Job at The United Nations World Food Programme for a Strategic Planning Consultant


The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. We are seeking to fill a Strategic Planning consultancy position, based in Abuja, Nigeria.


Job Title:  Strategic Planning Consultant
Job REF: 16-0021693
Location Abuja

 
Background:
The World Food Programme Country Office in Abuja, Nigeria has embarked on a strategic planning process that will inform Nigeria’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 which aims to ‘end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture’ by 2030, and better position WFP’s portfolio of assistance in support of Nigeria’s SDG 2 priorities and targets. 
The planning process comprises: 1) a Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review which is being led by former president Olusegun Obasanjo as Lead Convener, and will develop a common understanding of the challenges Nigeria faces in eliminating hunger and obtaining multistakeholder consensus on Nigeria achieving Zero Hunger by 2030; and 2) a WFP Country Strategic Plan (CSP) that will be guided by the Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review, and will outline programmatic actions and outcomes that the organization will take to effectively contribute to Nigeria’s Zero Hunger efforts. 
The WFP Country Office, through the Strategic Planning Consultant and other appropriate staff, will facilitate the work of the Lead Convener as necessary while preserving the independent nature of the Strategic Review.

Functions of the consultancy: 
Under the overall direction and leadership of the Country Director and in collaboration with the Policy and Programme Division (OSZ) in Rome, Italy and the Regional Bureau in Dakar, Senegal, the Strategic Planning Consultant will support the Nigeria Zero Hunger Strategic Review and lead development of the Country Strategic Plan.  

The specific responsibilities are as follows:
  • Establish and maintain close working relations with the Lead Convener, Advisory Board and Research Team, including keeping track of the progress of the Strategic
Review, and reporting same to Country Office, Regional Bureau and Policy and Programme Division management; 
  • Facilitate and participate in internal brainstorming sessions and discussions to develop the Country Strategic Plan; and
  • Lead the drafting and editing of the Country Strategic Plan.
  • Plan the process for formulating the Country Strategic Plan, including development of a work plan, milestones, and budget;
  • Facilitate initial consultations on the design of the Country Strategic Plan with key stakeholders including government partners, UN agencies, donors, private sector actors, and civil society;
The main deliverable of the consultancy is a fully developed working draft of the Country Strategic Plan that meets WFP standards. 

Qualifications & Experience Required
Education:
  • Education: Advanced University Degree and/or equivalent experience with emphasis in one or more of the following disciplines: political science, economics, agriculture, international affairs, social sciences, development studies or a field relevant to international development assistance.
Experience:
  • At least 7-10 years post graduate, progressively responsible international and national experience in the fields of goal oriented strategic planning, organizational change management, programme re-orientation, and policy development, among other things. Work experience in the country and/or the West Africa region, including leadership or management of a planning, programme or policy team is an asset.

Technical Skills & Knowledge:
  • Ability to translate understanding of planning, programming or policy principles into relevant, effective, and context specific approaches; good understanding of project lifecycle, humanitarian principles and tools, programmes and transfer modalities; capability to explain WFP programmes and operations to counterparts and to communicate with Government and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and familiarity with United Nations system policies, rules, regulations and procedures or those of an international organization.
Competencies:
  • Ability to establish priorities, plan, coordinate and organise own work plan; resourcefulness, initiative, maturity, tact, advocacy skills; excellent analytical, conceptual, communication and public speaking skills; understanding of political dynamics and policy decision making procedures; and ability to establish and maintain good working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
   Language:
  • Fluency in oral and written English (proficiency level).

Terms and Conditions
WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.
Please visit the following websites for detailed information on working with WFP. 
http://www.wfp.org  Click on: “Our work” and “Countries” to learn more about WFP’s operations.


How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/16-0021693  
Step 1: Register and create your online CV.
Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
NOTE: You must complete Step 1 and 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

Deadline for applications: 21 July 2016 

Qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.
WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. 
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.