Head of Partnerships, Reports and Communications

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 committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization operates globally, with a mission to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, living by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, providing opportunities for career advancement across its country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Head of Partnerships, Reports and Communications will play a pivotal role in leading the Partnerships, Reports and Communications (PRC) unit within WFP Malawi. This position is crucial for delivering the Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2024-2028, which aims to address urgent humanitarian needs while enhancing national systems for long-term resilience, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and social protection. The incumbent will be responsible for advising the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and senior management on strategic positioning, resource mobilization, and high-level engagement. This role requires setting team priorities and ensuring the production of high-quality partnership, reporting, and communications products. The consultant will lead a multi-functional team, manage relationships with various stakeholders, and ensure that the PRC unit effectively supports WFP's mission and objectives in Malawi.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for providing high-level strategic, managerial, and technical leadership to the PRC unit. Key accountabilities include:

• Strategic Leadership and Unit Management: Provide vision and strategic direction for partnerships, resource mobilization, donor reporting, and external communications aligned with the CSP. Manage a multi-functional team, set clear accountabilities, and ensure quality and timely delivery of outputs. Strengthen collaboration across units and clarify interfaces with other teams to support partnership and communications priorities. Represent the PRC function at senior management and UN inter-agency forums.
• Donor Relations and Resource Mobilization: Implement WFP Malawi's resource mobilization strategy, maintain a prioritized donor pipeline, and lead the development of high-level funding proposals and donor reports. Deepen relationships with traditional and non-traditional partners and oversee compliance with donor visibility requirements.
• Public Advocacy and Strategic Communications: Design and implement a strategic communications plan to enhance WFP Malawi's positioning. Provide quality assurance for multimedia content and advocacy campaigns, ensuring they demonstrate results and impact. Strengthen relationships with media and position WFP as a credible voice on food security.
• Capacity Strengthening and Systems Development: Build internal capacity in donor engagement and strategic communication through training and mentoring. Strengthen the use of corporate and digital systems to improve management and reporting processes. Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within the PRC unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in International Development, Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with additional relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. Candidates should have at least 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in partnerships, donor relations, resource mobilization, or strategic communications within international development or humanitarian contexts. Significant experience at a senior advisory or management level is required, along with demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing donor portfolios. Proven skills in donor intelligence, complex proposal development, and translating program evidence into compelling narratives are essential. Previous experience with the UN system or WFP is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as International Development, Political Science, Communications, Public Policy, or a related area. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have additional years of relevant professional experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields such as partnerships, donor relations, resource mobilization, or strategic communications. This experience should include significant roles at senior advisory or management levels, demonstrating the ability to lead teams, manage complex donor and partner portfolios, and influence senior stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in another UN language is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is a regular contract (CST II) with a duration of 11 months. The role is based in Lilongwe, Malawi, and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and multilateral institutions. The WFP offers an attractive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of an inclusive work environment. All applications must be submitted through the online recruiting system, and candidates are advised to ensure their profiles are complete and accurate. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the recruitment process.