Special Assistant to the Country Director

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 is dedicated to ensuring that people are at the heart of its operations, fostering a diverse, committed, skilled, and high-performing workforce that operates in a healthy and inclusive environment. The organization is guided by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it works closely with various partners to make a significant impact on the lives of those it serves. WFP has a global presence, operating in numerous countries and employing thousands of individuals who are passionate about humanitarian assistance. The organization also emphasizes personal and professional development through training, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities, making it an attractive workplace for individuals looking to make a difference in the world.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director will play a crucial role in supporting the Country Director and Deputy Country Director in their strategic decision-making processes. This position requires the preparation of strategic briefing materials, talking points, analytical notes, presentations, and background papers for senior management engagements. The consultant will analyze and synthesize information from various units within the organization to facilitate informed decision-making. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the preparation and follow-up of leadership meetings, donor engagements, and strategic discussions, ensuring that all necessary materials are prepared and delivered on time. The consultant will also be responsible for drafting meeting summaries, decision notes, action trackers, and executive correspondence, as well as supporting corporate reporting requirements. This position is designed for individuals who can contribute to strengthening knowledge management and internal communication practices within the Country Office, while also providing ad hoc analytical and executive support as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Special Assistant to the Country Director include:

• Preparing strategic briefing materials, talking points, analytical notes, presentations, and background papers for senior management engagements.
• Analyzing and synthesizing information from various units to facilitate strategic decision-making.
• Coordinating the preparation, organization, and follow-up of leadership meetings, donor engagements, and strategic discussions.
• Drafting meeting summaries, decision notes, action trackers, and executive correspondence.
• Supporting corporate reporting requirements, including Country Strategic Plan reporting and annual reporting exercises.
• Facilitating cross-functional coordination to ensure timely delivery of high-quality inputs and coherent organizational messaging.
• Documenting key findings and recommendations from field visits and stakeholder consultations.
• Contributing to knowledge management and internal communication practices within the Country Office.
• Providing ad hoc analytical, coordination, and executive support services as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the position include an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or International Development. Alternatively, a first university degree with an additional two years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should possess at least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as strategic planning, programme management, development cooperation, humanitarian operations, policy analysis, or executive support. Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, government institutions, and NGOs is essential. Candidates must demonstrate experience in supporting senior-level decision-making through strategic analysis and reporting, as well as preparing high-quality reports and presentations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Business Administration, or International Development. A first university degree with additional relevant professional experience may also be considered. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and development cooperation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic planning, programme management, development cooperation, humanitarian operations, policy analysis, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, UN agencies, government institutions, and NGOs is highly desirable. The ability to support senior-level decision-making through strategic analysis and reporting is essential, as is experience in preparing high-quality reports and presentations.

Languages:
Professional working proficiency in English (oral and written) is required, with a demonstrated ability to draft high-quality reports and correspondence. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an International Consultant Level I contract, with a duration of 11 months, which may be extendable subject to funding availability and successful performance. The role is based in Cairo, Egypt, and candidates should be aware that the recruitment process will adhere to WFP's consultant recruitment provisions. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees in connection with the application process, and all applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system.