Senior Advisor Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), P5 - Rome, Italy

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).

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The position is based in Rome, HQ and currently reports to the Director of PSEA, Chief of Staff Office

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the overall strategic guidance of the PSEA Director, the purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership to the PSEA unit in the Chief of Staff Office and coordinate its multiple workstreams with the aim of effectively and efficiently fulfilling its role as Organizational Focal Point for PSEA and of supporting WFP to be a leader in the humanitarian system in protection from SEA. The PSEA unit focuses on ensuring a whole organization approach to effective prevention and protection measures to safeguard the people WFP serves from SEA and to take actions with a victim-centered approach. The unit has the responsibility for WFP representation, establishing policy, driving best practices across WFP, and ensuring integration of PSEA in programme design as well as other relevant internal processes. The unit also leads on capacity strengthening across the organization related to PSEA and inter-agency work.

The position will manage and lead a team of specialists and provide strategic guidance to regional, country, and global offices on PSEA policy and operational matters. The role will be responsible for overseeing the allocated budget and reporting on funds utilization.. It also includes providing technical support to the PSEA Focal Points network (more than 400 worldwide) with overall guidance and delegated authority from the Director, of PSEA.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the establishment of policy, strategic direction and operational strategies to enhance protection of those WFP serves from SEA with a victim-centered approach.

• Provide day-to-day supervision of the PSEA team to deliver on its strategy and established workplans, and manage allocated budget and any supplementary funding.

• Provide expert advice, guidance and recommendations on PSEA queries from country offices, regional bureaus and others to ensure SEA risks are effectively identified and addressed in all WFP programmes and operations, reporting and response mechanisms are in place.

• Participate in interagency, bi-lateral, UN-wide initiatives and represent WFP in PSEA-related forums, technical committees, working groups, etc., as required.

• Lead on the design and maintenance of the infrastructure and accountability of the PSEA unit; proactively propose recommendations and undertake initiatives to enable the PSEA unit to perform effectively and efficiently.

• Guide and advise on PSEA in the development and improvement of relevant directives, guidelines, procedures, and other internal or corporate documents, as per the legal framework of WFP.

• Design and oversee the delivery of effective outreach and awareness training and communication campaigns on PSEA internally and, as appropriate, in collaboration with other UN and humanitarian sector entities.

• Support the PSEA Director in representing WFP in interactions with donors, Executive Board, Management/Senior Management, and Leadership Group, including preparing reports and providing other feedback as related to PSEA and ensuring accurate and timely reporting to senior management, oversight bodies, and external stakeholders.

• Lead the integration of PSEA measures into WFP’s operations, policies, and procedures, ensuring a proactive and systematic approach to addressing risks.

• Provide guidance and support to facilitate the implementation of PSEA policies into relevant Regional/country-level practices, guidance, and implementation modalities for operations, with a clear and strong connection between HQ, field operations, and those we serve.

• Coordinate and oversee the development and delivery of training programs and other initiatives to build capacity for SEA and ensure consistent knowledge sharing and skills building across the organization and the humanitarian sector.

• Provide technical guidance and advice to the PSEA focal points network and lead on the planning, design, and delivery of regular orientation and capacity-building sessions for them.

• Build professional relationships with peer colleagues and technical focal points of other divisions in HQ and in the field regarding PSEA. Collaborate with the Supply Chain unit to ensure that PSEA compliance is effectively integrated into partner agreements and support joint efforts to address SEA risks.

• Serve as Victim Assistance technical lead and be responsible for providing technical guidance to country offices and regional bureaus on the safe referral and assistance support to individuals affected by sexual exploitation and abuse.

• Establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the PSEA deliverables, identify areas for improvement, and recommend appropriate measures to enhance performance.

• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.

• Perform other duties as required by the line manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Advanced university degree in political science, law, ethics, human resources, public administration, communications, other social sciences, or other related fields. A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:

A minimum of eleven (11) years of progressively responsible professionally relevant experience, the majority of which specifically in the field of sexual exploitation and abuse, and protection, preferably in an international or humanitarian organizational context. Substantive experience working directly in humanitarian operations and field contexts is highly desired.

Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of PSEA policy and practices in the United Nations and humanitarian sector, and a good level of humanitarian/UN operational and programme knowledge;

• Strong track record of intellectual and technical leadership, and proven ability to produce demonstrable, scalable results;

• Strong conceptual and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple shifting and competing demands and articulate a holistic and interdisciplinary vision of PSEA issues, and solutions to issues;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear and concise reports, guidelines, and training and outreach materials. Ability to deliver training programs, workshops, and presentations on PSEA issues and related topics to diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders including member states. Ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including senior management, programme and operations, human resources, legal, investigations, and external partners, to advise on, advocate and foster PSEA best practices, knowledge-sharing, and partnership building.

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to motivate and work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment and team. Ability and maturity to navigate complex political and organizational dynamics, demonstrate diplomacy, and build trust. Proven ability to lead and motivate team and peers, monitoring performance, providing coaching, training and guidance to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.

• Proven project management skills, including budget and resource management.

• Proven ability to produce outputs independently with minimal supervision and guidance, while at the same time seeking innovative ways to integrate PSEA in the work of other relevant units.

• Ability to guide and oversee the development and maintenance of systems for monitoring and reporting on key PSEA indicators and performance metrics.

• Independent decision-making skills while respecting the bounds of the authority vested in the position.

• High ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to upholding and promoting ethical behavior and values within the organization.

Language:

International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French,

Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This is an International Professional position and is open to all nationalities.

Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. However, this position is classified as “non-rotational,” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.

The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.

REMINDERS BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that you complete your profile accurately and include 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 English.

• Please note that the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents such as passports, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc., may potentially be requested at a later date.

• Please get in touch with us at hq.talentacquisition@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application.

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.