JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

8 September 2025-23:59-GMT+03:00 Eastern European Time (Damascus)

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 world’s 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).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

This position is based in the Country Office (CO) and reports directly to the Country Director (CD). The role operates with a high degree of independence and supports the CD in advancing relations with national counterparts and other stakeholders. It requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to foster confidence in WFP’s role as a reliable partner.

JOB PURPOSE:

To advise and support the CD on external engagement, ensuring WFP maintains effective working relations with government counterparts and relevant institutions. The role involves cultivating constructive partnerships and facilitating dialogue within the national context.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide advice to the CD on developments in the political, institutional, and operational environment.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with senior officials and institutions to support WFP’s mandate.
• Support the preparation and conclusion of agreements and understandings with national counterparts.
• Contribute to WFP’s engagement in national strategies and initiatives in coordination with internal teams.
• Monitor external trends and dynamics to help WFP adapt and remain effective in its work.
• Ensure coherence and consistency in WFP’s external messaging and government engagement.
• Carry out other tasks as required in support of WFP’s leadership and representation.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Development Studies, or related fields. Or a Bachelor’s degree with additional years of experience.

Experience:

With a Master’s degree: At least (3) years of relevant professional experience (or 5 years with a Bachelor’s degree) in government relations, external engagement, or policy dialogue, including experience advising senior leadership and engaging with national counterparts.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Solid understanding of national institutional structures and processes.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, with the ability to engage effectively at senior levels.
• Proven experience advising senior management on external relations, partnerships, or policy engagement.
• Experience engaging with or working within the humanitarian sector.

Languages:

Fluency (level C) in English and in Arabic.

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:  [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements