Special Assistant to the Regional Director (RBJ) - Consultant Level II

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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).

Southern Africa is a region that is home to more than 50 million food-insecure people. It consists of low-income, lower-middle income and upper-middle income countries with some being endowed with rich natural resources yet limited institutional capacities, and with others that have both strong institutional capabilities and rich natural resources. For WFP to reduce the number of food insecure people in the region, the WFP Regional Bureau for Southern Africa (RBJ) strives to find innovative ways to engage with countries in the region. The WFP Regional Bureau for Southern Africa supports 12 Country Offices in the region to advance efforts towards Zero Hunger by 2030. A key priority of RBJ is to support governments in the southern African region, in all areas of our work.

This position is based in Johannesburg South Africa and reports directly to the Regional Director (RD) for Southern Africa. The position will offer direct and comprehensive support to WFP's Regional Director across a wide array of activities. The role will ensure the seamless execution of the Regional Director's daily activities, strategic initiatives, travel arrangements, and the oversight of various management front office functions.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Coordination of activities & Operational Management of the Regional Director’s Office:

• Provide high level operational, planning, managerial and coordination support to the Regional Director in various areas including support to functional units. 

• Coordinate activities led by the RD including the preparation of agenda items, collation of presentations materials and overall support for the execution of various meetings. 

• Prepare and produce briefing packages for meetings that the RD will attend. 

• Work in close collaboration with the Regional Bureau (RB) functional units, special projects, and coordination of inputs for cross-functional tasks, kick-off meetings, prepare briefing documents, talking points and general updates.

• Organize travel with the RD and accompany him, when necessary. Coordinate the follow up actions from the missions.

• Actively liaise with relevant stakeholders in the RB, COs and HQ on issues, priorities and decisions that requires RD’s direct attention.

• Ensure that confidentiality on all subject matters is maintained as required.

2. Research, Report and Presentation 

• Conduct research on organizational thematic areas and other regional issues for the RD. 

• Participate in and report on selected regional and international meetings. 

• Coordinate with Units Heads and internal stakeholders for draft talking points and correspondence for the RD ensuring timeliness, quality, and relevance to subject and themes. 

• Collate, analyze, and provide reports on issues from internal and external stakeholders to enhance operational awareness and understanding of events that may have humanitarian and/or operational impact. 

3.    Communication Management of the Regional Director’s Office 

• Serve as the regional focal point for communication related to input for the RD Office, including internal communications approaches in support of the region. 

• Contribute to build and execute the RD social media platforms, messaging, and audience identification. 

• Collaborate with the Communication team to generate, edit, publish, and share WFP tailored content that builds meaningful connections and encourages the Southern Africa community action. 

• Assist the RD in coordinating the sharing of relevant briefings within the Regional Bureau and country offices in the Southern Africa region. 

• Draft messages and provide input into internal communication including internal messages to staff. 

• Support an integrated change management process, lead change management efforts, and change agility, including communications and advocacy at all levels. 

4.    Carry out any other tasks as assigned by the Regional Director

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, Economics, Statistics, Information Management or Journalism, Business Management, Social Sciences or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

• Experience: Minimum of (5) years or more of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field of work, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development. Experience in a similar Special Assistant role in a similar international context, with direct exposure to the most senior layers in the organization is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrated seasoned understanding of the regional socio-political context. Sound theoretical understanding of international humanitarian and development concepts and principles with a broad knowledge of best practices, techniques, and processes. Familiarity with UN policies and WFP operations is desirable.

• Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to analyse and interpret information and develop talking points and key messages.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to clearly articulate insights to stakeholders.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure with tight deadlines.

• Tact, persuasiveness, and ability to work with diversified teams.

• Flexibility and willingness to travel for extended periods of time.

• Ability to plan and organize work programme with minimum supervision.

Languages: Fluency in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: French or Portuguese (highly desirable).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim for an accessible and fair recruitment journey. Should you need any reasonable accommodations or have accessibility concerns, please reach out to us confidentially at global.inclusion@wfp.org. Our DEI team is here to ensure your full participation in our recruitment process.

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 global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org 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.