Partnership and Compliance Officer P3

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 extreme weather shocks. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions globally. WFP's mission is to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, and it is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global peace and humanitarian efforts. The organization fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs, and offers a career path that spans across country, regional, and global offices.

Job Overview:
The Partnership and Compliance Officer at WFP plays a crucial role in facilitating the conclusion of contribution agreements and ensuring compliance with complex contractual conditions. This position is based in the Brussels Global Office and reports directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director. The officer will provide specialist advice and support to WFP Country Offices, Regional Offices, and Headquarters units to strengthen relations with the European Union (EU) and enhance fundraising opportunities. The role involves participating in negotiations for contribution agreements managed by relevant European Commission services, ensuring that outcomes are advantageous for WFP. The officer will also be responsible for developing and maintaining effective working relationships with EU representatives, preparing briefing materials for senior management, and providing technical guidance on EU legal matters and compliance of contribution agreements. This position requires a deep understanding of EU policies and the regulatory frameworks governing EU-UN agreements, as well as the ability to represent WFP in various donor meetings and inter-agency collaborations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide specialist advice and support to WFP Country Offices, Regional Offices, and concerned units at Headquarters to strengthen relations with the European Union and increase fundraising opportunities from DG INTPA, DG MENA, and FPI.
• Support and participate in negotiations for contributions agreements centrally managed by relevant European Commission services, ensuring alignment with WFP’s internal policies and the EC-UN Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA).
• Guide and support WFP Country Offices and Regional Offices in the negotiation, management, and reporting of contributions agreements with EU Delegations, ensuring compliance with WFP’s internal regulations and the FAFA.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with EU representatives and represent WFP in regular donor meetings organized by EU institutions.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior management meetings and engagements with EU institutions, providing clear recommendations for fundraising strategies.
• Provide technical guidance on EU legal matters and ensure compliance of contribution agreements with the EC-UN FAFA and WFP’s internal rules and regulations.
• Coordinate WFP inputs and follow-up actions in periodic meetings of the EU-UN FAFA Working Group and the Joint Technical Reference Group of the FAFA.
• Act as the main focal point within the Brussels Global Office for EU financial verifications and compliance/risk-related matters, facilitating dialogue with relevant European Commission services.
• Supervise and guide assigned staff in budget preparation and financial reporting of EU contributions, ensuring proper administration and monitoring within WFP’s corporate systems. 1
• Provide training to WFP staff on the management of EU contributions and compliance with EU contractual requirements, preparing relevant training materials and guidance documents.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University degree in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, European Studies, or International Development; OR a first university degree with additional years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum five years of relevant professional work experience in partnership roles, with at least four years dealing with EU institutions, policies, oversight, and legal frameworks.
• Proven experience in negotiating and managing EU contracts and financial verifications, with excellent knowledge of EU development policies and working modalities.
• Experience in training and developing training materials on donor policies and contractual requirements.
• Proven experience in fundraising, negotiations, and public relations/advocacy, along with solid communication and interpersonal skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Law, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, European Studies, or International Development. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of international relations and compliance with EU regulations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience, with at least four years specifically focused on dealing with EU institutions, policies, oversight, and legal frameworks. Candidates should have proven experience in negotiating and managing EU contracts, as well as experience in fundraising and public relations. Experience in training and developing training materials is also highly desirable, along with the ability to manage teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory, with a required proficiency level of C. Additionally, candidates should have an intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, which are considered beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement, although this position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning incumbents will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. Selected candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. Candidates will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.