Partnerships Officer - Global Philanthropy

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of achieving Zero Hunger. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions within the organization. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries alike.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer - Global Philanthropy will play a crucial role within the Private Sector Partnerships (PSP) division of WFP, focusing on developing and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and philanthropic organizations. This position is integral to the newly established Global Philanthropy team, which aims to enhance WFP's fundraising capabilities and expand its network of philanthropic supporters. The officer will be responsible for the full lifecycle of partnerships, from identifying potential philanthropists to engaging them in meaningful ways that align with WFP's mission of achieving Zero Hunger. The role requires a strategic approach to business development, with an emphasis on creating tailored engagement strategies that resonate with the values and motivations of potential partners. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with various teams within WFP to ensure that philanthropic investments lead to measurable impacts in hunger relief efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Officer will be tasked with leading the creation and execution of a comprehensive Business Development Strategy and Workplan aimed at identifying and prioritizing high-value prospects. Key responsibilities include developing engagement and outreach strategies for cultivating relationships with potential partners, providing strategic advice to WFP management on enhancing the philanthropic pipeline, and growing the list of HNWI prospects sustainably. The officer will also support the launch of a philanthropic club focused on WFP's mission, liaise with technical and field-based colleagues to design innovative programs leveraging philanthropic investments, and lead high-level cultivation opportunities through events and conferences. Additionally, the officer will maintain Salesforce records, deliver biannual forecasting exercises, and ensure that communication materials effectively convey WFP's mission to potential partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in developing and negotiating bespoke partnerships with HNWIs and Family Foundations. A proven track record of cultivating relationships at the highest levels, securing significant donations, and delivering sustained revenue growth is essential. The officer should possess extensive experience in new business development, including research, proposal preparation, and negotiation with potential partners. Familiarity with the humanitarian and development sectors, as well as experience in the banking sector, is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, project management capabilities, and strategic thinking are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A first university degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development Economics, Marketing Communications, or a related field is required. A master's degree is desirable, reflecting a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in global philanthropy and partnership development.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in global philanthropy partnership development and management, with a strong background in financial services. Experience in the humanitarian or development sector is a plus, as it provides valuable context for the role's responsibilities and objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, and is classified as a CST II contract type. The role involves full-time engagement with the potential for international collaboration across WFP's global offices. The organization offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.