Partnerships Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, reaching more than 150 million people each year, and works with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, and the private sector to improve nutrition and build resilience against crises. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has a strong focus on creating a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its 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 personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Officer position at WFP Rwanda is crucial for supporting the strategic positioning and resource mobilization efforts of the organization. This role involves developing, managing, and growing strategic partnerships that align with national priorities and the Zero Hunger initiative. The officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, and private sector actors, to ensure that WFP presents coherent and context-specific value propositions. The position requires strong coordination with program, supply chain, and technical units to effectively engage partners and mobilize resources. The officer will also contribute to the development of partner-specific engagement strategies and assist in translating program activities into compelling messaging tailored to different audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Partnership Portfolio Development & Positioning: Implement WFP Rwanda’s Partnerships and Resourcing Strategy, focusing on priority donors and government institutions. Develop partner-specific engagement strategies aligned with Rwanda’s policy agenda. Translate program activities into clear value propositions for different audiences.
• Donor Engagement & Resource Mobilization: Identify and track funding opportunities across various partners. Prepare high-quality proposals, concept notes, and donor reports, ensuring alignment with corporate standards. Maintain accurate partner intelligence and pipeline tracking using corporate systems.
• Government & Policy Engagement Support: Provide analytical support to strengthen WFP’s positioning with the Government of Rwanda. Contribute to briefing materials that align WFP programs with national strategies. Monitor and analyze the policy environment to identify engagement opportunities.
• Strategic Communications & Visibility: Support the implementation of the communications strategy by developing evidence-based messaging for external audiences. Prepare briefing notes and visibility materials for senior management. Ensure partner visibility requirements are met.
• Partnership Management & Coordination: Manage day-to-day partnerships, tracking deliverables and compliance requirements. Engage with internal units for coherent partner engagement. Facilitate coordination with UN agencies and NGOs for joint initiatives.
• Analysis, Insights & Innovation: Analyze partner trends and funding patterns to inform strategic decision-making. Develop innovative partnership approaches, including blended financing and private sector opportunities.
• Risk Monitoring & Preparedness: Monitor partnership and funding risks, contributing to mitigation measures. Support preparedness and response efforts, including developing partner-facing materials in emergencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in partnerships, program management, policy engagement, communications, or business development. They should have demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government institutions and development partners. Experience in resource mobilization and strategic initiatives is essential, as is the ability to translate technical work into clear messaging for various audiences. Familiarity with multi-sectoral work environments and the ability to collaborate across teams is also 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 may be accepted.

Experience:
At least three years of relevant professional experience in partnerships, resource mobilization, communications, or related fields is necessary. Candidates should have experience engaging with diverse stakeholders and contributing to resource mobilization efforts, including the preparation of proposals and reports.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory (level C). Knowledge of French or another UN/WFP working language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Fixed Term contract at the NOB grade, based in Kigali, Rwanda, with a duration of 12 months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. 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 applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system.