DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS11 February 2025-23:59-GMT+03:00 Arabian Standard Time (Baghdad)
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).
POSITION TITLE: Strategic Advisor to the Country Director
ORG UNIT: RBC Iraq, Baghdad
Contract Type: International Consultant Level 2
Duration: 11 months, with the possibility of extension
Reports to: The Country Director
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
This critical position within the WFP Iraq Country Office reports directly to the Country Director (CD). The Strategic Advisor serves as a trusted counsel to the CD, delivering high-level strategic advice on policy priorities, geopolitical trends, and opportunities for WFP Iraq. This role demands close engagement with government officials, civil society actors, and private sector leaders to align WFPโs mission with Iraqโs evolving political and economic priorities and social landscape. The Strategic Advisor plays a pivotal role in positioning WFP as a key partner in sustainable development and humanitarian response while ensuring its strategic alignment with Iraqโs national priorities.
COUNTRY CONTEXT
Iraq is navigating a complex transition marked by efforts toward sustainable development amid economic, and environmental challenges. WFPโs role in Iraq is transitioning from addressing immediate humanitarian needs to contributing to long-term development goals through programs in agriculture, climate resilience, digital transformation, and governance. The Strategic Advisor will work to enhance WFPโs partnerships, adaptability, and impact in this evolving context, ensuring that its work remains relevant, efficient, and effective.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Strategic Advisor will provide high-level expertise and strategic guidance to ensure that WFPโs initiatives are responsive to Iraqโs development context, align with national priorities, and optimize opportunities for meaningful collaboration. This includes advising the Country Director on critical decisions, managing external relationships, and identifying risks and opportunities to further WFPโs mission in Iraq.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Country Director and within the scope of delegated authority, the Strategic Advisor will:
Advise the Country Director on policy priorities, geopolitical trends, and strategic opportunities for WFP Iraq. Provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to guide critical decision-making. Develop and refine strategies to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations. Support the Country Director in engaging with government officials, civil society activists, and private sector leaders. Monitor political, economic, and social developments that could impact WFPโs role, position, and relations in Iraq. Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and market trends relevant to WFPโs work. Assist the Country Director in managing crises by providing rapid analysis and response strategies. Provide advice and oversight on the development of digital transformation initiatives to enhance governance, social protection, and service delivery. Facilitate external engagement with government counterparts, advising on WFPโs participation in policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder platforms. Provide strategic guidance to advocate for WFPโs contributions to sustainable development. Prepare briefs, talking points, and reports for high-level meetings and public engagements. Perform other duties as required to enhance WFPโs impact and strategic alignment in Iraq.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES/DELIVERABLES
The Strategic Advisor to the CD will ensure the following outcomes:
Strengthen WFPโs strategic engagement with government, civil society, and private sector actors.
Provide timely and evidence-based insights to support the CDโs leadership and WFPโs strategic positioning.
Ensure that WFPโs projects and initiatives align with Iraqโs national priorities and deliver measurable results.
Support rapid and effective response to emerging crises, ensuring WFPโs relevance and agility.
Cultivate and sustain high-level partnerships that advance WFPโs dual mandate of life-saving assistance and sustainable development.
This structure allows the CD to maintain overall decision-making authority while leveraging expert advice and strategic insights to navigate Iraqโs complex operational environment.
Qualifications and Experience:
University degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science or a related field.
At least 5 years of professional experience in strategic advisory or similar roles, particularly in complex political and economic environments.
Extensive experience in policy analysis, geopolitical monitoring, and high-level engagement with government, UN agencies, and other development partners.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategies and managing external relations at senior levels.
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong understanding of geopolitical dynamics, governance, and sustainable development in Iraq.
Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advice to senior management.
Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private sector actors.
Knowledge of policy dialogues and experience in multi-stakeholder platforms to advocate for sustainable development.
Leadership capabilities, with experience in crisis management and rapid decision-making in dynamic contexts.
Languages
Fluency in Arabic and English languages is essential.
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.