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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).
DATE LIMITE DE CANDIDATURE
11 February 2025-23:59-UTC+03:00 heure normale de l’Arabie (Bagdad)
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.
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POSITION TITLE: Strategic Advisor to the Country Director
ORG UNIT: RBC Iraq, Baghdad
Contract Type: International Consultant Level 2
Duration: 11 months, with the possibility of extension
Reports to: The Country Director
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
This critical position within the WFP Iraq Country Office reports directly to the Country Director (CD). The Strategic Advisor serves as a trusted counsel to the CD, delivering high-level strategic advice on policy priorities, geopolitical trends, and opportunities for WFP Iraq. This role demands close engagement with government officials, civil society actors, and private sector leaders to align WFP’s mission with Iraq’s evolving political and economic priorities and social landscape. The Strategic Advisor plays a pivotal role in positioning WFP as a key partner in sustainable development and humanitarian response while ensuring its strategic alignment with Iraq’s national priorities.
COUNTRY CONTEXT
Iraq is navigating a complex transition marked by efforts toward sustainable development amid economic, and environmental challenges. WFP’s role in Iraq is transitioning from addressing immediate humanitarian needs to contributing to long-term development goals through programs in agriculture, climate resilience, digital transformation, and governance. The Strategic Advisor will work to enhance WFP’s partnerships, adaptability, and impact in this evolving context, ensuring that its work remains relevant, efficient, and effective.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Strategic Advisor will provide high-level expertise and strategic guidance to ensure that WFP’s initiatives are responsive to Iraq’s development context, align with national priorities, and optimize opportunities for meaningful collaboration. This includes advising the Country Director on critical decisions, managing external relationships, and identifying risks and opportunities to further WFP’s mission in Iraq.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Under the supervision of the Country Director and within the scope of delegated authority, the Strategic Advisor will:
Advise the Country Director on policy priorities, geopolitical trends, and strategic opportunities for WFP Iraq. Provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to guide critical decision-making. Develop and refine strategies to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations. Support the Country Director in engaging with government officials, civil society activists, and private sector leaders. Monitor political, economic, and social developments that could impact WFP’s role, position, and relations in Iraq. Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and market trends relevant to WFP’s work. Assist the Country Director in managing crises by providing rapid analysis and response strategies. Provide advice and oversight on the development of digital transformation initiatives to enhance governance, social protection, and service delivery. Facilitate external engagement with government counterparts, advising on WFP’s participation in policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder platforms. Provide strategic guidance to advocate for WFP’s contributions to sustainable development. Prepare briefs, talking points, and reports for high-level meetings and public engagements. Perform other duties as required to enhance WFP’s impact and strategic alignment in Iraq.
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES/DELIVERABLES
The Strategic Advisor to the CD will ensure the following outcomes:
Strengthen WFP’s strategic engagement with government, civil society, and private sector actors.
Provide timely and evidence-based insights to support the CD’s leadership and WFP’s strategic positioning.
Ensure that WFP’s projects and initiatives align with Iraq’s national priorities and deliver measurable results.
Support rapid and effective response to emerging crises, ensuring WFP’s relevance and agility.
Cultivate and sustain high-level partnerships that advance WFP’s dual mandate of life-saving assistance and sustainable development.
This structure allows the CD to maintain overall decision-making authority while leveraging expert advice and strategic insights to navigate Iraq’s complex operational environment.
Qualifications and Experience:
University degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science or a related field.
At least
5 years of professional experience in strategic advisory or similar roles, particularly in complex political and economic environments.
Extensive experience in policy analysis, geopolitical monitoring, and high-level engagement with government, UN agencies, and other development partners.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategies and managing external relations at senior levels.
Knowledge and Skills:
Strong understanding of geopolitical dynamics, governance, and sustainable development in Iraq.
Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advice to senior management.
Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private sector actors.
Knowledge of policy dialogues and experience in multi-stakeholder platforms to advocate for sustainable development.
Leadership capabilities, with experience in crisis management and rapid decision-making in dynamic contexts.
Languages
Fluency in Arabic and English languages is essential.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our recruitment process is inclusively crafted to welcome candidates of all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and ensuring a respectful environment for all. We aim fo
