Business innovation manager

Organizational context: The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building pathways to peace and prosperity. In response to unprecedented emergencies, WFP must innovate and find new ways of working to maximize resource impact. The Business Innovation Unit (BIU)/UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA) serves as WFP's internal management consulting arm, driving change and promoting innovative solutions across the UN system.

Job purpose: The Business Innovation Manager will play a crucial role in driving organizational change and fostering innovation within WFP and the broader UN system. This position involves executing high-impact business innovation projects, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on strategic initiatives, and contributing to UN reform efforts. The manager will lead project work streams or small projects, conducting in-depth data analysis, designing operational models, and developing implementation plans. Responsibilities include supporting UN Reform/UN80 initiatives, guiding inter-agency collaboration, and contributing to knowledge management. The role requires strong analytical, project management, and collaborative skills to deliver end-to-end solutions that enhance WFP's effectiveness in addressing global humanitarian challenges.

Responsibilities:
The Business Innovation Manager will execute business innovation projects and contribute to overall priorities within the Business Innovation Unit (BIU)/UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA). This role involves acting as the "management consulting arm" for the World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN entities, focusing on end-to-end solutions. Responsibilities include problem assessment, data analysis, operational model design, and change plan implementation. The manager will support senior leadership on prioritizing organizational initiatives, guiding cross-functional discussions, and providing analytical and project management support. They will also act as an advisor to initiative sponsors and drive implementation. A key area of focus will be guiding UN Reform/UN80 implementation, engaging with stakeholders, performing data analyses for work packages, and contributing to communication efforts. Additionally, the role involves supporting knowledge management, sharing best practices, and potentially guiding junior staff. The manager will be responsible for the full delivery of project work streams or small projects, depending on their experience and current corporate needs. This includes ensuring alignment on objectives, activities, timelines, and outputs for various initiatives within the UN system.

Education:
A degree in business, economics, or engineering is preferred for this role.

Work

experience:
Requires approximately 7 years of progressive national and/or international experience in a business or international relations role. A minimum of 7 years of experience in management consulting or innovative finance is mandatory. Additional work experience is considered a plus.

Skills:
Business Strategy, Project Management, Data Analysis, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Process Optimization, Change Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Diplomacy, Time Management, Autonomy, Teamwork, Innovation

Required languages: English

Desired languages: English