[Hiring] Programme Policy and Partnerships Officer - Consultant @World Food Programme

Role Description

The Regional Centre of Excellence Against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM) seeks the support of a Programme Policy and Partnerships Consultant who, under the direct supervision of the Director of CERFAM, will contribute to the development of strategic and programmatic initiatives, strengthen stakeholder engagement and partnerships, and support CERFAM’s strategic positioning. The Consultant will also contribute to collaborations with universities, research institutions and other knowledge partners to generate evidence, support applied research, and promote learning and knowledge exchange in areas relevant to CERFAM’s mandate.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Support senior management in preparing for and participating in regional and global events through the development of high-quality briefing notes, talking points, speeches, presentations and other strategic materials.
• Provide technical advice and support on programme and policy issues, including the identification and analysis of innovative approaches, good practices and emerging evidence relevant to food security, nutrition and resilience.
• Lead and coordinate collaborations with universities, research institutions and other knowledge partners, including applied research and analytical initiatives, by helping define areas of collaboration, providing technical guidance, facilitating engagement with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring the quality and relevance of outputs.
• Lead the organization and delivery of webinars, consultations, conferences and other knowledge-sharing events, including concept development, research, stakeholder engagement and preparation of post-event outputs.
• Support the development and strengthening of strategic initiatives and communities of practice, including the Home-Grown School Feeding Community of Practice, through partner engagement, content development and knowledge curation.
• Contribute to communications, advocacy and knowledge dissemination for strategic initiatives, including HealthyDiets4Africa, through the preparation and dissemination of relevant content, research findings and knowledge products.
• Draft and contribute to articles, briefs, reports and other knowledge and advocacy products aligned with CERFAM’s mandate, strengthening the Centre’s visibility and contribution to policy dialogue.
• Provide quality assurance and technical review of key CERFAM documents, including concept notes, terms of reference, reports, presentations and strategic documents.
• Perform other related tasks as required.

Deliverables at the End of the Contract

• Senior management effectively supported in at least one major regional or global engagement through high-quality briefing documents, talking points, speeches, presentations and other strategic materials.
• At least one substantive collaboration with a university, research institution or knowledge partner successfully advanced, resulting in relevant research, analytical or knowledge outputs that contribute to CERFAM’s mandate and priorities.
• At least two webinars, consultations, conferences or other knowledge-sharing initiatives successfully delivered, strengthening engagement with CERFAM’s partners and contributing to the dissemination of evidence, good practices and lessons learned.
• The HGSF Community of Practice further operationalized through strengthened partner engagement, relevant content curation and regular knowledge exchange among participating institutions.
• CERFAM’s contribution to the HealthyDiets4Africa project effectively communicated and promoted through relevant advocacy, knowledge-dissemination and outreach products, increasing visibility of project findings and activities.
• At least two high-quality article, brief or other knowledge product developed and disseminated, contributing to CERFAM’s visibility and positioning on priority food security and nutrition issues.
• At least one key CERFAM documents—including concept notes, terms of reference, reports, presentations or strategic documents—reviewed and strengthened, resulting in improved technical quality, clarity and consistency.

Qualifications

• Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of related work experience and/or trainings/courses.
• At least 5 years of relevant international working experience in Development sector and Programmes or a related sector.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, programme design, programme management, policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement.
• Has provided expert guidance in leading projects and substantial input into functional practices and policy formulation.
• Experience in working with UN agencies, development partners, high level authorities, local governments and civil society organizations is desirable.
• Experience in working in West and Central Africa is an asset.
• Previous working experience in WFP is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work independently in a timely and organised manner.
• Strong coordination and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral, written, communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and staff within the office, other UN agencies and key stakeholders.
• Willingness to explore and experiment new ideas and approaches in own work.
• Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork spirit and ability to work in multicultural settings.

Languages

• Fluency in English and French (at least C level) is required.