Asociado Senior de programas de innovación

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 for its workforce is one of diversity, commitment, and high performance, ensuring that teams are selected based on merit and operate in an inclusive environment that reflects WFP's core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably receiving 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 encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, promoting equal employment opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Associate for Innovation Programs at WFP will play a crucial role in managing and executing innovation projects within the HZERO Innovation Hub based in Bogotá, Colombia. This position is designed to support the implementation of innovative solutions aimed at achieving zero hunger in the region. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and scaling of programs that foster innovation in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition. This includes managing incubation and acceleration processes, developing partnerships with key stakeholders, and utilizing innovative methodologies such as human-centered design and agile approaches to ensure impactful outcomes. The role requires a strategic mindset to align innovation initiatives with WFP's broader goals and to enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance delivered to vulnerable populations. The Senior Associate will also contribute to the Hub's efforts in promoting a culture of experimentation and innovation within WFP, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of addressing food security challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Strategic Management of Innovation Programs: Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the innovation portfolio, ensuring alignment with WFP's strategic priorities.
• Program Design and Methodology: Develop and refine program frameworks, intervention models, and criteria for prioritizing initiatives, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance to local contexts.
• Coordination with Partners: Facilitate collaboration with implementing partners, technical allies, and internal teams to ensure effective program execution and resource management.
• Financial Oversight: Monitor budget management and financial planning for programs, ensuring accountability and transparency in resource allocation.
• Communication and Visibility: Work with the communications team to enhance the visibility of innovation programs and document impact stories.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Lead the development of monitoring systems and reporting mechanisms to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• New Initiative Development: Contribute to the design of new innovative initiatives and funding proposals, identifying opportunities for resource mobilization and strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in managing innovation programs, entrepreneurship, or related fields. Proven experience in designing and implementing incubation and acceleration programs is essential. Familiarity with innovative methodologies such as design thinking and co-creation is required. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders effectively are crucial. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful project management and the ability to drive results in complex environments. Experience in resource mobilization and partnership development is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A minimum of secondary education is required, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree or higher in fields such as business, innovation, strategic design, project management, or related disciplines. Advanced degrees in relevant areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience in national or international contexts, specifically in leadership roles related to innovation, entrepreneurship, or project management. Experience in the humanitarian sector or development organizations is preferred, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these fields. Proven experience in managing innovation portfolios and working with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both oral and written, is mandatory. Intermediate proficiency in English is also required, as it will facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bogotá, Colombia, with a contract duration of 6 months, subject to resource availability and performance. The role is classified at the SC-7 remuneration level. WFP promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.