Regional and Country Support 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 over 60 years ago, WFP operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to the principles of integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion. WFP's mission is to ensure that no child goes hungry and that every individual has access to nutritious food, particularly in times of crisis. The organization has received global recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, for its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media for updates.

Job Overview:
The Regional and Country Support Officer position is a consultancy role within the School Meals, Social Protection and Nutrition Service (PRGS) of WFP's Programme Division. The primary focus of this role is to support the School Meals Coalition, which aims to enhance school meal programs globally. The officer will facilitate regional dialogues and peer-to-peer exchanges among countries, assisting governments in developing and implementing their national commitments to school meal programs. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including WFP Country and Regional offices, government entities, and partners, to ensure effective communication and successful outcomes for regional events. The officer will also be responsible for managing event logistics, developing budgets, and documenting best practices to support the Coalition's objectives. This role is crucial in advancing the Coalition's mission to ensure every child has access to a healthy meal in school, thereby improving educational access and health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional and Country Support Officer include:

• Developing activities that support regional networks and initiatives in collaboration with WFP Country and Regional offices and government stakeholders.
• Leading discussions with selected regional bodies and WFP offices to enhance engagement and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
• Acting as the main focal point for selected regional bodies and networks within the School Meals Coalition.
• Identifying and cultivating potential regional champions to support the Coalition's agenda.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes for regional dialogues and events, including content design and event dynamics.
• Supporting WFP offices in planning and executing regional events, including drafting invitations and managing logistics.
• Developing and managing event budgets to ensure cost-effective solutions.
• Coordinating with advocacy and communication teams on messaging and materials.
• Gathering information for reporting and strategic purposes, including participant analysis and event outcomes. 1
• Documenting tools and best practices to aid WFP offices in organizing regional dialogues. 1
• Supporting the integration of regional agendas into global meetings of the School Meals Coalition. 1
• Assisting countries in developing and revising commitments to the Coalition based on policy consultations. 1
• Performing additional duties as required to support regional networks.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Regional and Country Support Officer position include:

• An advanced university degree in Social or Political Science, International Relations, Public Relations, Communications, or a relevant field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in development programs, partnerships, and advocacy.
• A proven track record of successfully executing events in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Good knowledge of school meals and an understanding of the landscape of partners involved in school meal programs.
• Excellent writing skills and strong project management capabilities.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A collaborative spirit, capable of liaising with diverse individuals across different cultures and levels.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Social or Political Science, International Relations, Public Relations, or Communications. Alternatively, a first university degree may be acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant work experience and/or specialized training or courses.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of related experience in development programs, partnerships, and advocacy. Candidates should have a proven history of executing successful events in collaboration with various stakeholders, demonstrating strong project management and organizational skills.

Languages:
Fluency in written English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French and/or Spanish is highly desirable, as it will enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners involved in school meal programs.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is based in Rome, Italy, and is expected to last for a duration of 11 months. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with international stakeholders. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which can be referenced in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.