Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

• 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 nutritious food.

The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports organization-wide efforts to meet resource needs at both corporate and country levels through active engagement with governments and public sector institutions. The Thematic Team, created in 2021, aims to advance WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolio through systematic and strategic fundraising for thematic and development activities, which requires a different approach than fundraising for humanitarian work.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

WFP is seeking to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection, based in the Global Partner Countries Division at Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

JOB PURPOSE

WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions to finance its projects. Relationships with public sector fundraising partners are crucial in supporting projects that save and change lives globally.

Fundraising for the thematic agenda from development partners is gaining momentum following the approval of WFP’s Strategic Plan. This requires targeted, cross-departmental strategies and specific knowledge in social protection financing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan on social protection to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships aligned with WFP’s strategic objectives. This includes organizing joint actions such as thematic discussions, events, and publications.
2. Position WFP with partners by developing donor engagement materials tailored to individual audiences, aligning with policy dialogues at national and global levels; support internal coherence in partner engagement.
3. Guide functional units, Regional Bureaux, and Country Offices on partnership strategies for social protection. Support partnership management, proposal writing, and best practices; update programming portfolios and funding needs.
4. Maintain updated donor intelligence on social protection and promote the use of key information systems within WFP.
5. Coordinate the Social Protection Trust Fund, ensuring donor relations and reporting meet requirements.
6. Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio by profiling partners, analyzing data, and updating outreach plans to maximize resources and opportunities for collaboration.
7. Support corporate dialogue with partners through high-level consultations, highlighting strategic opportunities and issues to senior management, and providing recommendations via briefs and cheat sheets.
8. Assist in designing large or complex partnership proposals, negotiate strategic agreements/MOUs, and ensure partner visibility and compliance with conditions.
9. Support WFP’s positioning of the social protection portfolio vis-à-vis national governments and international institutions, based on socio-political insights, donor interests, and engagement strategies.
10. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Advanced University degree in International Development, Economics, International Relations, Social Protection, or relevant fields.

Experience: Minimum of eight years in partnership roles.

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, negotiation, and providing strategic advice.
• Data-driven decision-making skills and external messaging expertise.
• Contributions to 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 package based on contract type and qualifications.

Visit “Our work” and “Countries” on WFP’s website for more information.

Ref. : VA No.832956

WFP is committed to an inclusive, harassment-free work environment. All candidates will undergo background and reference checks. Employment is not offered to members of UN oversight bodies within three years of service.

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