Partnerships Associate SC6

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 received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Associate SC6 position at WFP involves a critical role in enhancing the organization's partnerships and resource mobilization efforts. The incumbent will report to the Head of Partnerships, Communication, and Reports, and will be expected to operate with a high level of independence while contributing to the development of strategic partnerships. This role is essential in supporting WFP's mission to provide innovative, sustainable solutions to food security challenges, particularly in Zambia, where the organization is implementing a new five-year Country Strategic Plan (CSP). The Partnerships Associate will engage with public and private partners, conduct partner profiling, and support the execution of partnership initiatives aligned with WFP’s strategic goals. The position requires collaboration with various units within the organization to ensure effective implementation of the partnerships and resource mobilization work plan, ultimately contributing to the achievement of national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for the Partnerships Associate include:

• Partnership Coordination & Portfolio Management: Liaising with public and private partners, conducting regular partner profiling, and maintaining an up-to-date overview of WFP’s partnership landscape.
• Work Plan Implementation: Collaborating with Programme units and enabling teams to implement the partnerships and resource mobilization work plan in line with strategic objectives.
• Donor Intelligence and Prospection: Monitoring existing and emerging partners, gathering intelligence to maximize engagement and resource mobilization opportunities, and recommending potential new partners.
• Innovative Financing Initiatives: Identifying and exploring non-traditional funding opportunities, integrating these into WFP’s partnership strategy.
• Data Analysis for Resource Expansion: Utilizing data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for expanding support from partners.
• Grant Proposal Writing: Leading the drafting of high-quality funding proposals and ensuring alignment with WFP’s program needs.
• Strategic Planning and Alignment: Contributing to the development of the Partnerships Unit’s strategies and action plans.
• Donor Stewardship: Ensuring effective stewardship of existing donors through regular communication and addressing requests or concerns promptly.
• Performing any other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree in Political Science, International Development, Business Development, Development Economics, International Relations, or a related field. A first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. Candidates should possess a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, or a related role. Experience in managing donor relations, fundraising processes, grant proposal writing, and donor reporting is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a basic understanding of innovative financing strategies and the ability to develop effective relationships with partners.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Development, Business Development, Development Economics, or International Relations. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of related work experience and/or training may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of partnerships and resource mobilization in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required for this position. Candidates should have experience in partnership management, resource mobilization, and related roles, with a strong emphasis on managing donor relations and fundraising processes. Experience in grant proposal writing and donor reporting is highly desirable, as is familiarity with innovative financing strategies and the ability to work effectively in multicultural teams.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within WFP and is essential for effective collaboration and reporting.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Lusaka, Zambia. The deadline for applications is set for 7 September 2026 at 23:59 hours Zambian Time. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization does not charge any fees for applications or recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment.