Business Innovation Senior Consultant

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 was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, employing a diverse workforce committed to its mission. WFP emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is dedicated to creating a healthy work environment that reflects its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The Business Innovation Senior Consultant position at WFP is designed to address the increasing demand for innovative solutions in response to global emergencies. The role is situated within the Business Innovation Unit (BIU) and the UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA), which was established in 2015 to manage change and promote innovation within WFP. The BIU/UNAA acts as the management consulting arm of WFP, composed of professionals with backgrounds in top-tier management consulting and UN experience. The consultant will be responsible for executing various business innovation projects, providing analytical and project management support, and advising senior leadership on key organizational initiatives. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams across the UN system. The consultant will also engage in inter-agency projects related to UN Reform and contribute to the development of innovative strategies that enhance WFP's operational effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Business Innovation Senior Consultant will be tasked with executing business innovation projects and supporting the overall priorities of the BIU/UNAA. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing senior leadership support by advising on the prioritization of key organizational initiatives and offering analytical and project management assistance.
• Supporting the implementation of UN Reform initiatives, including participation in inter-agency project teams and delivering on key interagency UN Reform initiatives such as the Business Operations Strategy and Global Shared Services.
• Conducting data analyses to inform high-priority UN80 work packages, including assessments related to UNCT reconfiguration and entity mergers.
• Contributing to communication efforts surrounding UN Reform and sharing best practices within the organization.
• Supporting knowledge management reviews and responding to additional requests as needed. The consultant will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs and manage competing priorities effectively, ensuring that all projects align with WFP's mission and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Business Innovation Senior Consultant position should possess a strong educational background and relevant experience. Required qualifications include:

• A degree in business, economics, or engineering is preferred.
• A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in business or international relations, with at least 4 years specifically in management consulting or innovative finance.
• Strong analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative, with the ability to perform advanced analyses in Excel and produce high-quality written materials, including presentations and reports.
• Experience in optimization processes related to strategic planning, sourcing, logistics, finance, and performance management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels and across diverse cultures.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• A self-motivated attitude and the ability to work autonomously or as part of a team, with a commitment to achieving WFP's goals.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a preference for candidates holding a degree in business, economics, or engineering. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and for contributing effectively to the innovative projects undertaken by the Business Innovation Unit.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have approximately 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a relevant field. This includes experience in management consulting or innovative finance, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of business innovation within the humanitarian context. Additional work experience in related areas is desirable, as it can enhance the candidate's ability to contribute to WFP's mission and objectives.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of a second UN language is considered a plus, as it can facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the United Nations.

Additional Notes:
The Business Innovation Senior Consultant position is based in Rome, Italy, and is expected to last between 6 to 11 months. WFP supports visa applications for successful candidates. The organization emphasizes its commitment to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. WFP does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the online recruitment system, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. The position offers an attractive compensation package, details of which can be found in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.