Business Innovation Consultant

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Over the past years the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has responded to an unprecedented level of emergencies, while maintaining ongoing operations. This increased demand stretches the organization which means WFP has to find new approaches and ways of working to ensure we are channeling every available resource to the people we serve.

The Business Innovation Unit (BIU) was established in 2015 to manage change and to promote innovation as part of WFP’s Innovation division:

• BIU acts as the “management consulting arm” of WFP
• BIU is composed of staff with top-tier management consulting backgrounds as well as UN experience

We execute projects on behalf of Executive Directors, Assistant Secretary Generals, and Directors across the UN system, and have become a trusted advisor to WFP and other entities (e.g. UN Women, UNFPA, Business Innovation Group). Our focus is on end-to-end solutions, including problem assessment, data analysis, operational model design, change plan and implementation monitoring.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support innovation activities in RBN region on the following areas:

Manage the execution of AgTech Accelerator Project Lead efforts in partner mapping, building partnership and, developing a fundraising strategy Provide additional project management support for the innovation portfolio of projects as required

DELIVERABLES:

Depending on time of joining, the candidate’s specific experience and current corporate priorities, the candidate will be responsible for the full delivery of a project work stream. Examples of specific deliverables are:

• Project Management ensuring timely delivery of AgTech Accelerator as per the agreed project plan
  • Serve as the liaison with internal and external partners, maintaining communication and ensuring alignment with all involved stakeholders.
  • Lead each key steps of the project such as selection and onboarding of cohort members, managing application processes, evaluations, and participant integration, Demo Day event.
  • Work closely with project mentors and coaches to provide guidance to cohort members throughout the acceleration process. 
• Partner Mapping and Establishment of Sustainable Partnerships
  • Conduct comprehensive partner mapping to identify key stakeholders, potential collaborators, and strategic partners.
  • Establish and maintain sustainable partnerships with corporate sponsors, NGOs, government bodies, and other relevant entities
• Fundraising Strategy Development
  • Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for business innovation to secure funding for current and future projects.
  • Identify potential funding sources, prepare, and present proposals to potential investors; Collaborate with financial advisors and external partners to ensure the fundraising strategy is aligned with market trends and stakeholder interests. 
• Other Project Management and AdHoc Support as required

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Preference for a degree in business, economics or engineering

Experience:

• At least 3 years of progressively responsible national and/or international experience in a business or international relations related position. At least 2 year experience in change management, management consulting or finance required. Additional work experience desirable.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to develop new strategies and innovative projects
• Good analytical abilities, both quantitative and qualitative: ability to perform advanced analysis in excel and produce high-quality written materials, including powerpoint presentations as well as text documents;
• Experience with optimization processes (e.g. optimization of strategic planning, sourcing, logistics, finance processes, performance management, etc.)
• Collaborative spirit to liaise with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures, with credibility and diplomacy;
• Time management skills with an ability to plan ahead, anticipate requirements, problems and obstacles, and an ability to juggle competing priorities successfully, and to work on tight deadlines;
• Self-motivated and able to work with a certain degree of autonomy and/ or in team;
• Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of the UN WFP.

Languages:

• In addition to a high proficiency in written and spoken English, knowledge of a second UN language is a plus.