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 alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer will play a crucial role in managing the USDA McGovern-Dole portfolio or the US Food for Peace programs. This position involves providing strategic oversight and direct management of a team, ensuring effective coordination across various country portfolios. The officer will lead resource mobilization efforts, develop and execute strategies to support program growth, and strengthen partnerships with USDA. The role also includes ensuring compliance with operational guidelines, enhancing staff capacity through training, and managing grants and financial oversight. The Partnerships Officer will be expected to engage with donors, optimize processes, and build capacity within the organization to ensure effective program implementation and compliance with donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership and Supervision: Provide strategic direction for the USDA McGovern-Dole portfolio or US Food for Peace programs, ensuring effective coordination across WFP offices. Manage a portfolio of countries and supervise a team, fostering a culture of accountability and performance. Address performance issues proactively and support professional development.
• Resource Mobilization and Strategic Planning: Lead the design and management of resource mobilization processes, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. Coordinate the development and submission of proposals, ensuring high-quality submissions.
• Donor Engagement and Partnership Development: Build and maintain relationships with USDA and other partners, ensuring effective communication of program risks and opportunities. Coordinate donor meetings and provide technical support for donor deliverables.
• Compliance, Process Optimization, and Capacity Building: Develop guidance and SOPs to support compliance with USDA donor agreements. Deliver training on compliance topics and provide technical support for grant management.
• Grants and Financial Management: Provide technical support on grants and financial systems, assist in developing project budgets, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. Monitor expenditures and maintain internal tracking databases.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree is required; a Master's Degree in International Affairs or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in partnerships or fundraising for an internationally focused organization is required.
• Knowledge & Skills: Strong experience in writing and managing grant proposals, excellent project management skills, and experience with developing and monitoring program budgets. A solid understanding of the UN system, WFP, US government agencies, and food aid policies is essential. Knowledge of USDA McGovern Dole school feeding programs or US Food for Peace programs is highly preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field, with a Master's Degree in International Affairs or a related field being highly desirable. This educational background should provide a strong foundation in international relations, humanitarian assistance, and program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, particularly in partnerships or fundraising within an internationally focused organization. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of managing complex projects and engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second UN language is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in a multicultural environment and communicate effectively with diverse partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Consultant Level II role, with a contract duration of 11 months. The role is based in Washington D.C., USA, and applicants must already have valid US work authorization, as WFP is unable to sponsor visas for this position. The compensation package is attractive and aligned with WFP consultancy rates. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.