BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The current prevalence of malnutrition in children is alarming. Over 50 million children suffer from acute malnutrition and over 150 million suffer from stunting. Maternal and child undernutrition is the underlying cause of approximately 45% of all mortality in children under 5. Not only does undernutrition levels remain stubbornly high, but numbers of overweight persons are growing exponentially, even in poor countries.

As the United Nations frontline agency in the fight against hunger and malnutrition, the World Food Programme (WFP) is adapting to meet the current and emerging global nutrition challenges. This includes enhancing organisational capacity to reach vulnerable populations affected by acute malnutrition, as well as expanding our portfolio to find lasting solutions for populations affected by poor diets and chronic malnutrition.

The purpose of this assignment is to lead the Nutrition Division’s efforts in shaping and advancing WFP’s advocacy goals in nutrition. The job holder will work with external and internal stakeholders to build high-quality advocacy strategies, campaigns and narratives. The incumbent will coordinate WFP’s participation on advocacy networks, building strong partnership and forging coalitions. 

The role reports to the Division’s Nutrition Outreach and Advocacy (NOA) Team Lead within the Office of the Director and would serve as a Deputy to the team.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Shape and advance WFP’s nutrition advocacy goals by coordinating internally and externally to position WFP Nutrition knowledge, analysis and policy positions and experts through a wide variety of channels such as media engagement, digital outreach, events and new public partnerships and platforms.

Identify, map, and engage strategic events and opportunities to favorably profile nutrition expertise and facilitate the work of WFP’s nutrition advocates in support of our overarching advocacy objectives. 

Identify relevant decision makers and influencers, and work with Communications and Programme Officers to develop a content calendar to support the high-level themes WFP aims to reinforce, with specific campaigns, activities and messages tailored by audience.

Facilitate and contribute to knowledge development, regarding evidence-based nutrition advocacy and liaise with relevant stakeholders in this regard.

Provide constructive and timely advice on communication to donors and key external stakeholders on WFP’s work in nutrition and oversee the production of donor specific messaging and strategies.

Contribute to and where relevant lead proposal development and resource mobilization efforts to build the resource base for nutrition.

Work and build relationships with external organizations, and civil society to align advocacy events, including joint events, statements, and products.

Represent WFP, where appropriate, in key global policy and advocacy networks, fora and meetings.

Work in close collaboration with counterparts in the Communication, Advocacy and Marketing (CAM) division, regional bureaus, and country offices to align activities and ensure a coherent approach to advocacy within WFP.

Manage high-performing staff to create and maintain an effective and motivated team.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 

Education: Advanced university degree in communications, international relations, public health, nutrition, or other relevant fields.

Experience: At least eight years of professional experience, at least five of which in the humanitarian and emergency nutrition advocacy sector, with good knowledge and understanding of the global actors and themes, including proven success in developing and implementing high quality advocacy strategies, with impact. 

Experience of coordinating networks, building partnerships, and forging coalitions, with ability to represent WFP on various communication groups, fora and with media.

Knowledge & Skills: Strategic thinker, with ability to focus and prioritize advocacy and communication efforts in line with external landscape and corporate policies and priorities.  

Ability to build and manage collaborative relationships.

Proven ability to create and execute effective communication and advocacy strategies.

Ability to produce high-quality communication and advocacy materials

Professional knowledge of nutrition.

General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations, and procedures governing administration.

Ability to prioritise and manage workload independently.

Excellent written communication skills: writing, editing, and proofreading.

Has motivated team spirit and contributed to a gender-balanced, inclusive and sound working environment.

Languages: Excellent oral and writing skills in English (proficiency/level C). Proven ability to write highly concise documents in English. 

An additional UN language is considered an asset: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese.

Terms and Conditions: WFP offers a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Apply here → https://lnkd.in/dzvyYbnr

Deadline for applications: 24 June 2022