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World Food Programme (WFP) Is Hiring A JUNIOR LEGAL CONSULTANT Apply Today

Background

The World Food Programme is an international organization within the United Nations that provides food assistance worldwide. It is the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals. Founded in 1961, WFP is headquartered in Rome and has offices in 80 countries.

About WFP

  1. Mandate: WFP’s primary mandate is to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and enhance food security. It works to save lives in emergencies, provide food assistance to vulnerable populations, and support development programs to address the underlying causes of hunger.
  2. United Nations Agency: WFP is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) and operates under the UN General Assembly’s authority. It collaborates closely with other UN agencies, governments, and partners to achieve its goals.
  3. Scope of Work: WFP operates in more than 80 countries, providing assistance to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. It also implements long-term development projects to improve food security and build resilience in communities.
  4. Food Assistance Programs: WFP delivers various types of food assistance, including in-kind food distribution, cash-based transfers, and vouchers. Its programs aim to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food, especially in times of crisis.
  5. Emergency Response: WFP plays a crucial role in responding to humanitarian emergencies, such as conflicts, droughts, and floods. It provides food assistance, logistics support, and expertise in emergency coordination to save lives and meet the immediate needs of affected populations.
  6. School Feeding Programs: WFP operates school feeding programs in many countries, where it provides meals to children in schools. These programs help improve access to education, enhance nutrition, and promote school enrollment and attendance.
  7. Nutrition Initiatives: WFP integrates nutrition interventions into its programs, aiming to address malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
  8. Supply Chain and Logistics: WFP has a robust supply chain and logistics infrastructure. It manages the procurement, storage, and transportation of food and other relief items to ensure timely delivery to affected areas.
  9. Partnerships: WFP collaborates with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to implement its programs effectively. Partnerships are crucial for resource mobilization, technical expertise, and maximizing the impact of interventions.
  10. Funding: WFP relies on voluntary contributions from governments, foundations, businesses, and individuals to finance its operations. It advocates for increased funding and support to address global hunger and food insecurity.

Why work at WFP

Working at the World Food Programme (WFP) offers several compelling reasons for individuals interested in humanitarian work and making a positive impact on global food security. Here are some reasons why people choose to work at WFP:

  1. Life-Saving Work: By working at WFP, you have the opportunity to contribute to life-saving efforts. WFP operates in some of the most challenging environments, providing food assistance to people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies. Your work can directly save lives and alleviate suffering.
  2. Global Impact: WFP is the largest humanitarian organization dedicated to addressing hunger and promoting food security worldwide. With operations in over 80 countries, you have the chance to make a significant global impact and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger.
  3. Meaningful Mission: WFP’s mission is to end hunger and improve nutrition. By joining the organization, you become part of a collective effort to tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges—ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
  4. Field Experience: WFP provides opportunities for field assignments in challenging and diverse contexts. This allows you to gain hands-on experience in humanitarian response, emergency assistance, and development programs. Field experience can be personally fulfilling and provide valuable professional growth.
  5. Multidisciplinary Work Environment: WFP brings together professionals from various disciplines, including logistics, nutrition, finance, program management, and more. Working alongside experts from different backgrounds fosters a collaborative and multidisciplinary work environment, enabling employees to learn from diverse perspectives and contribute their expertise.
  6. Innovation and Technology: WFP embraces innovation and technology to enhance its operations. The organization actively explores new ways to improve food assistance delivery, implement cash-based transfers, leverage data and analytics, and incorporate digital solutions. Working at WFP allows you to be part of these innovative initiatives.
  7. Professional Growth and Development: WFP invests in the professional development of its staff. The organization offers a range of training programs, learning opportunities, and career advancement possibilities. You can deepen your expertise in humanitarian work, gain leadership skills, and grow within the organization.
  8. Collaborative Partnerships: WFP collaborates with governments, NGOs, UN agencies, and the private sector to address hunger and food security. Working at WFP provides opportunities to build relationships, foster partnerships, and work collectively with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.
  9. International Exposure: WFP operates in various regions and countries, providing opportunities for international exposure and cultural exchange. You can work in different contexts, collaborate with colleagues from around the world, and broaden your global perspective.
  10. Work-Life Balance: WFP recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. While humanitarian work can involve demanding situations, the organization values staff well-being and strives to provide support and work-life balance initiatives.

Junior Legal Consultant

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the general supervision of a Legal Officer, the Junior Legal Consultant will be responsible for the following key duties:

  • Undertake legal research and analysis; work on a range of legal matters including interpretation and application of various legal instruments to support the provision of quality legal services;
  • Review legal documents, identify and analyze important issues, present findings and recommendations for internal review to support the decision-making process;
  • Assist with the preparation of legal opinions or advice on a wide range of legal issues; 
  • Assist with the negotiation and preparation of agreements and contracts with public and private entities including private sector partners, governments, other UN organisations and NGOs, financial institutions, digital payments providers and other commercial entities, and assist with contractual interpretation and disputes to meet unique client needs;
  • Assist with the identification of potential liabilities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties, and assist in the management of risks in WFP’s activities to facilitate well-informed decisions;
  • Assist in the preparation of negotiations and settlement of claims and disputes with public and private entities;
  • Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work; and
  • Other, as required

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education: University degree in Law.

Qualification: Qualification to practice law or admission to practice law by a recognized national or state bar or society is desirable.

Work Experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience in the field of law.

Knowledge Skills: 

  • Legal research, analysis and drafting skills.
  • Articulate and concise thinking.
  • Good planning, organization and time management skills.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Tact and a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.
  • Adaptability and ability to work on a wide range of legal issues.
  • General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is a plus.

Languages: Fluency (level C) in oral and written English is required. Fluency (level C) in oral and written French and/or Spanish and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is an asset.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
The deadline for applications is 8 May 2024 (11:59pm Rome, Italy time

APPLY NOW

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