PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Guided by the current CSP, WFP will intensify its resource mobilization and external communication efforts with the overarching goal of expanding the donor base and improving visibility of this unfolding crisis. This requires significant staff dedication to explore, nurture and grow new partnerships while also ensuring that high-quality external communication products are produced to position Malawi at national, regional and global level. WFP Malawi is seeking a qualified consultant to support the emergency response and create an enabling environment for fundraising and to raise the profile of Malawi.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities

Partnerships development and advocacy

• Identify and prospect high value partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams to identify target partners to support the emergency
• Negotiate new partnerships through the creation of compelling value propositions, key messages, presentations and briefings.
• Advance WFP’s value proposition in specific thematic areas, (particularly for the recovery phase of the cyclone) and create tailored content and language that speak to partner audiences.
• Explore IFIs and private sector engagement opportunities, including identification, development and maintenance of partnerships for increased collaboration and specific fundraising efforts.

• Contribute to the facilitation of high-level public events and donor missions to enhance the visibility of the crisis and influence existing and prospective partners. 

• Create and establish new knowledge management systems to ensure fluid and efficient processes (which involves the Country Office, Regional Bureau and Headquarters).

Strategic Communication  

• Design a production plan to deliver creative audiovisual content that make it easy for audiences to understand data, narratives, and proof points, working in anticipation and delivering quick turnaround solutions for last-minute requests. 
• Use existing high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage beyond emergency support to medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and resilience.
• Collaborate with different technical unit focal points to build new 'products' (infographics, video explainers, etc.) which can be used a sales pitch and unlock fundraising opportunities.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Malawi gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Serve as editor and reviewer of stories, media messages, news releases, fact sheets and operational briefs. Pitch stories to outlets and expand the network of regional and international media contacts.
• Provide strategic advice and give support to CO team to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support for CO team.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

Partnerships development and advocacy

• Identify and prospect high value partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams to identify target partners to support the emergency.
• Negotiate new partnerships through the creation of compelling value propositions, key messages, presentations and briefings.
• Advance WFP’s value proposition in specific thematic areas and create tailored content and language that speak to partner audiences.
• Contribute to the facilitation of high-level public events and donor missions to enhance the visibility of the crisis and influence existing and prospective partners.
• Create and establish new knowledge management systems to ensure fluid and efficient processes (which involves the Country Office, Regional Bureau and Headquarters).

Strategic Communication 

• Collect, produce and disseminate multimedia materials, including photos, videos and written content relating to El Nino.
• Design a production plan to deliver creative audiovisual content that makes it easy for audiences to understand data, narratives, and proof points, working in anticipation and delivering quick turnaround solutions for last-minute requests.
• Use existing high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage beyond emergency support to medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and resilience.
• Collaborate with different technical unit focal points to build new 'products' (infographics, video explainers, etc.) which can be used a sales pitch and unlock fundraising opportunities.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Malawi gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Pitch stories to outlets and expand the network of regional and international media contacts.
• Provide strategic advice and give support to CO team to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support for CO team.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• First University degree in Arts, International Development, Development Economics, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Communications, or other relevant fields.

Experience:

• At least five years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience, including specialized knowledge and experience required to design and drive strategic partnerships and design communication and branding campaigns.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Experience in partnerships management and communications.
• Ability to translate understanding of programme principles into relevant, effective, and context specific approaches.
• Ability to explain complex operations to counterparts and to communicate with Government and partners clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Good interpersonal skills, teamwork spirit and ability to work in multicultural settings.

Languages:

• International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language, Proficiency in another UN language an asset.

• Identify and prospect high value partnerships and work collaboratively with different teams to identify target partners to support the emergency
• Negotiate new partnerships through the creation of compelling value propositions, key messages, presentations and briefings.
• Advance WFP’s value proposition in specific thematic areas, (particularly for the recovery phase of the cyclone) and create tailored content and language that speak to partner audiences.
• Explore IFIs and private sector engagement opportunities, including identification, development and maintenance of partnerships for increased collaboration and specific fundraising efforts.
• Contribute to the facilitation of high-level public events and donor missions to enhance the visibility of the crisis and influence existing and prospective partners.
• Create and establish new knowledge management systems to ensure fluid and efficient processes (which involves the Country Office, Regional Bureau and Headquarters).
• Design a production plan to deliver creative audiovisual content that make it easy for audiences to understand data, narratives, and proof points, working in anticipation and delivering quick turnaround solutions for last-minute requests.
• Use existing high-quality and compelling multimedia materials to proactively position WFP to engage beyond emergency support to medium-term development in the areas of anticipatory action, nutrition, agriculture, social protection, school feeding and resilience.
• Collaborate with different technical unit focal points to build new ‘products’ (infographics, video explainers, etc.) which can be used a sales pitch and unlock fundraising opportunities.
• Liaise with Regional Bureau and CAM HQ (Creative Studio) to ensure Malawi gets better visibility at Regional and Global level.
• Serve as editor and reviewer of stories, media messages, news releases, fact sheets and operational briefs. Pitch stories to outlets and expand the network of regional and international media contacts.
• Provide strategic advice and give support to CO team to improve communications. Develop and implement training and provide extensive support for CO team.
• Take responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of the WFP diversity and inclusion framework.
• Any other duties as determined by supervisor.
• Collect, produce and disseminate multimedia materials, including photos, videos and written content relating to El Nino.

• Strategic communication
• Partnership development
• Advocacy
• Content creation (audiovisual, written)
• Media relations
• Knowledge management
• Negotiation
• Public speaking/presentation
• Training and capacity building

• Relevant academic background in communications, international relations, development studies, or a related field.
• Proven experience in partnerships development and management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, including content creation and media engagement.
• Experience working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for communication and project management.