Are you passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making a real impact in humanitarian efforts? The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a talented Innovation Associate (SC6) to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya. If you’re looking for a career that blends social impact, innovation, and global collaboration, this is your opportunity to contribute to WFP’s mission of fighting hunger and creating sustainable food solutions worldwide.
As the world’s largest humanitarian organization, WFP is committed to saving lives and changing lives. With a focus on emergencies, food security, and resilience-building, WFP is at the forefront of addressing global hunger crises. Now, we’re looking for someone like you to help scale and implement groundbreaking solutions through the WFP Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa.
Application Deadline: 21 March 2025 (23:59 GMT+03:00, East Africa Time)
Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity and how to apply.
Why Join WFP?
- A Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2020): Be part of an organization recognized for its global impact.
- A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: WFP celebrates diversity and ensures equal employment opportunities for all.
- Opportunities for Growth: WFP invests in professional development through training, mentorship, and international mobility.
- A Rewarding Career: Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to improving millions of lives worldwide.
About the Role: Innovation Associate (SC6)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-time
Requisition ID: JR110451
Posted On: 2 Days Ago
Application Deadline: 21 March 2025 (23:59 GMT+03:00 East Africa Time)
Background and Purpose of the Assignment
WFP’s Innovation Hub for Eastern Africa, based in Nairobi, is driving forward solutions that combat hunger across Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. The Hub supports promising innovations from entrepreneurs, startups, NGOs, and businesses, helping scale these initiatives within WFP operations.
With increased funding and a growing portfolio, WFP is launching new innovation programmes in the region. We are looking for an Innovation Associate to take a lead role in managing these initiatives, working with a variety of stakeholders, including WFP’s Country Offices, regional bureaus, innovation ecosystems, and global partners.
This role reports to the Innovation Programme Manager and offers a unique opportunity to drive change, contribute to global food security, and collaborate with some of the most promising social enterprises and innovators in the region.
Key Responsibilities
1. Design and Lead WFP Innovation Hub Programmes and Activities
- Lead the implementation of innovation programmes, such as IGNITE Innovation Challenges and Seed Innovation Programmes.
- Support local entrepreneurs and ventures, integrating them into WFP’s operations and programming.
- Oversee the development and coordination of WFP’s innovation scale-up strategy.
- Document and share best practices, lessons learned, and impact reports to continuously improve innovation programmes.
2. Manage Partnerships and Communication to Amplify Innovation
- Build strong partnerships with local and global stakeholders to support innovation in Eastern Africa.
- Lead the development of fundraising strategies for the Innovation Hub.
- Manage communication strategies to enhance visibility of innovation projects through social media, newsletters, and outreach.
- Maintain updated innovation fact sheets and reports for key stakeholders and donors.
- Collaborate with WFP’s regional communications team for approvals and advisory support.
3. Develop and Manage the Alumni Network for Innovation Ventures
- Engage and maintain relationships with previous innovation programme participants (alumni network).
- Connect alumni ventures with WFP Country Offices and Regional Bureaus to create collaboration opportunities.
- Organize networking events, knowledge-sharing platforms, and discussions within the innovation hub community.
- Collect and manage venture data to track impact and opportunities within the region.
4. Support Additional Innovation Activities
- Contribute to other innovation-related projects, such as knowledge management, innovative financing, and communications.
- Provide advisory support to innovation challenge participants and scale-up projects as needed.
Expected Deliverables
- Successful launch of innovation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
- Development of strong partnerships to support innovation projects.
- Comprehensive fundraising strategy to support regional innovation initiatives.
- Effective communication and documentation of key innovation projects and their impact.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education:
- First university degree in Business Administration, Finance, Entrepreneurship, International Development, Environmental Science, Development Economics, or any other relevant field.
Experience:
- At least three years of professional experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, project management, or related fields.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong skills in relationship management, project coordination, communication, and strategic planning.
- A creative and problem-solving mindset, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Languages:
- Fluency in English (Level C) required. Knowledge of Swahili is a plus.
WFP Leadership Framework
The WFP Leadership Framework provides guidelines on how we work together to achieve our mission. To learn more about WFP’s leadership principles, click here.
Additional Information
Reasonable Accommodation
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities and providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please contact [email protected].
No Fee Disclaimer
WFP does not charge any application fees. If you receive any request for payment during the recruitment process, please disregard it and report it.
Reminders Before You Apply
- Ensure your profile is accurate and complete, including employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Upload your CV and cover letter in English.
- Additional documents such as passports, recommendation letters, or academic certificates may be requested later.
- If you experience issues during the application process, contact [email protected].
Recruitment Process & Equal Opportunity
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs. WFP upholds a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, abuse, and exploitation.
How to Apply
Ready to take on this exciting challenge and be part of WFP’s mission to end hunger through innovation? Apply now by visiting the official WFP careers page and submitting your application before 21 March 2025.
Apply Now: WFP Careers Page
Join us in creating innovative solutions to fight hunger and transform lives worldwide!
