Consultant Partnerships Officer at World Food Programme (WFP)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, with a mission to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. WFP Kenya is one of the 15 largest operations in the organization, with a yearly budget of approximately USD 150 million and a complex portfolio of activities spanning relief operations for refugees/vulnerable Kenyan populations; resilience building through asset creation and food systems strengthening; capacity strengthening activities (school meals, emergency preparedness and response), and logistics services including management of a major regional port and the UNHAS service.

The Country Office is seeking an appropriately qualified consultant to provide strategic support in advocacy, partnership development, and resource mobilization.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The assignment will involve some or all of the following responsibilities:

Portfolio Manager – Traditional Donors 

• Lead the design and execution of donor-specific engagement plans for Kenya’s 20+ traditional partners, ensuring systematic, high-quality stewardship and proactive outreach.
• Prepare and deliver high-level funding proposals, briefings, talking points, and results-focused reports that reflect WFP Kenya’s priorities and align with donor strategies.
• Oversee and ensure the timely preparation of accurate, results-based donor reporting in collaboration with Programme, M&E, Finance, Supply Chain, and Field Offices.
• Ensure full compliance with visibility, communication, and contractual obligations for all Kenya-based partnerships with traditional donors, coordinating with HQ and the Regional Bureau as needed.

Strategic Partnership Development 

• Coordinate and implement strategic segments of the donor relations work plan, focusing on both private sector and government donor engagement to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships in support of WFP's strategic objectives.
• Lead the tracking and management of partnership pipelines, forecasting resource opportunities, and maintaining up‑to‑date donor intelligence to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Co-lead the development, implementation, and periodic revision of the Partnerships Strategy, working with functional units and Regional Bureau (RB) staff to create coordinated outreach plans. Ensure alignment of partner engagement across the organization.
• Proactively identify and highlight strategic opportunities for resource mobilization, proposing options to nurture trust and interest in WFP's work.
• Drive forward Partnerships in WFP Kenya CO
• Provide expert guidance and support to the Country Office in developing and implementing partnership strategies, including proposal and report writing.
• Facilitate the growth of partnerships by exploring opportunities to expand existing relationships and initiate new ones, guided by thorough assessments, analysis, and due diligence.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge (OiC) for the Partnerships Unit during the absence of the head of the unit, ensuring continuity and effective management of the unit's activities.

Briefings and Analytics for Partnership Development:

• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of high-quality briefing materials and meeting reports to facilitate corporate dialogue with partners and senior management.
• Conduct thorough analyses of funding trends and partner profiles using key information systems (e.g., Salesforce, WINGS), and provide actionable insights to enhance resource mobilization efforts.
• Coordinate the timely and accurate tracking of partnership activities and funding opportunities, maintaining up-to-date records in relevant systems.

Capacity Building and Leadership: 

• Provide coaching, training, and guidance to junior staff to enhance their professional development and performance.
• Contribute to updating standard operating procedures and other internal processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Crisis Response and Emergency Support: 

• Lead and coordinate efforts in response to humanitarian crises or emergencies, mobilizing resources and managing high-pressure situations effectively.
• Provide hands-on support to COs during emergencies, ensuring swift and efficient resource mobilization and coordination.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation and execution of joint events (e.g., UN pledging conferences, regional drought response initiatives) to advance WFP's interests.
• Engage with national governments, regional and international institutions to influence engagement and policy agendas in line with WFP's objectives.
• Ensure partner visibility and compliance with partnership agreements, and take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT 

• A written summary covering
•  Summary of proposals submitted and status of prospective donors in pipeline
• Events and donor missions supported, and lessons learned/suggestions for future collaborations any other key achievements during the period of appointment.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: 

• Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, Social Sciences or other relevant field, or
• First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience: 

• Six years or more of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field of work, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.
• Prior experience working within, or in connection with, a UN system organization or in the humanitarian sector is desirable.
• Prior experience working in, or supporting projects based in, developing countries will be highly regarded.

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Has a good understanding of government and corporate strategy and priorities and has gained experience in developing multi-stakeholder partnership.
• Has developed long term partner relationships and expanded engagements across geographies and sectors
• Has gained significant experience in exploring new opportunities and developing proposals to design and develop solutions with prospective partners and expand existing engagements and partner relationships .
• Has designed and managed resource mobilization processes, negotiated contract terms and provided resourcing advice to senior management.
• Has gained experience in gathering, documenting and analysing partner intelligence (both data and qualitative information such as partners’ focus areas and organizational operations) to develop a Unique Value Proposition and engagement strategy for partners.
• Has experience of using technology and digital tools for managing partner information and to share insights to add value to partnerships corporately.
• Has demonstrated sound teamwork, collaboration and motivation abilities and contributed to a gender-balanced, inclusive and positive working environment.

Languages: 

• Written and oral proficiency in English is essential.