded engagements across geographies and sectors.

Knowledge and Skills:

• U.S. Market and Legal Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the U.S. market and regulatory frameworks, with experience navigating legal and economic environments to structure compliant partnership agreements and funding mechanisms.
• Partnership Evaluation and ROI Analysis: Expertise in assessing the expected ROI from potential partnerships to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Strategic Partnerships and Negotiation: Extensive experience in conducting market research, preparing and delivering pitches, and successfully negotiating high-value partnerships with global enterprises.
• Risk Management Skills: Proven ability to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks associated with partnerships, ensuring the organization’s interests are protected while maximizing partnership opportunities.
• Communication and Advocacy Skills: Strong communication skills, capable of effectively advocating for the organization’s interests and positioning its goals with partners. Experience in crafting clear, persuasive communication and presentations tailored to various audiences.
• Cross-Cultural Management: Proven ability to manage junior staff and oversee cross-border projects in global or multicultural settings.
• Digital Solutions and Salesforce Expertise: Leveraged digital tools, including Salesforce, to enhance client services and improve operational efficiency.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Ability to navigating change, handling ambiguity, and managing competing demands with composure, all while maintaining a positive attitude.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: [email protected]

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements