Consultant Partnerships Officer

Background and Purpose of the Assignment

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, with a mission to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. WFP Kenya is one of the 15 largest operations in the organization, with a yearly budget of approximately USD 150 million and a complex portfolio of activities spanning relief operations for refugees/vulnerable Kenyan populations; resilience building through asset creation and food systems strengthening; capacity strengthening activities (school meals, emergency preparedness and response), and logistics services including management of a major regional port and the UNHAS service.

The Country Office is seeking an appropriately qualified consultant to provide strategic support in advocacy, partnership development, and resource mobilization.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Portfolio Manager – Traditional Donors

• Lead the design and execution of donor-specific engagement plans for Kenya’s 20+ traditional partners, ensuring systematic, high-quality stewardship and proactive outreach.
• Prepare and deliver high-level funding proposals, briefings, talking points, and results-focused reports that reflect WFP Kenya’s priorities and align with donor strategies.
• Oversee and ensure the timely preparation of accurate, results-based donor reporting in collaboration with Programme, M&E, Finance, Supply Chain, and Field Offices.
• Ensure full compliance with visibility, communication, and contractual obligations for all Kenya-based partnerships with traditional donors, coordinating with HQ and the Regional Bureau as needed.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Coordinate and implement strategic segments of the donor relations work plan, focusing on both private sector and government donor engagement to identify, develop, and strengthen quality partnerships in support of WFP's strategic objectives.
• Lead the tracking and management of partnership pipelines, forecasting resource opportunities, and maintaining up‑to‑date donor intelligence to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Co-lead the development, implementation, and periodic revision of the Partnerships Strategy, working with functional units and Regional Bureau (RB) staff to create coordinated outreach plans.
• Proactively identify and highlight strategic opportunities for resource mobilization, proposing options to nurture trust and interest in WFP's work.
• Drive forward Partnerships in WFP Kenya CO: Provide expert guidance and support to the Country Office in developing and implementing partnership strategies, including proposal and report writing.
• Facilitate the growth of partnerships by exploring opportunities to expand existing relationships and initiate new ones, guided by thorough assessments, analysis, and due diligence.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge (OiC) for the Partnerships Unit during the absence of the head of the unit.

Briefings and Analytics for Partnership Development

• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation of high-quality briefing materials and meeting reports to facilitate corporate dialogue with partners and senior management.
• Conduct thorough analyses of funding trends and partner profiles using key information systems (e.g., Salesforce, WINGS), and provide actionable insights to enhance resource mobilization efforts.
• Coordinate the timely and accurate tracking of partnership activities and funding opportunities.

Capacity Building and Leadership

• Provide coaching, training, and guidance to junior staff to enhance their professional development and performance.
• Contribute to updating standard operating procedures and other internal processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Crisis Response and Emergency Support

• Lead and coordinate efforts in response to humanitarian crises or emergencies, mobilizing resources and managing high-pressure situations effectively.
• Provide hands-on support to COs during emergencies, ensuring swift and efficient resource mobilization and coordination.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and execution of joint events (e.g., UN pledging conferences, regional drought response initiatives).
• Engage with national governments, regional and international institutions to influence engagement and policy agendas.
• Ensure partner visibility and compliance with partnership agreements, incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work.

Deliverables at the End of the Contract

• A written summary covering submitted proposals and status of prospective donors in pipeline.
• Report on events and donor missions supported, lessons learned, and suggestions for future collaborations.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Education: Advanced University degree in Political Science, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, Social Sciences or other relevant field, or a First University degree with additional years of related work experience.
• Experience: Six years or more of postgraduate professional experience in a relevant field of work, with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.
• Desirable: Prior experience working within the UN system or humanitarian sector, and experience in developing countries.
• Languages: Written and oral proficiency in English is essential.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the World Food Programme official Workday site. To access the application portal, click the apply link provided.