Job Title: Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection
Type of Contract: International Consultancy
Division: Global Partner Countries – Thematic Team
Duty Station: Rome HQ, Italy – some travel involved
Duration: 5 months with potential extension
Background and Purpose of the Assignment
About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger globally. Its mission is to help achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetime. WFP works worldwide to ensure no child goes to bed hungry, and that the most vulnerable, especially women and children, access nutritious food.
The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports efforts to meet resource needs through engagement with governments and public sector institutions. The Thematic Team, created in 2021, advances WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolio through strategic fundraising for development activities.
Organizational Context
WFP seeks to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Job Purpose
WFP relies on voluntary contributions to fund its projects. Building relationships with public sector donors is crucial for supporting projects that impact millions worldwide. Fundraising for the thematic agenda from development partners is increasing, requiring targeted strategies and expertise in social protection financing.
Responsibilities
Implement a government donor engagement work plan on social protection to develop and strengthen partnerships aligned with WFP’s strategic objectives, including organizing thematic discussions, events, and publications.
Position WFP with partners by developing tailored engagement materials and supporting policy dialogues at national and global levels.
Guide regional and country offices on partnership strategies, proposal writing, and best practices, and update programming portfolios and funding needs.
Maintain up-to-date donor intelligence on social protection and promote its use within WFP.
Coordinate the Social Protection Trust Fund, ensuring donor relations and reporting are managed effectively.
Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio, including partner profiling, data analysis, and outreach planning to expand collaborations.
Support corporate dialogue with partners, highlighting strategic opportunities and providing recommendations to senior management.
Assist in designing partnership proposals, negotiations, and agreements, ensuring partner visibility and compliance.
Support WFP’s positioning with governments and international institutions where WFP operates, based on socio-political insights.
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree in International Development, Economics, International Relations, Social Protection, or relevant field.
Experience: Minimum of 8 years in partnership roles related to social protection policy, financing, and programming.
Knowledge and Skills
Expertise in social protection policy, financing, and programming.
Understanding of government and corporate strategies, public policy, and influence levels.
Experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships and organizing advocacy events.
Proven ability to build long-term relationships and expand engagement across sectors and geographies.
Experience in resource mobilization, negotiations, and contract management.
Data-driven decision-making skills and external messaging development.
Innovative thinking regarding system improvements and partner intelligence platforms.
Languages
Fluent in English (level C); knowledge of Spanish, French, or Arabic is a strong asset.
Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive package based on contract type and candidate qualifications. For more information, visit the "Our work" and "Countries" sections on the WFP website.
Ref: VA No.832956
WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion. All candidates will undergo background checks. Employment is contingent on organizational needs, merit, and individual qualifications. Specific restrictions apply to certain UN bodies and officials.
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