Business Innovation Senior Manager

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. Facing unprecedented emergencies, WFP must innovate and find new ways of working to maximize resource impact. The Business Innovation Unit (BIU)/UN Advisory Alliance (UNAA) serves as WFP's internal management consulting arm, driving transformative projects across the UN system.

Job Purpose

The Business Innovation Senior Manager will lead and execute high-impact transformation projects for WFP and other UN entities, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. This role involves managing complex initiatives, from problem assessment and data analysis to operational model design and implementation monitoring. The manager will guide cross-functional teams, drive efficiency exercises in country offices, and contribute to UN reform efforts. Responsibilities include advising senior leadership on strategic priorities, supervising project teams, developing actionable recommendations, and potentially managing a team of consultants. The position requires a strong background in management consulting or finance, with a focus on change management and innovative problem-solving to enhance WFP's operational effectiveness and humanitarian impact.

Responsibilities

The Business Innovation Manager at the World Food Programme (WFP) will be responsible for executing business innovation projects and managing country office transformation initiatives. This role involves advising senior leadership on organizational priorities, leading cross-functional teams to define project objectives and timelines, and supervising analytical and project management efforts. The manager will also drive efficiency exercises for country offices, conducting financial and operational analyses to provide actionable recommendations. Furthermore, the position contributes to UN reform efforts by leading inter-agency projects, engaging with stakeholders, and supervising data analyses for key work packages. A significant part of the role includes supervising, guiding, and training junior consultants, contributing to knowledge management, and actively participating in business development to secure new projects. The manager will also be accountable for the overall leadership team priorities of the Business Innovation Unit/UN Advisory Alliance, ensuring the successful delivery of multiple projects concurrently and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment. This position requires a strong background in management consulting, change management, and financial analysis, with a focus on delivering end-to-end solutions within the UN system.

Work Experience

Requires approximately 10 years of progressive national and/or international experience in a business or international relations role. A minimum of 10 years of experience in change management, management consulting, or finance is mandatory. Additional work experience is considered a plus.

Skills

Change Management, Management Consulting, Finance, Business Strategy, Innovation, Data Analysis, Project Management, Optimization Processes, Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis, Cross-functional Collaboration, Time Management, Autonomy, Teamwork, Business Development, Leadership, Communication

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