Overview
The EU Partnership and Compliance Officer plays a key role in enabling the conclusion of satisfactory contribution agreements for WFP and ensuring compliance with complex contractual conditions and requirements. The role supports country offices, regional offices, and HQ divisions in mobilizing funds from the EU by establishing and fostering partnerships with EU institutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide specialist advice, support and assistance to WFP Country Offices, Regional Offices and concerned units at Headquarters to strengthen relations with the European Union and increase fundraising opportunities.
- Lead negotiations for contributions agreements centrally managed by relevant European Commission services.
- Provide guidance and support for the negotiation, management and reporting of contributions agreements with EU Delegations.
- Identify, build and maintain effective relationships with EU representatives and represent WFP in regular donor meetings.
- Oversee, coordinate and contribute to the preparation of briefing documents for senior management levels meetings with EU institutions.
- Develop and present clear recommendations for senior staff members highlighting fundraising opportunities and develop strategies to increase funding.
- Advice on all EU legal matters and compliance of contribution agreements.
- Coordinate WFP inputs and follow-up actions in the context of the periodic meetings of the EU-UN FAFA Working Group and the Joint Technical Reference Group of the FAFA.
- Participate on behalf of WFP in inter-agency meetings and joint EC/UN working groups and tasks forces.
- Act as main focal point within Brussels Global Office and provide all necessary support for EU financial verifications, other EC related control exercises and all compliance/risk related matters.
- Facilitate WFP dialogue with the Legal, Finance, Contract and Audit units of all relevant European Commission services.
- Lead/coordinate a small technical team responsible for the day-to-day management of EU contributions in WFP’s corporate platforms.
- Provide training to WFP Headquarters, regional and field staff on the management of EU contributions, EU compliance and all related legal and contractual issues.
Required Experience
At least eight years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience in international development, donor aid programmes or other related fields. Out of these, a minimum of four years of proven experience dealing with EU institutions, policies, oversight and legal frameworks is essential, including negotiation and management of EU contracts and financial verifications. Proven experience in fundraising, negotiations and public relations/advocacy. Experience managing teams of experts across a variety of job functions and creating an enabling environment. Solid communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Working knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures governing administration. Good working knowledge of EU development policies and of EU working modalities, regulations and administrative procedures. Experience working in developing country, preferably in the area of food aid or development cooperation desirable. Previous experience with the World Food Programme is an asset.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree, or a university degree with additional years of experience, and advanced training/coursework in one or more of the following disciplines: preferably Law, political science, international development, or a related field.
