📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Consultant Partnerships
🔹 Company: World Food Programme
🔹 Location: Nairobi, Kenya
🔹 Job Type: Consultancy
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-14
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting Country Offices in developing localized innovation strategies
- Engaging with the regional innovation ecosystem
- Acting as an entrepreneurial project manager for selected innovation programs and projects
- Providing analysis and content preparation for priority topics and new strategic initiatives
- Supporting core processes of the Innovation Hub, such as communications, fundraising, partnerships, and contracting
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of technology innovations, business model innovations, and the African innovation ecosystem.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting Country Offices in developing localized innovation strategies and programs/projects
✅ Engaging with the regional innovation ecosystem to support innovation strategy, programs, and projects
✅ Acting as an entrepreneurial project manager for selected innovation programs and projects
✅ Providing analysis and content preparation for priority topics and new strategic initiatives
✅ Supporting core processes of the Innovation Hub, such as communications, fundraising, partnerships, and contracting
ASSUMPTION: This role may require travel to Country Offices and other locations within the region.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, innovation, design, international development, or a related field
Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in African start-ups, consulting, FMCG private businesses, or innovation support in the humanitarian/international development sector
Required Skills:
- Passion and deep understanding of technology innovations and business model innovations
- Strong networks of actors in African innovation ecosystems and a nuanced understanding of the sector and its development over the past decade
- Entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial leadership experience
- Ability to gather and synthesize different types of qualitative and quantitative information to guide major strategic and operational decisions
- Excellent communication/presentation skills
- Strong conceptual thinking to develop new strategies and innovative projects
- Able to interact with a broad range of stakeholders and external audiences with maturity and tact
- Collaborative spirit, able to partner with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures
- Self-motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy
Preferred Skills:
- Good command of Swahili; other regionally-spoken Bantu, Nilotic, or Afro-Asiatic languages; and/or French
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the humanitarian sector and a strong understanding of the UN system will have an advantage.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this consultancy position is not provided. However, consultancy rates for similar roles in the humanitarian sector typically range from $500 to $1,500 per day, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
- Access to WFP's global network and expertise
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects in the humanitarian sector
- Competitive consultancy rates
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: Benefits for consultancy positions may vary depending on the specific contract and agreement with WFP.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit Organizations, specifically focused on humanitarian aid and food security
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (global), with a significant presence in Kenya and the East African region
Founded: The World Food Programme was founded in 1961 and has since grown to become 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.
Company Description:
- WFP is a first responder to emergencies caused by conflict and disasters, providing food, cash, and other assistance to millions of people left in urgent need and at risk of going hungry.
- WFP celebrates and embraces diversity, providing equal employment opportunities to all its employees and encouraging 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.
Company Specialties:
- Humanitarian aid and food security
- International relations and international affairs
- Nutrition and programme & policy development
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Emergency response and emergency preparedness
- International development and social protection
- Food security and emergency relief
- Aviation
Company Website: wfp.org
ASSUMPTION: WFP's mission and values drive its commitment to saving lives and changing lives, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level role, requiring significant experience in innovation support and the humanitarian sector
Reporting Structure: The Consultant Partnerships role reports directly to the Innovation Lead Advisor and works closely with Country Offices, functional units in RBN, stakeholders, and partners in the regional innovation ecosystem.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential travel to Country Offices and other locations within the region
Growth Opportunities:
- Exposure to high-impact projects and initiatives in the humanitarian sector
- Potential to build a strong professional network within WFP and the regional innovation ecosystem
- Opportunity to develop and refine skills in innovation strategy, project management, and stakeholder engagement
- Potential to transition to a full-time role within WFP, depending on performance and organizational needs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of innovation, humanitarian aid, and international development, with the potential for significant impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: WFP Kenya Office, located in Nairobi, Kenya
Office Location(s): Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, Roma, RM 00148, IT (global headquarters); Nairobi, Kenya (regional office)
Geographic Context:
- Nairobi, Kenya, is the capital and largest city in East Africa, with a diverse and multicultural population
- The city is a major hub for international organizations, non-profits, and diplomatic missions
- Nairobi offers a mix of urban and natural environments, with easy access to outdoor activities and wildlife reserves
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential flexibility for remote work or part-time arrangements, depending on the specific consultancy contract
ASSUMPTION: Nairobi's vibrant and multicultural environment provides a rich context for innovation and collaboration in the humanitarian sector.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the WFP careers portal
- Initial screening and phone/online interview with the HR team
- Technical interview and assessment with the Innovation Lead Advisor and relevant stakeholders
- Final interview and decision-making
Key Assessment Areas:
- Innovation strategy and project management skills
- Understanding of the humanitarian sector and WFP's mission and values
- Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and partners
- Cultural fit and alignment with WFP's leadership framework
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of WFP's mission, values, and the humanitarian sector
- Prepare examples of your innovation strategy and project management experience
- Be ready to discuss your networks within the African innovation ecosystem and your understanding of the regional context
ATS Keywords: Innovation, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Humanitarian, International Development, Africa, Kenya, Nairobi, WFP, UN, Consultancy
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their unique qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
- Remote work and virtual meeting tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects and initiatives supported by the Consultant Partnerships.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Commitment
- Humanity
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Results-driven and entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment
- Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with WFP's organizational values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex project or initiative in a multicultural environment?
- How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders and partners?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with WFP's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic humanitarian sector, with shifting priorities and demands
- Navigating a complex organizational structure and reporting lines within WFP
- Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously, with competing priorities and deadlines
- Adapting to cultural differences and working styles within a diverse and multicultural team
- Balancing the demands of consultancy work with personal and professional responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and demanding work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Consultant Partnerships vs. Full-time Innovation Advisor: Consultant Partnerships offers more flexibility and short-term project-based work, while a full-time Innovation Advisor role provides more stability and long-term career growth opportunities within WFP.
- Consultant Partnerships vs. Freelance Innovation Consultant: Consultant Partnerships offers structured project management and collaboration with WFP teams, while freelance consulting provides more independence and flexibility but may require more self-management and business development.
- Consultant Partnerships vs. Internships/Entry-level Innovation Roles: Consultant Partnerships offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain valuable experience in the humanitarian sector, while internships and entry-level roles provide a more structured learning environment and potential for long-term career growth.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider their career goals and personal preferences when comparing similar roles in the humanitarian sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing an innovation strategy for a Country Office, including localized programs and projects
- Engaging with the regional innovation ecosystem to support an innovation program or project
- Acting as an entrepreneurial project manager for a selected innovation program or project, from inception to completion
- Providing analysis and content preparation for priority topics and new strategic initiatives, such as a new innovation program or partnership
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and initiatives supported by the Consultant Partnerships will vary depending on the needs and priorities of WFP and the regional innovation ecosystem.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing innovation challenges facing WFP and the humanitarian sector in the East Africa region?
- How does this role fit into WFP's broader innovation strategy and theory of change?
- What are the key priorities and objectives for the Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa in the coming year?
- How does WFP support the professional development and growth of its consultants and staff?
- What is the typical timeline for a consultancy assignment with WFP, and are there opportunities for extension or transition to a full-time role?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to gather information about the organization, the role, and the team, and to assess their fit and potential for success in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the WFP careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your innovation strategy and project management experience
- Be ready to discuss your networks within the African innovation ecosystem and your understanding of the regional context
- Follow up with the HR team two weeks after submission if you have not received a response
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
