IT Portfolio Manager Consultant

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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, which underscores its commitment to addressing hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The IT Portfolio Manager Consultant will play a crucial role in overseeing a portfolio of projects under the Digital Business Transformation Plan (DBTP) at WFP. This position is pivotal in ensuring that the IT solutions implemented bring significant value and meet the highest quality standards. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Coordinator of the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) and will be responsible for managing the delivery of projects that span across multiple business units. The role requires a strategic approach to project management, ensuring that resources, schedules, KPIs, and financials adhere to deadlines throughout the project management cycle. The consultant will also be involved in the ongoing reporting and communication with stakeholders to ensure transparency and effective decision-making. This position is integral to WFP's mission of achieving zero hunger by leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the oversight of a portfolio of complex initiatives/projects under the DBTP, including establishing a central portfolio of projects in ServiceNow, tracking business cases, risks, and delivery performance.
• Ensure clear, measurable benefits are articulated for each initiative, with ongoing tracking of benefit realization and reporting to relevant committees.
• Collaborate with the Project Management Office (PMO) to ensure objectives are met and provide visibility of the DBTP portfolio to senior management through regular reports and dashboards.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding project timelines, risks, quality, and costs, ensuring they are informed of progress and challenges.
• Capture and share lessons learned to improve future project outcomes.
• Perform other duties as required to support the Digital Transformation Office and its initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Information Technology, or related fields. Project Management education or certification is desirable. The role requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in project management, with a proven track record of managing and delivering the full cycle of projects, ideally in IT-related domains. Knowledge of portfolio and project management methodologies, including Agile/Scrum, is essential, along with experience in managing multi-vendor projects and teams. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are necessary, as well as the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and under pressure.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Additional project management education or certification is highly desirable, as it demonstrates a commitment to the principles and practices of effective project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional experience in project management, with a focus on IT-related projects. Candidates should have a proven record of managing and delivering projects throughout their entire lifecycle, showcasing their ability to lead complex initiatives and coordinate with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese is desirable, as it enhances communication within the diverse WFP environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular consultancy contract (CST) Level II, with a duration of 11 months. The role is based in Rome, Italy, and offers an attractive compensation package. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process. WFP emphasizes a commitment to an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.