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 people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of extreme weather. WFP operates globally, with a mission to ensure that no one goes hungry, and it has been recognized for its efforts by being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 202

• WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization emphasizes a healthy and inclusive work environment, where employees are valued for their contributions and supported in their professional development through various training and mentorship programs. WFP operates in numerous countries, addressing food insecurity and providing humanitarian assistance to millions of people worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Special Assistant to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director plays a crucial role in the World Food Programme's South Sudan Country Office, located in Juba. This position is integral to the effective management and coordination of the Country Director's Office, serving as a central point for operational planning, analysis, and support. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Management Team and various functional units to ensure that the Country Director's priorities are met and that engagements with government authorities, UN entities, and other partners are effectively managed. The role requires high-quality operational support, including drafting briefing materials, coordinating meetings, and managing information flow. The Special Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining effective communication within the Country Office and ensuring that all actions align with WFP's strategic objectives. This position is vital for promoting accountability and facilitating timely responses to complex issues in a challenging operational environment.

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

• Strategic Coordination and Leadership Engagement Support: Prepare, review, and coordinate high-quality briefing notes, analytical briefs, talking points, speeches, correspondence, presentations, and management updates. Support senior-level stakeholder engagement by preparing strategic background documents and providing context and analysis for interactions with various partners. Attend inter-agency and governmental meetings with the Country Director, ensuring accurate records of discussions and coordinating follow-up actions.
• Operational Support for the Country Office: Coordinate and oversee the daily workflow and priorities of the Country Director’s Office, ensuring timely follow-up on assigned matters. Provide operational and cross-functional coordination support, tracking decisions and agreements from Senior Management discussions. Maintain effective working relationships across the Country Office and facilitate collaboration and information sharing. Plan and organize the Country Director’s missions, ensuring all logistical arrangements are in place. Respond to requests directed to the Country Director’s Office professionally and confidentially. Provide guidance and capacity strengthening to front-office colleagues to promote effective workflows and high-quality delivery. Ensure compliance with WFP corporate policies and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in relevant fields such as Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, or Communications. Alternatively, a first university degree (Bachelor’s) with additional relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible professional postgraduate experience in program or operational coordination, executive support, or advisory functions within the UN system or similar organizations. Experience in complex emergency or conflict-affected environments is essential, along with strong knowledge of South Sudan's socio-economic and political context. Candidates must demonstrate experience in providing strategic support to senior management and managing high-level engagements with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s) in fields such as Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, or Communications. A first university degree (Bachelor’s) with additional relevant experience is also acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and the socio-political landscape in which WFP operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in program or operational coordination, executive support, or advisory roles within the UN system or similar organizations. Operational experience in large-scale, complex, emergency, or conflict-affected environments comparable to South Sudan is required. Demonstrated experience in program implementation, supply chain operations, and cross-functional coordination is highly desirable. Candidates must also have experience providing direct support to senior executives, including preparing high-quality analytical briefs and managing complex processes involving multiple stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language or a relevant local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the operational context of South Sudan.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Juba, South Sudan, and may require travel to WFP field offices and operational locations, subject to operational and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security requirements. The contract type is International Regular Consultant Level 2 (CST-II) with a duration of 11 months, renewable based on performance and funding availability. The recruitment process may also be used to establish a roster for the same or lower grade level for possible placement at different duty stations. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.