Business Innovation Manager

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 pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for individuals recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. WFP 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 mentorship programs. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Business Innovation Manager position at WFP is crucial for managing change and promoting innovation within the organization. The role is situated within the Business Innovation Unit (BIU) and the UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA), which was established in 2015 to enhance WFP's capacity to respond to increasing demands for humanitarian assistance. The BIU/UNAA acts as the management consulting arm of WFP, composed of staff with top-tier management consulting backgrounds and UN experience. The manager will be responsible for executing business innovation projects, supporting senior leadership in prioritizing key organizational initiatives, and guiding cross-functional discussions to align on objectives and outputs. The position requires a strategic mindset to develop new strategies and innovative projects that can effectively address the challenges faced by WFP in delivering humanitarian assistance. The role also involves engaging with various stakeholders across the UN system and contributing to the implementation of UN reform initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Innovation Manager will be responsible for the execution of business innovation projects, which includes managing priorities set by the BIU/UNAA. Key responsibilities include supporting senior leadership on organizational initiatives, guiding discussions to align on objectives, and providing analytical and project management support. The manager will also be involved in the UN Reform/UN80 initiative, contributing to inter-agency projects and performing data analyses to drive high-priority work packages. Additional responsibilities include supporting knowledge management reviews, supervising junior staff, and providing project support based on the pipeline of new projects contracted during the contract period. The manager will be expected to deliver high-quality written materials, including presentations and reports, and to engage with stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Business Innovation Manager position should possess a degree in business, economics, or engineering, with a preference for those with advanced degrees. The role requires approximately 7 years of progressively responsible experience in business or international relations, with a strong emphasis on management consulting or innovative finance. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop new strategies and innovative projects, possess strong analytical skills, and have experience with optimization processes. A collaborative spirit is essential for liaising with diverse stakeholders, and candidates should exhibit excellent time management skills, self-motivation, and a commitment to the aims of the UN World Food Programme.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Business Innovation Manager position includes a degree in business, economics, or engineering. Advanced degrees in these fields are preferred, as they provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of business innovation and management within a humanitarian context. Candidates should have a solid understanding of economic principles and business strategies that can be applied to the challenges faced by WFP.

Experience:
The position requires about 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a business or international relations-related role. Candidates should have substantial experience in management consulting or innovative finance, demonstrating a track record of successfully managing projects and initiatives that drive organizational change and innovation. Additional work experience in related fields is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to contribute effectively to WFP's mission.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for the Business Innovation Manager position. Knowledge of a second UN language is considered a plus, as it can facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the UN system. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders from various cultural backgrounds, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The Business Innovation Manager position is based in Rome, Italy, with a contract duration of 6-11 months. WFP supports visa applications for successful candidates, ensuring a smooth transition to the role. The position is full-time, and WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. WFP does not charge any fees during the application process, and candidates are advised to apply through the online recruitment system.