WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles

Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis, and we are committed to promoting diversity and gender balance

Job Title: Senior Agile Delivery Manager

Type of Contract: Regular Consultant – CST Level II

Division: TECX

Duty Station: Remote working

Duration: 31.12.2024

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. WFP Technology Division is the digital business engine of the World Food Programme, providing teams across the organization with multi-pronged and resilient technical capabilities able to respond with the agility required in humanitarian operations. The Technology Division (TEC) continues to increase its activities to meet the constantly growing demand from the organization and implement initiatives related to information technology.

The recently endorsed WFP Global Data Strategy requires multiple workstreams for implementation. WFP is seeking an experienced Senior Agile Delivery Manager to support the Data Squads which will be formed to execute and deliver data assets. The incumbent will have experience in agile frameworks and the skills and ability to develop high-performing, cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, this is an exciting opportunity to join the Global Data Office to help accelerate WFP’s data journey. The Senior Agile Delivery Manager plays a key role in enabling Data Squads to co-ordinate around challenging deadlines and releases, collaborating with different stakeholders from across WFP. Further responsibilities include coaching teams to overcome complex challenges and improve team efficiency and effectiveness.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Align to all aspects of delivery governance, including but not limited to stage gates, budgets, financial controls, steering group presentation, service design and service transition.
• Work closely with Data Squads to build a clear roadmap for delivery, aligned to value.
• Manage day to day delivery of the work required to deliver value incrementally and iteratively across data initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional groups to plan and deliver initiatives – identifying which methodology best fits the needs and style of the team.
• Oversee and ensure initiatives are appropriately resourced with the skills and expertise to meet their needs.

• Monitor and coordinate projects to ensure there is a clear pipeline of work to be delivered for each.
• Create and establish Agile Delivery practice standards for the GDO teams.
• Lead implementation adhering to the Agile Delivery standards to ensure:
  • All delivery risks and issues are captured, with appropriate mitigation.
  • Data Squads have the resources needed and forecast to be effective.
  • Report progress status as per requirements by the PMO (Project governance)
  • All project artefacts are completed to a high standard to meet all governance criteria.
  • Track portfolio and project metrics, alert on any deviations and provide corrective actions to ensure the teams are delivering on targets.
• Work closely with Data Squads to develop and make all delivery metrics visible.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

1. Lead Agile Delivery Centre team and approach for Global Data Office (GDO).
2. Manage Agile Board creation and management for all GDO Workstreams and projects.
3. Establish Agile and Scrum practices with GDO team members.
4. Set regular cadence of meetings for GDO teams and Data Squads.
5. Create GDO on-boarding package for Data Squads.
6. Align GDO project processes with TEC Division standards.
7. Develop reporting on key deliverables and GDO branch indicators while ensuring alignment with TEC reporting requirements.
8. Maintain risk registers and monitor project indicators.
9. Coach and mentor GDO team members and Data Squads on Agile project management best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• University degree in an IT discipline or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in managing, multi-team, agile development initiatives using Scrum, Kanban and lean methodologies coupled with a practical understanding of the principles of agile and the processes behind effective product delivery of data solutions.

Highly desirable:

• A minimum of 4 years of proven experience working on data transformation related initiatives.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, manage, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to quality-check work completed by other team members.
• Proven knowledge of Agile, SCRUM, Kanban and the skills to adapt the methodologies to the context of an organization.
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style, and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Proven skills in working towards a common goal in a team of diverse skills, experience, and cultural backgrounds, with heavy emphasis towards business and non-technical team members. Particularly important is the ability to work remotely and continue to ensure alignment on activities and goals.
• Excellent organization and project management skills
• Collaborative hands-on team member and relationship-builder with a facilitative nature and strong business partnering skills towards colleagues and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated capacity to handling multiple tasks/work streams in a timely manner and flexible with shifting priorities.
• Committed to excellence and customer-centric mindset.

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or WFP’s working language, may be needed.

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.

Deadline for applications: 18 June 2024 at 11:59pm Rome time (CET/CEST)

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, and complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
• Once your profile is completed, please 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 passports, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
• Please contact us at wfprecruitment@wfp.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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.

Saving lives, changing lives