Consultant for Innovative Financing Partnerships

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 as a means to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a multicultural working environment across its numerous country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Innovative Financing Partnerships will play a crucial role in transforming WFP’s approach to partnerships through innovative financing models. This position is part of WFP’s Global Partnership Strategy, which aims to protect, grow, and diversify its partnership portfolio. The consultant will focus on identifying and developing innovative financing partnerships, including blended finance and impact investments, to support WFP’s strategic objectives. This role requires a proactive approach to mapping partners, securing funding channels, and enhancing WFP’s resource base to address complex global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security challenges. The consultant will work closely with Regional Bureaus and Country Offices to develop well-informed resourcing plans and high-quality value propositions for partner engagement, ensuring that WFP can continue to deliver on its mission effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive work plan to identify, develop, and strengthen innovative financing partnerships in support of WFP’s strategic objectives.
• Contribute proactively to a partnerships portfolio, including mapping partners and maximizing resources.
• Scope and connect various partners and funding channels, including public and private sector partners and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
• Utilize data to drive business development and structure partnership models based on programmatic assessments.
• Gather and share partner intelligence using key information systems.
• Coordinate inputs from functional entities and draft quality briefs for outreach opportunities.
• Communicate with Multilateral and Programme Country Partnerships Division for stronger support to Country Offices.
• Provide inputs to partnerships strategies and develop quality proposals and reports.
• Facilitate corporate dialogue with partners and highlight strategic issues to senior managers. 1
• Support the development of a strategy for diversification areas within the region. 1
• Contribute to knowledge management activities and share best practices. 1
• Prepare quarterly progress reports on the implementation of the Corporate Critical Initiative. 1
• Other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of the Latin America and Caribbean context, including market trends and key stakeholders that support innovative financing. They should have experience in leading or developing innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended financing and impact investments. A basic understanding of government priorities and experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships is essential. Candidates should also have experience in resource mobilization processes, negotiation of contract terms, and the use of technology for data collection and analysis. Strong communication skills and the ability to create external communications and briefing materials are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in social sciences or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be accepted.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant progressive work experience in partnerships, financing for development, blended financing, impact investment, and other innovative funding mechanisms is required. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing resource mobilization processes and developing partnerships.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is crucial.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Panama City, Panama, under an International Consultancy Contract. The contract duration is 11 months, and successful candidates will be placed in a roster for two years. This role is recognized as an advisory or consultative position, and WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees during the application process and emphasizes a commitment to an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.