Programme Associate (Innovation, Communication, Advocacy and Marketing) at World Food Programme (WFP)

JOB PURPOSE

Based in Nairobi, the WFP Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa identifies, supports and scales high potential solutions to hunger worldwide. It supports entrepreneurs (could be WFP innovators or external startups, NGOs, companies) to take their innovations to the next level – either getting ideas to the first proof of concept or already implemented solutions to the next scale-up.

The key objective is to facilitate and foster innovation in the context of WFPs East Africa activities, help regional innovation projects to scale, develop local innovation ecosystems, without compromising country- and department specific initiatives while ensuring an orchestration of efforts, and the creation of synergies between projects. Ultimately, the goal is to bring innovative solutions that can help us get closed to a world without hunger to scale.

We need you to reach the next level! Expect a high pace environment, a challenging context, an engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and a driven, dedicated team.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education : The candidate must have an undergraduate degree; a degree in business, communications, marketing or international development preferred

Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible national and/or international experience in communication, graphic design and/or online marketing. Experience working in a multicultural and fast-paced environment is beneficial.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in the UN language in use at the duty station and in the duty station’s language, if different

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 1/2 (not all-inclusive)

This role will support the implementation of RBN’s Communications, Advocacy and Marketing (CAM) strategy. The candidate, reporting to the Head of the Innovation Hub and the Regional Advocacy and Marketing Officer, is expected to:

Support development & implementation of a yearly communication strategy for the WFP Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa:

• Carry out external communication on innovation and technology; develop and guide corporate and RBN-level CAM priorities related to Partnerships & Innovation.
• Produce and maintain up to date communication material for innovations in the region, specific to audiences leveraging both online and traditional channels.
• Liaise and manage press relations for both the Hub and Hub-supported innovations
• Attract high-potential social innovations from within WFP and external networks through events, PR and digital marketing activities.
• Review all external CAM materials related to Partnerships & Innovation.
• Position WFP Regional Bureau and its country offices as industry/sector leaders by drafting and editing articles, blogs, press releases to promote our work and impact.
• Support core innovation activities (e.g. innovation challenge; bootcamps; sprint programme; thought leadership; innovation fund) as required.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES 2/2

Develop content assets and social media campaigns to showcase innovation projects in the region, working closely with the Regional Communications Officer:

• Identify stories and major communications moments; lead content gathering, creation and marketing.
• Design and launch social media campaigns, maximize the reach to the right target audience
• Liaise with communication agencies (videographers, graphic designers, photographers) and prepare briefs
• Support innovation projects with communication advice.
• Prepare input, talking points, briefings for WFP senior management, inter-agency opportunities and donor communications.
• Support developing material for advocacy/fundraising purposes.
• Support the Hub’s fundraising activities and participation at external events.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

1. Experience in CAM and partnership required
2. Good knowledge of Eastern Africa innovation ecosystems is a strong plus
3. Strong conceptual thinking to develop new CAM strategies and coordinate projects
4. Ability to produce high-quality written materials, including graphically-based PowerPoint presentations as well as text documents;
5. Strong understanding of the main social & professional media channels (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
6. Ability to prepare story boards, develop story scripts and prepare videos
7. Graphic design know-how
8. Ability to interact with leaders and external audiences with maturity and tact;
9. Collaborative spirit able to liaise with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures and to act with credibility and diplomacy;
10. Strong time management skills with an ability to plan ahead, anticipate requirements, problems and obstacles, and an ability to juggle competing priorities successfully, and to work to tight deadlines;
11. Self-motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy;
12. Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of the UN World Food Programme;
13. Willing to work in and travel to different field locations and challenging operating environments.