Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities. WFP has a workforce that is diverse, skilled, and high-performing, and it emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. WFP is dedicated to investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities, making it an attractive workplace for those passionate about humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position is crucial for the World Food Programme's Zambia Country Office, which has recently launched a new five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP). This role involves managing and enhancing strategic partnerships to support resource mobilization efforts aligned with WFP's objectives. The incumbent will report to the Head of Partnerships, Communication, and Reports, and will be expected to operate independently on daily partnership activities. The role requires collaboration with various units within the organization to implement partnership initiatives effectively. The Partnerships Officer will also be responsible for identifying innovative financing opportunities and ensuring that WFP's partnership strategies are well-aligned with national priorities and global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Partnerships Officer include:

• Partnership Coordination & Portfolio Management: Liaising with public and private partners, conducting partner profiling, and maintaining an up-to-date overview of WFP’s partnership landscape.
• Work Plan Implementation: Collaborating with Programme units and enabling teams to implement the partnerships and resource mobilization work plan.
• Donor Intelligence and Prospection: Monitoring existing and emerging partners, gathering intelligence to maximize engagement and resource mobilization opportunities.
• Innovative Financing Initiatives: Identifying and exploring non-traditional funding opportunities and integrating them into WFP’s partnership strategy.
• Data Analysis for Resource Expansion: Utilizing data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for expanding support from partners.
• Grant Proposal Writing: Leading the drafting of funding proposals and ensuring alignment with WFP’s program needs.
• Strategic Planning and Alignment: Contributing to the development of the Partnerships Unit’s strategies and action plans.
• Donor Stewardship: Ensuring effective communication and stewardship of existing donors and partners.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree in Political Science, International Development, Business Development, Development Economics, International Relations, or a related field. A first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. Candidates should have a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, or related roles. Experience in managing donor relations, fundraising processes, and grant proposal writing is highly desirable. Candidates should also possess advanced analytical skills and the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Development, Business Development, Development Economics, or International Relations. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international development and partnership management.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, or related fields. Candidates should have experience in managing donor relations, fundraising processes, and grant proposal writing. Familiarity with innovative financing strategies and the ability to work in multicultural teams are also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is only applicable to Zambian nationals. The deadline for applications is 27th June 2025 at 23:59 hours Zambian Time. The World Food Programme is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.