Strategic & Special Assistant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

21 June 2026-23:59-GMT+03:00 Arabian Standard Time (Aden)

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).

General Information

Title of Post: Strategic & Special Assistant
Grade: CST II
Supervisor: Country Director
Unit/Division: Management
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Aden, Yemen
Duration of Contract: 11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, and the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetime. Every single day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.
The Office of the Country Director (CD) plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of WFP’s operations in Yemen, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities, donor expectations, and evolving operational realities.
Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Strategic & Special Assistant provides high-level strategic, operational, and coordination support to the CD and Country Leadership Team. The role serves as a trusted advisor and a central coordination point, ensuring the effectiveness, coherence, and timeliness of decision-making and internal/external engagement.
The incumbent will facilitate communication across the Country Office, support strategic planning and prioritization, and ensure that the CD is equipped with the analysis, insights, and materials required to lead effectively in a complex operating environment.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Advisory & Leadership Support
•Provide high-level operational, planning, managerial and coordination support to the CD and all aspects of the work of the Country Office.
•Monitor key political, humanitarian, and operational developments and translate them into actionable insights for Country Leadership Team.
•Accompany and support the CD in high-level meetings with donors, government counterparts, UN agencies, and partners, ensuring effective follow-up and relationship management.

•Support engagement with key stakeholders by providing context, analysis, and messaging for strategic interactions.
•Manage and deliver special assignments or cross-cutting initiatives as requested by the Country Director.

Coordination of Activities & Operational Management of the Country Director (CD)’s Office

.Work in close collaboration with Functional Units, and Field Offices, coordination of inputs for cross-functional tasks and prepare briefing documents and talking points.

•Lead or support strategic planning exercises, including annual planning, prioritization, and performance tracking.
•Support Country Leadership Team processes, including preparation and follow-up of management meetings, decision tracking, and accountability mechanisms.
•Ensure smooth communication and information flow between the CD’s Office and all units within the Country Office.
•Coordinate the CD’s agenda, priorities, and engagements, ensuring optimal time management and alignment with strategic objectives.
•Prepare high-quality briefing notes, talking points, speeches, reports, and correspondence for internal and external audiences.
•Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
•Perform other related duties and assignments as and when required by the CD.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, development studies, communications, political science, humanitarian affairs, or a related field.

Experience:
•Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian or development contexts, preferably within international organizations.
•Demonstrated experience in strategic advisory roles, executive support, or coordination functions at senior levels.
•Experience in complex emergency settings and/or fragile contexts is highly desirable.
•Proven track record in managing cross-functional processes, preparing high-level communications, and supporting senior leadership.

Knowledge & Skills:
•Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations.
•Excellent planning, prioritization, and organizational abilities.
•Outstanding writing and communication skills, including drafting high-level briefs, speeches, and reports.
•Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and partners.

•Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced, high-stakes environments while maintaining professionalism and discretion.
•Sound knowledge of humanitarian operations; familiarity with WFP systems and structures is an advantage.

Languages:

Fluency in both oral and written communication in English. Knowledge of an additional United Nations language would be an advantage.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :

• The applicant shouldn't be a Yemeni national.
• This position is required for a period of consecutive 11 months with a possibility of extension subject to operational needs and availability of funding in Yemen Country Office.
• Consultancy contracts will be subject to a mandatory break in service after a period of service of 11 continuous months.
• WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with WFP HR Manual.
• Applications must be submitted online with:
• Use English language only
• Indicate all your job TOR
• Indicate clear years of experience with each job (Month/Year)
• By submitting your application, you have read the Terms of Reference for this position and agree that any false, wrong or incomplete information might lead to your disqualification in this recruitment process.

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.