Telecoms Preparedness & Capacity Development Consultant (LTC)

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 extreme weather. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people in need. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has a diverse workforce and is recognized for its inclusive work environment, which is reflected in its values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts worldwide. The organization invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, and it offers opportunities for career advancement across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Telecoms Preparedness & Capacity Development Consultant will play a crucial role in the Technology Division's Logistics & Telecommunications Cluster (LTC) at WFP. This position focuses on enhancing the organization's preparedness and capacity development initiatives in telecommunications, particularly in emergency situations. The consultant will be responsible for designing, delivering, and overseeing preparedness initiatives that ensure operational readiness and effective response capabilities. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including WFP country offices, regional offices, and external partners, to facilitate coordinated planning and implementation of telecommunications services during humanitarian crises. The consultant will also engage in developing technical tools and guidance materials, conducting training sessions, and ensuring that project activities align with operational realities and technical standards. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying preparedness gaps and implementing capacity strengthening measures, ultimately contributing to WFP's mission of providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Project delivery functions for preparedness and capacity development, which involve liaising with WFP country offices, regional offices, global teams, and external partners to support coordinated planning and implementation. The consultant will design and deliver meetings, workshops, and consultations related to preparedness and capacity building, prepare agendas, notes, presentations, action trackers, and follow-up documentation.
• Developing the LTC Telecoms service offer for local responders and the humanitarian community, updating technical tools and guidance materials for field-focused assessments, and developing position papers on early warning systems and AI.
• Undertaking the design, development, and rollout of preparedness and capacity building initiatives for country operations and LTC partners, including overseeing training packages for telecoms in fragile contexts.
• Providing oversight and implementation support for identifying preparedness gaps and priority actions in LTC operations, and developing lessons learned and knowledge products to inform future work.
• Any other tasks as identified by management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in disaster management, development studies, international relations, business, humanitarian affairs, telecommunications, or a related field. Previous work experience with the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills, as well as a good understanding of humanitarian preparedness and emergency response coordination. Excellent drafting skills are essential, along with strong analytical abilities and the capacity to present complex information clearly. Candidates should be able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment, and have good knowledge of relevant project tracking tools and WFP systems.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as disaster management, development studies, international relations, business, humanitarian affairs, telecommunications, or a related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and telecommunications in emergency contexts.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, learning, and capacity development, particularly in telecommunications, ICT emergency preparedness, logistics, or common services, is required. Experience managing or supporting multi-country projects in preparedness and emergency response settings is preferred. Familiarity with WFP, the UN system, humanitarian clusters, NGOs, or interagency coordination mechanisms is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates should have intermediate knowledge of a second official UN language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or another working language of WFP. Proficiency in additional languages may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a WAE (When Actually Employed) Consultant level II, with a contract duration of 11 months. The duty station is primarily remote, with frequent travel expected. The role is full-time, and WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.