Business Innovation Consultant

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 who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. WFP's vision emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and a healthy work environment, where employees are selected based on merit and are encouraged to contribute to the organization's goals. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization is committed to fostering a multicultural workplace that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Business Innovation Consultant position at WFP is designed to support the organization's efforts in managing change and promoting innovation within its operations. The role is situated within the Business Innovation Unit (BIU) and the UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA), which was established in 2015 to act as the management consulting arm of WFP. The consultant will be responsible for executing business innovation projects that align with WFP's strategic priorities, particularly in response to the increasing demand for humanitarian assistance. The consultant will collaborate with senior leadership to prioritize key organizational initiatives, provide analytical and project management support, and coordinate with initiative owners to drive implementation forward. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to significant organizational changes and improvements within WFP and the broader UN system, focusing on end-to-end solutions that include problem assessment, data analysis, operational model design, and change plan implementation monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Innovation Consultant will be tasked with executing various business innovation projects, which may include the following responsibilities:

• Collaborating with senior leadership to identify and prioritize key organizational initiatives and providing analytical support to facilitate decision-making.
• Coordinating with initiative owners to drive the implementation of projects forward, ensuring alignment with WFP's strategic goals.
• Supporting the UN Reform/UN80 initiatives by participating in inter-agency project teams and exploring potential collaborations with sister agencies.
• Conducting internal analyses on service delivery effectiveness and efficiency, reviewing current service approaches, and supporting pilot launches as needed.
• Contributing to communication efforts related to UN Reform/UN80 and supporting knowledge management reviews to share best practices across the organization.
• Assisting with additional support requests as required by the BIU/UNAA, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Business Innovation Consultant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A degree in business, economics, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in a business or international relations-related position, with at least 2 years of experience in management consulting or innovative finance being required.
• Strong analytical abilities, both quantitative and qualitative, with proficiency in advanced Excel analysis and the ability to produce high-quality written materials, including presentations and reports.
• Experience with optimization processes in areas such as strategic planning, sourcing, logistics, finance, and performance management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different cultures.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to plan ahead, anticipate challenges, and manage competing priorities successfully.
• A self-motivated attitude, capable of working autonomously or as part of a team, and a commitment to achieving the aims of the UN World Food Programme.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Business Innovation Consultant position includes a preference for candidates holding a degree in business, economics, engineering, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of business operations and the innovative strategies that WFP seeks to implement in its humanitarian efforts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have approximately 2 years of progressively responsible experience in a business or international relations-related role. This experience should include at least 2 years in management consulting or innovative finance, providing the candidate with the necessary skills and insights to contribute effectively to WFP's mission and objectives. Additional work experience in related fields is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Languages:
Candidates must have a high proficiency in written and spoken English, as this is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of a second UN language is considered a plus, as it can facilitate collaboration and engagement with diverse teams and partners across the UN system.

Additional Notes:
The Business Innovation Consultant position is based in Rome, Italy, and is expected to last between 6 to 11 months. WFP supports visa applications for successful candidates, ensuring a smooth transition to the role. The organization emphasizes its commitment to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, WFP does not charge any fees for application or recruitment processes, and candidates are encouraged to apply through the official online recruitment system. The position offers an attractive compensation package, details of which can be found in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.