Partnerships Officer

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 eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's vision emphasizes the importance of a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in an inclusive environment, living by the organization's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization is committed to ensuring effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions globally, and it actively engages with partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer plays a crucial role in positioning WFP as a partner of choice for the Kyrgyz Government and development partners. This position is integral to attracting policy support, resources, technical assistance, and innovative solutions that advance collaborative efforts among the Government, partners, and WFP. The officer will support the Government in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Zero Hunger initiative, ensuring that WFP's contributions are effectively integrated into national policies and systems. The role requires a proactive approach to establishing strategic partnerships, advocating for WFP's mission, and facilitating policy dialogues that align with WFP's strategic objectives. The Partnerships Officer will also be responsible for managing staff, providing coaching and guidance, and ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Position WFP as a preferred partner for the Kyrgyz Government by supporting policy development, legislative changes, and evidence generation aligned with WFP's strategic objectives.
• Build strong relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, and development partners to identify partnership opportunities for the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) implementation.
• Advocate for WFP's mission through policy dialogues and facilitate the integration of WFP programs into national policies and systems.
• Coordinate among WFP, UN agencies, and development partners on strategic issues, highlighting opportunities and proposing actions to nurture trust in WFP's work.
• Prepare partnership proposals, strategic agreements, and joint strategies, ensuring compliance with corporate norms and external regulations.
• Lead the management of cooperating partners, including due diligence and coordination with Operational Partnerships in Global HQ.
• Support the development of partnerships with the Kyrgyz Government and civil society to advocate for the SDGs and advance WFP priorities.
• Manage and mentor staff to ensure high performance and development.
• Incorporate gender perspectives in all work areas to promote equal participation. 1
• Contribute to preparedness actions and monitor risks, providing recommendations for effective management. 1
• Collaborate with the office team to deliver CSP results collectively. 1
• Perform additional tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good understanding of government and corporate strategies, with significant experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships. They should have a proven track record in exploring new opportunities and designing solutions with partners. Experience in managing resource mobilization processes and negotiating contracts is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to create unique value propositions for partners and utilize technology for data collection and analysis. A strong background in team management, fostering an inclusive work environment, and promoting gender balance is required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, 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 five years of relevant professional work experience in partnership roles, donor relations, development, humanitarian assistance, or related fields is required. Candidates should have experience in managing partnerships and resource mobilization processes.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written communication in English is mandatory, with proficiency in the local languages (Russian or Kyrgyz) considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities and international organizations. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are based on merit and organizational needs.