Overview
The role supports and coordinates the implementation of the Ignite Innovation Challenge and broader innovation initiatives, focusing on engaging ecosystem actors, especially the private sector, to strengthen market access, value-chain integration, and opportunities for smallholders.
Tasks Summary
- Support development and execution of CO innovation strategy and roadmap.
- Collaborate with CO and Field Office teams to develop new approaches and business models.
- Support promotion of the CO innovation agenda.
- Promote innovation as an enabler of smallholder commercialization, income growth, and graduation from hunger.
- Develop and maintain strong ties with CO cross-functional teams.
- Educate and train teams on new solutions and innovations.
- Drive innovation, presentations, and innovation sessions.
- Support WFP teams, cooperatives, SMEs, and innovators to design and implement solutions.
- Drive a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
- Act as the Innovation champion for the WFP Malawi Office.
- Encourage colleagues to innovate and support the shift towards a thriving innovation culture.
- Track and report on innovation metrics, programme, and business impact.
- Support the establishment of WFP Malawi as a recognized innovation leader.
- Support the identification of external assets and partners.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with Malawi’s private sector.
- Facilitate linkages between innovators and private-sector actors.
- Represent WFP at national innovation forums, Government-led platforms, industry associations, UN innovation working groups, and private sector roundtables.
- Support mapping of the Malawi innovation ecosystem and development of market intelligence briefs.
- Lead end-to-end execution of the Ignite Innovation Challenge.
- Prepare work plans, spending plans, and ensure implementation is aligned with project timelines.
- Conduct monthly progress check-ins with innovators and prepare monthly reports.
- Support the scale-up of promising solutions through partnerships, evidence generation, and integration into WFP and Government systems.
- Coordinate with Supply Chain, Programme, and Partnerships units.
- Any other duties as required.
Experience Requirements
- At least 6 years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship support, market systems development, private sector engagement, design thinking, or programme management.
- Demonstrated experience engaging the private sector, especially in agriculture, digital solutions, logistics, or financial inclusion.
Qualification Requirements
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: Business, Innovation, Design, Technology, International development, or another relevant technical field.
- Post graduate level training or certification in monitoring and evaluation, project planning and management, Innovation management or M&E will be an added advantage.
