WFP Cooperating Partners Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting hunger and providing food assistance in emergencies. Established with the mission to end hunger, achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and improve nutrition by 2030, WFP operates globally, serving millions of people in need. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger and improve conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas. WFP's commitment to humanitarian principles and its focus on building resilience in communities make it a leader in the fight against hunger and poverty.

Job Overview:
The WFP Cooperating Partners Management Officer plays a crucial role in the engagement and selection of international, national, and local NGO partners. This position is responsible for ensuring that the selection process is transparent, fair, and efficient, utilizing a standardized digital process that incorporates thorough due diligence and rigorous proposal reviews. The officer will provide strategic guidance to the Head of Programme and Activity Managers, ensuring that partnerships align with WFP's mission and objectives. The role involves coordinating the execution of partnership and contracting processes, developing tools and guidelines to resolve audit issues, and analyzing potential risks in partner engagements. The officer will also manage the operational and financial amendments of agreements, ensuring compliance with WFP's legal and financial regulations. This position requires a proactive approach to capacity building and performance assessment of cooperating partners, as well as the ability to adapt to a dynamic and challenging work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the WFP Cooperating Partners Management Officer include: administering the UN Partner Portal in coordination with UNHCR, UNICEF, and UNFPA; providing strategic guidance on partnerships; ensuring compliance with corporate standards and templates; coordinating partnership contracting processes; developing tools and guidelines to address audit issues; analyzing risks in partner engagements; preparing Expressions of Interest and Requests for Proposals; managing operational and financial amendments; coordinating due diligence and capacity assessments; supporting performance review exercises; ensuring effective use of digital systems for Cooperating Partners Management; maintaining a master database of all Cooperating Partners; producing analyses on assessment data; conducting training needs assessments; proposing capacity building plans; creating a training repository; evaluating and recommending improvements to procedures; responding to support requests; conducting field visits; and performing any other tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate integrity and professionalism, with a strong ability to apply good judgment and work independently in a politically sensitive environment. They should possess excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability to changes in the work environment is also required. Candidates should have a genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement and the UN core values.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in international relations, development studies, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, depending on the level of the position and the complexity of the tasks involved.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of several years of relevant experience in partnership management, project management, or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian contexts, particularly in challenging environments, is highly desirable. Familiarity with WFP's operational procedures and regulations will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is highly desirable, given the operational context of the Central African Republic. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in a high-risk, non-family duty station with a challenging living environment. The country has a volatile socio-political situation, and security concerns are prevalent. The role may require extensive travel within the area of operations, and candidates should be prepared for physical hardship and limited comfort. The position may involve a six-week rest and recuperation cycle, and expatriate staff typically live in private residences, which can be costly and of varying quality. Flexibility and a mature level of cultural awareness are essential for success in this role.