Consultant Programme Policy

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Special Assistant in the Office of the Chief of Staff / 
Programme Policy Officer
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Regular Consultancy Level II / 11 months 
DIVISION: Office of the Chief of Staff
DUTY STATION: Rome, Italy 
WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal 
employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply 
irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic 
information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or 
belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.
ABOUT WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency 
fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in 
our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry 
and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access 
the nutritious food they need.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The position is in the Office of the Chief of Staff (CoS). The Office provides strategic 
guidance to the Executive Director and works closely with the Leadership Group and the 
regional directors to steer the direction of the organization and ensure optimal 
performance throughout. 
JOB PURPOSE
In order to deliver on its mandate, it is essential that WFP maintains its operational 
aptitude and implements changes as required by the changing contexts, and the Office 
of the Chief of Staff plays a key role in supporting senior management.
There is a need to strengthen the Front Office setup to ensure strong communication, 
optimize processes, increase collaboration with other offices, and organizational units 
overseen by the Chief of Staff and the Executive Director.
The Special Assistant / Programme Policy Officer is part of the CoS Front Office Team, 
reports directly to the Director of the Office of the Executive Director and Office of the 
Chief of Staff, and works closely with other offices including the front office teams. The 
focus of the position is to directly support the Chief of Staff and the Director, , advising 
on matters of strategic importance and assist with the smooth operation of the office. 
TERMS OF REFERENCE 
 
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ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (not all inclusive):
1. Provide advice and guidance as appropriate to the Chief of Staff and the Director,
2. Coordinate the drafting and clearance of various strategic documents of corporate 
relevance on behalf of the Director. When appropriate, take the lead in drafting 
documents including talking points, briefing notes, analysis or background papers.
3. Keep the Chief of Staff and the Director informed on matters requiring attention and 
ensure appropriate follow-up as directed; identify possible problems, overlaps, or 
disconnects, and propose options for resolving them.
4. Conduct research, review and situation analysis of key documents relevant to the 
office. Analyze and engage in the various emerging concepts/systems/policies related 
to strategic corporate priorities, coordinate/consolidate feedback as appropriate.
5. Liaise with other relevant actors in country offices, regional bureaux and across 
headquarters on a regular basis with regards to follow up on issues, priorities and 
decisions concerning management. 
6. Assist the Chief of Staff and the Director, in the daily operations to achieve the 
objectives of the office. Ensure smooth and effective operation of the Front Office 
through planning, coordination, and supervision of daily activities and tasks.
7. Foster teamwork and communications among the staff of the Front Office team, 
coach and motivate colleagues as needed to ensure individual and team objectives 
are met.
8. Act as the focal point for coordinating meetings/retreats and for follow-up actions.
9. Undertake special assignments and lead initiatives of strategic importance as 
requested by the Chief of Staff and the Director, 
10. Ensure that confidentiality on all subject matters is maintained as required.
11. Perform other related duties and assignments as and when required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Advanced university degree in development studies, international relations, public 
administration, business administration, economics, social sciences, international law, or 
related field.
Knowledge and Skills:
A minimum of five years of professional experience, including relevant work experience 
in the United Nations system, other international organizations, NGOs, or with donor 
governments, focusing on humanitarian and/or development issues. Experience 
providing support and oversight at an executive level in international organizations or 
national governments is considered a strong asset. Experience with high-level 
TERMS OF REFERENCE 
 
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engagement on international political, humanitarian or development matters is
considered an asset. Field experience in humanitarian and development contexts as well 
as donor capital experience is also considered an asset. 

• Strong planning, prioritization, coordination, and organizational skills. 

• Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity, and diplomatic skills. 

• Ability to provide information, tools, resources to support work achievement. 

• Strong interpersonal skills. 

• Knowledge of WFP operations. 

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Excellent drafting skills with the 
ability to edit and clear reports, speeches, and correspondences. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work in a highly pressure environment. 

• Strong sense of responsibility, confidentiality, and accountability.
Language:
Proficiency/level C of English (requirement) and other United Nations language(s) 
desired.
 

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

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Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Please contact us at in case you face any challenges with submitting your application

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.