Under the supervision of the Country Director and within the scope of delegated authority, the Strategic Advisor will:

Advise the Country Director on policy priorities, geopolitical trends, and strategic opportunities for WFP Iraq. Provide insights, analysis, and recommendations to guide critical decision-making. Develop and refine strategies to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations. Support the Country Director in engaging with government officials, civil society activists, and private sector leaders. Monitor political, economic, and social developments that could impact WFP’s role, position, and relations in Iraq. Identify emerging opportunities, risks, and market trends relevant to WFP’s work. Assist the Country Director in managing crises by providing rapid analysis and response strategies. Provide advice and oversight on the development of digital transformation initiatives to enhance governance, social protection, and service delivery. Facilitate external engagement with government counterparts, advising on WFP’s participation in policy dialogues and multi-stakeholder platforms. Provide strategic guidance to advocate for WFP’s contributions to sustainable development. Prepare briefs, talking points, and reports for high-level meetings and public engagements. Perform other duties as required to enhance WFP’s impact and strategic alignment in Iraq.

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES/DELIVERABLES

The Strategic Advisor to the CD will ensure the following outcomes:

• Strengthen WFP’s strategic engagement with government, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Provide timely and evidence-based insights to support the CD’s leadership and WFP’s strategic positioning.
• Ensure that WFP’s projects and initiatives align with Iraq’s national priorities and deliver measurable results.
• Support rapid and effective response to emerging crises, ensuring WFP’s relevance and agility.
• Cultivate and sustain high-level partnerships that advance WFP’s dual mandate of life-saving assistance and sustainable development.

This structure allows the CD to maintain overall decision-making authority while leveraging expert advice and strategic insights to navigate Iraq’s complex operational environment.

Skills

• University degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in strategic advisory or similar roles, particularly in complex political and economic environments.
• Extensive experience in policy analysis, geopolitical monitoring, and high-level engagement with government, UN agencies, and other development partners.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategies and managing external relations at senior levels.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of geopolitical dynamics, governance, and sustainable development in Iraq.
• Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advice to senior management.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and private sector actors.
• Knowledge of policy dialogues and experience in multi-stakeholder platforms to advocate for sustainable development.
• Leadership capabilities, with experience in crisis management and rapid decision-making in dynamic contexts.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic and English languages is essential.