Consultant Information Technology

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

2 July 2026-23:59-GMT-05:00 Eastern Standard Time (Panama)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages 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.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is 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.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE : Regional Innovation Advisor
TYPE OF CONTRACT : Consultancy III
UNIT/DIVISION : Technology Division , based at LACRO
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Panama City, Panama
DURATION: Asap – NTE 31.12.202 6

BACK GROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT :
WFP is leveraging unprecedented advances in digital innovation and new business models to transform the way it serves vulnerable communities across the world. The Regional Innovation Advisor defines the strategy and oversee s the implementation of regional innovation initiatives ,and in collaboration with Global HQ functions , Regional Office and Country Office stakeholders ,plan s and execute s the innovation projects .

ACCOUNTABILITIES /RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Innovation Advisory Service and Strategy
a. Design and implement an innovation advisory service for the region in
coordination and close collaboration with the Innovation Division (INN) and the Technology Division s (TEC).
2. Innovation programme and projects
a. Support country offices in the development/strengthening of local capacity for driving innovation , including virtual or in -person training s, workshops , webinars,
coaching and mentoring .
b. Drive, advise and support innovation projects in country offices in line with the corresponding country strategic plan (CSP) , ensuring the measuring of efficiencies and value created .
3. Partnerships and Fundraising
a. Prospecting for new partners with an innovation focus , with an emphasis on new -to-WFP partners, including the private sector. to enable fundraising and resource mobilization for the innovation advisory service and for innovation project portfolio in country offices , in coordination with LACRO Partnerships , the Innovation Division (INN) and the Technology D ivision s (TEC).
b. Build and manag e strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UN agencies, government counterparts, and implementing partners .
4. Regional Coordination
a. Guide and support Digital Innovation Officers in country offices by providing strategic direction, coaching, and coordination to strengthen delivery, foster collaboration, and build capacity across the regional innovation portfolio.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
•Country Offices in the Latin American and the Caribbean region are well equipped with innovation & technology management.
•Operational efficiencies and measurable value generated by the implementation of innovative initiatives.
•Innovation capacity in country offices has been strengthened through targeted support, including workshops and on-demand assistance.
•The regional innovation project portfolio is well-managed, with timely strategic and operational support provided to country offices.
•An innovation advisory service strategic brief has been developed, validated with stakeholders, and published.
•New partnerships and funding have been secured to support regional advisory services and innovation initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education: Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree or advanced university degree in business, innovation and technology management, international development or other related fields.

Experience: At least 12 years of progressively responsible international experience in a start-up leadership role, start-up accelerator, innovations in private businesses or innovations in the humanitarian or international development sector. Experience in scaling projects and/or innovations in multiple geographies and settings is a strong plus. Knowledge & Skills:
•Experience in innovation project life cycle - from ideation, minimum viable product, testing, prototyping and implementation.
•Knowledge and experience of funding models of start-ups and impact innovations.
•Worked or led cross-functionally and get things done hands-on.
•Experience working in a large scale-organization or with a client/in partnership with a large-scale organization.
•Proven track record of driving projects - effectively delivering impactful elements of projects in a fast-moving environment, ideally for new businesses, new business models, start-ups etc.
•Proven experience in leading and managing diverse teams, including setting strategic direction, fostering collaboration, overseeing performance, and driving results through effective delegation, coaching, and capacity building. Demonstrated ability to create inclusive, high-performing team environments aligned with organizational goals
•Strong conceptual thinking to develop new strategies & innovative projects. Excellent communication skills with the ability to write strategy documents, develop business plans and write and deliver presentations.
•Collaborative spirit, able to partner with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, and people at all levels and across different cultures and to act with credibility and diplomacy.
•Self-motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy.
•Fully committed and motivated to achieve the aims of WFP.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in oral and written English and Spanish is mandatory. Intermediate knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is a plus.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

 

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

 

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

 

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

 

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.