DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS7 April 2025-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Time (New York)
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 worldโs 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).
The Special Assistant to the Director of WFP New York Global Office will provide timely and analytical information and coherent support to the Director. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a sensitive and challenging environment. The position requires excellent organization and communication skills.
Ensuring accurate input and background, on issues related to the UN System and Multilateral engagement, and providing timely advice to the Director, as appropriate; Overseeing coordination and consolidation of inputs received from Partnerships Officers for official documents, including, inter alia, briefings, remarks, positi on papers, and official correspondence; Engaging with UN System and Multilateral counterparts to ensure the appropriate representation and participation of the World Food Programme; Ensure coordination for visits, meetings and briefs, with other Special Assistants based in HQ, Regional Bureaus or Country Offices. Managing the administrative elements of the Directorโs office, including agenda meetings and events, travel, accommodation, security clearance, etc; Acting as focal point to support all Executive missions to the UN Headquarters; Acting as focal point for engagement with Member State and UN System front offices; Coordinating internal meetings and reports, including the Annual Performance Plan and Risk Register, and ensuring internal information management; and Performing other official duties and special assignments which may be requested by the Director.
DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
The key results have an impact on the overall efficiency and success of the New York Office. In particular, the key results will ensure overall coordination and will have an impact on the delivery of services and WFP engagement with relevant stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
University degree in Political Science, International Development, International relations or related fields. Advanced University will be preferred.
Eligibility:
It is essential that the applicant has the ability to legally work in the US
Experience:
Experience with WFP and/or the UN and Multilateral system and/or Diplomatic Missions.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Action management: Defines work goals and devises plans to attain them. Analyzes potential problems and makes recommendations in a proactive manner.
- Cognitive capacity: Actively seeks information from a variety of sources. Synthesizes information based on a solid understanding of issues.
- Cultural and political understanding: Understands worldwide problems from a broader perspective. Understands interactions among economic, political and cultural factors which contribute to problems or issues.
- Communication: Strong writing skills, provides clear messages and presents complex issues articulately.
- Interpersonal skills: Solicits and incorporates varied concerns and perspectives of others in daily work. Participates in office work in a manner that fosters strong working relationships and trust.
- Teamwork: Recognizes interdependencies in cross-functional work and shares information with colleagues and supervisors.
- Partnering: Develops and maintains effective work relations with partners.
Languages:
- Strong written and spoken English skills.
- Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Please note that this is a local consultancy recruitment. Candidates must be residents of (Country) and have a legal work permit there. In addition, candidates must reside within commuting distance of the duty station (New York) at the time of application or, if not residing within commuting distance at the time of application, candidates must be willing to relocate to (City, Country) at their own cost before taking up the assignment. WFP shall not be responsible for any costs associated with such relocation nor shall WFP assist or otherwise be involved in obtaining residency status or legal work permits. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within commuting distance of (City, Country).
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 committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
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.