Job Title: Government Partnerships Consultant – Social Protection

Type of Contract: International Consultancy
Division: Global Partner Countries – Thematic Team
Duty Station (City, Country): Rome HQ, Italy – would involve some travel
Duration: 5 months – with possibility for extension

Background and Purpose of the Assignment
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.
The Global Partner Countries Division (GPC) supports organization-wide efforts to meet resource needs at corporate and country levels through active engagement with governments and public sector institutions. Within GPC, the Thematic Team was created in 2021 to advance WFP’s climate, resilience, social protection, and nutrition portfolio through more systematic and strategic fundraising for thematic and development activities, which requires a different approach than fundraising for WFP’s humanitarian work.
Organizational Context
WFP is seeking to fill the position of Government Partnerships Officer for Social Protection, based in the Global Partner Countries Division at Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Job Purpose
WFP relies entirely on voluntary contributions to finance its projects. Relationships with fundraising partners from the public sector are pivotal in supporting WFP projects that save and change the lives of millions of people around the globe.
Fundraising for the thematic agenda from development partners is gaining increasing momentum following the approval of WFP’s Strategic Plan. Such fundraising requires a targeted and cross-departmental strategy that demands specific knowledge and skills, particularly in social protection financing.
Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of a government donor engagement work plan on social protection to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships supporting WFP’s strategic objectives. This includes identifying a common agenda with government donors and organizing joint actions such as discussions, events, and publications.
Position WFP with partners on its value proposition in social protection, develop tailored donor engagement materials, and support policy dialogues at national and global levels. Support internal coordination for coherent partner engagement.
Guide organizational units, Regional Bureaux, and Country Offices on partnership strategies, proposal writing, and best practices. Update social protection portfolios and funding needs.
Maintain up-to-date donor intelligence on social protection and promote the use of key information systems within WFP.
Coordinate the Social Protection Trust Fund, ensuring donor relations and reporting are managed effectively.
Manage the social protection partnerships portfolio, including partner profiling, data analysis, and outreach planning to maximize resource mobilization and collaboration opportunities.
Support corporate dialogue with partners, highlight strategic opportunities, and prepare briefs and recommendations for senior management.
Assist in designing complex partnership proposals, negotiations, and agreements, ensuring partner visibility and compliance with conditions.
Support WFP’s positioning in countries with a presence, based on socio-political insights and donor interests, advising on engagement strategies.
Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree in International Development, Economics, International Relations, Social Protection, or related fields.
Experience: Minimum eight years in partnership roles, with expertise in social protection policy, financing, programming, and partnership development.
Knowledge and Skills

Experience and expertise in social protection policies and financing.
Understanding of government and corporate strategies, public policy, and influence levels.
Proven ability in developing multi-stakeholder partnerships and organizing advocacy events.
Experience in resource mobilization, negotiations, and partnership management.
Data-driven decision-making skills and external messaging development.
Innovative thinking in system improvements and partner intelligence platforms.

Languages
Fluency (Level C) in English. Knowledge of Spanish, French, or Arabic is a strong asset.
Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive package, with details available on the organization’s website. All employment decisions are merit-based, and WFP is committed to an inclusive, harassment-free workplace. Candidates will undergo background checks.
Ref: VA No.832956
Note: No appointment will be offered to certain UN oversight bodies members within three years of service.
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