External Relations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives and changing lives by delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Established with the mission to combat hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security globally, WFP has been recognized for its significant contributions, including being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts in conflict-affected areas. In 2020 alone, WFP assisted 115.5 million people across 84 countries, showcasing its unparalleled reputation as an emergency responder. WFP operates with a fleet of 5,600 trucks, 30 ships, and nearly 100 planes, ensuring that food and assistance reach those in need, particularly in challenging environments. The organization focuses on emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, development aid, and special operations, with a significant portion of its work concentrated in conflict-affected countries where undernourishment is prevalent.

Job Overview:
The External Relations Officer will play a crucial role in strengthening donor relations, particularly with the Russian Federation, to support the School Feeding Programme as outlined in the WFP Country Strategic Plan (2027–2030). This position requires effective communication and strategic engagement with various stakeholders, including government counterparts, embassies, and development partners. The officer will be responsible for enhancing donor visibility and showcasing the impact of the School Feeding Programme through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. The role demands a proactive approach to resource mobilization, ensuring that WFP's objectives are met while promoting the organization's achievements and collaboration with partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support strategic donor engagement and partnership development, focusing on the Russian Federation and other partners supporting the School Feeding Programme.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with donors, government counterparts, embassies, and development partners to promote programme priorities and achievements.
• Organize donor meetings, briefings, field visits, and partnership events, supporting the implementation of donor visibility and engagement plans.
• Contribute to resource mobilization efforts through donor mapping, funding opportunity analysis, and preparation of concept notes, proposals, presentations, and partnership materials.
• Prepare donor reports, briefs, factsheets, talking points, and other information products, ensuring compliance with donor agreements and reporting requirements.
• Support advocacy, communications, and visibility activities through the development of success stories, case studies, multimedia content, events, and promotional materials.
• Assist in planning and implementing communication campaigns to enhance stakeholder awareness and engagement.
• Draft correspondence, briefing materials, speeches, and responses to stakeholder inquiries as required.
• Collect and document programme results, beneficiary stories, and field evidence to support reporting, advocacy, and visibility efforts. 1
• Ensure all communication and visibility products comply with WFP branding and donor visibility requirements. 1
• Promote WFP’s achievements, lessons learned, and best practices to strengthen the organization’s external positioning and partnerships. 1
• Collaborate with the direct supervisor to finalize a work plan outlining key objectives and activities, including regular check-ins to review progress and receive feedback.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. A background in international relations, communications, or a related field is essential. Familiarity with donor relations and resource mobilization strategies is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and a commitment to WFP's mission of combating hunger and improving food security. Proficiency in project management and strategic planning is also required, along with a strong understanding of the humanitarian landscape.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in international relations, communications, public relations, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline would be an advantage, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work and donor engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in external relations, communications, or a related field, preferably within a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or NGOs is highly valued. Proven track record in donor engagement and resource mobilization will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Russian is highly desirable, given the focus on engaging with the Russian Federation. Knowledge of Tajik or other relevant languages would be an advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer assignment, which may have specific conditions of service outlined in the provided links. The role is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, which offers a safe living environment with good infrastructure and public services. The assignment may involve full-time commitment, and the candidate should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires adaptability and proactive engagement.