About the opportunity
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a Business Support Assistant to provide essential administrative and operational support to its Programme Unit in Zambia. Reporting to the Business Support Associate, the successful candidate will manage centralized workplans, track activity calendars, and oversee document workflows including concept notes and official correspondence. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless collaboration across teams, maintaining authoritative document repositories, and monitoring process lead times to facilitate efficient humanitarian service delivery.
Salary and benefits
- Attractive compensation package
- Opportunity to work for a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
- Highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment
- Investment in personal and professional development through training, coaching, and mentorship
- Internal mobility opportunities across various country, regional, and global offices
Who can apply?
- University degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, Information Management, Human Resource Management, Project Management, or a related field
- Alternatively, an Advanced Diploma in the specified fields with five years of additional work experience
- Five or more years of progressively responsible work experience in administrative and project management roles
- Fluency (Level C) in English
- Knowledge of specialized common business practices and methods
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with a range of individuals
- Strong data analysis skills and a keen eye for detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and monitor financial transactions
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
When to apply
- The application deadline is October 26, 2026, at 23:59 GMT+02:00 (Central Africa Time)
How to apply
- Complete your Workday profile accurately, including employment history, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Submit your application exclusively through the WFP online recruiting system
- Ensure your CV and Cover Letter are attached at the application stage
- Wait for contact if you are shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process
Additional information
- WFP provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities; contact global.inclusion@wfp.org for assistance
- The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- No appointment will be offered to members of certain UN oversight bodies within three years of ceasing their service
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Administrative professionals with a strong background in project coordination and information management within a humanitarian context
- Candidates who excel at process optimization and have a high level of attention to detail for managing complex approval workflows
- Individuals who enjoy high-level coordination, including scheduling strategic meetings and compiling management briefs for senior leadership
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a Service Contract (SC5) position based in Lusaka, which typically follows local recruitment terms
- The role involves significant routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining filing architectures and tracking lead times
- Applicants must be comfortable working within strict corporate lead times and following standardized UN/WFP branding and policy guidelines
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a significant opportunity to build a career within the United Nations system, specifically with the world's largest humanitarian organization. It is an excellent fit for professionals aiming to transition into international development operations or those looking to leverage their administrative expertise to support large-scale food assistance programs. The role provides exposure to high-level management processes and cross-functional collaboration, serving as a strong stepping stone for future roles in programme management or operations.
Our take
Seriously consider this role if you are a detail-oriented administrative professional based in or willing to relocate to Lusaka with a passion for humanitarian work. It is less suitable for those seeking a purely field-based or technical programmatic role, as the focus is heavily on business support, coordination, and knowledge management.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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