Job Title: Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection
Type of Contract: International Consultancy
Division: Global Partner Countries – Thematic Team
Duty Station (City, Country): Rome HQ, Italy – would involve some travel
Duration: 5 months – with possibility for extension
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT :
ABOUT WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.
The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports organization-wide efforts to meet resource needs at corporate and country levels through active engagement with governments and public sector institutions. Within GPC, the Thematic Team was created in 2021 to advance WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolio through more systematic and strategic fundraising for thematic and development activities, requiring a different approach than fundraising for WFP’s humanitarian work.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
WFP is seeking to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection, based at the headquarters in Rome, Italy.
JOB PURPOSE
WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions to finance its projects. Relationships with fundraising partners from the public sector are pivotal in supporting WFP projects that save and change the lives of millions worldwide.
Fundraising for the thematic agenda from development partners is gaining momentum following the approval of WFP’s Strategic Plan. Such fundraising requires a targeted, cross-departmental strategy that demands specific knowledge and skills, particularly in social protection financing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan on social protection, enabling WFP to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships aligned with WFP’s strategic objectives. This includes identifying common agendas with government donors and organizing joint actions such as thematic discussions, events, and publications.
Position WFP with partners on its value proposition in social protection, develop donor engagement materials tailored to individual partner audiences, and support internal coherence across the organization.
Guide units, regional bureaux, and country offices on partnership strategies, providing support on partnership management, proposal writing, and best practices. Update social protection portfolios and funding needs.
Maintain up-to-date donor intelligence on social protection and promote the use of key information systems within WFP.
Assist in coordinating the Social Protection Trust Fund, ensuring donor relations and reporting are managed effectively.
Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio proactively, including partner profiling, data analysis, and outreach planning to maximize resources and opportunities for collaboration.
Support corporate dialogue with partners through high-level consultations, highlighting strategic opportunities and issues, and presenting recommendations to senior management.
Contribute to designing large/complex partnership proposals, negotiations on partnership agreements, and ensure partner visibility and compliance with conditions.
Support positioning of WFP’s social protection portfolio with national governments and international institutions, based on socio-political understanding and donor insights.
Perform other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE :
Education :
Advanced university degree in International Development, Economics, International Relations, Social Protection, or a related field.
Experience :
Minimum of eight years in partnership roles, with expertise in social protection policy, financing, and programming.
Knowledge and Skills :
Experience and 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.
Organized advocacy and positioning events.
Experience in expanding engagement across sectors and geographies.
Resource mobilization, negotiation, and resource strategy development skills.
Data-driven decision-making capabilities.
External messaging, briefing, and stakeholder communication skills.
Innovation in system improvements and partner intelligence platforms.
Languages :
Fluency in English (level C). Knowledge of Spanish, French, or Arabic is a strong asset.
Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive compensation package based on contract type and qualifications.
Visit WFP’s website for more information about our work and countries.
Ref. : VA No.832956
All employment decisions are merit-based. WFP is committed to an inclusive workplace and conducts background checks. Candidates from UN oversight bodies are not eligible for employment under this contract.
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