Localization Specialist

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 recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. WFP's mission is centered around the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Localization Specialist position at WFP is a consultant-level role focused on implementing the Localization Policy approved by WFP’s Executive Board in June 202

• This policy emphasizes the importance of placing local and national actors at the forefront of humanitarian responses, recognizing them as leaders rather than mere partners. The role involves providing technical leadership and coordination to enhance the engagement of community-based organizations (CBOs) in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition initiatives. The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that WFP's humanitarian and development efforts are responsive to the unique needs of affected populations. The position requires a deep understanding of localization principles and the ability to navigate complex partnerships with local NGOs, community groups, and government entities. The specialist will also contribute to the development of corporate guidance and frameworks that facilitate effective collaboration with CBOs, ensuring that their voices and needs are prioritized in WFP's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Localization Specialist will be responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of Objective 2 of the Localization Policy, which focuses on strengthening engagement with community-based organizations as technical partners in food security and nutrition. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the implementation of key activities related to CBO engagement, providing technical advice, and coordinating with relevant divisions to adapt corporate frameworks for effective partnerships.
• Consolidating lessons learned from pilot activities across multiple country offices and developing corporate guidance based on these insights.
• Advising country offices on strategies to enhance CBO engagement and conducting studies to strengthen WFP's partnerships with these organizations.
• Supporting the implementation of Objective 4, which aims to amplify the influence of local actors in shaping policies and operations.
• Developing guidance in collaboration with global and country offices to enhance representation and visibility of CBOs in national and international mechanisms.
• Contributing to communications, funding proposals, and broader coordination tasks as assigned by the Localization Coordinator.
• Ensuring that gender, protection, and inclusion perspectives are integrated into all areas of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Development, Economics, Social Science, or a related field relevant to international development assistance. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of postgraduate professional experience in international development or humanitarian work is required, with at least 3 years of international experience. Candidates should have demonstrated experience working with community-based organizations, particularly those that are women-led, support people with disabilities, or are refugee-led. Experience within an international organization, particularly in partner management or grant management, is also essential. Strong knowledge of community-based organizations, their operational dynamics, and challenges is crucial, along with skills in navigating partnerships and managing grants in a donor-funded environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in fields such as International Development, Economics, Social Science, or other relevant disciplines that align with international development assistance. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of humanitarian work and the operational frameworks within which WFP operates.

Experience:
The Localization Specialist should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in an international context. This experience should include working with community-based organizations and engaging in humanitarian or development settings. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful partnerships and project management within international organizations, showcasing their ability to navigate complex environments and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C (International Professional). Knowledge of additional languages such as French or Spanish is considered an asset but is not required for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultant-level role with a contract duration of 11 months. The role is based in Rome, Italy, and offers an opportunity to work within a highly inclusive and multicultural environment. 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, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.