About the opportunity
The World Food Programme is seeking a Partnerships Officer (Head of Office) to lead its newly formalized presence in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The role combines representational leadership of the office with direct ownership of its partnerships and resource mobilization agenda. The incumbent will operate with a high degree of independence, exercising judgment on sensitive political, diplomatic, and institutional matters. Key responsibilities include positioning WFP effectively with the Government of Kuwait, regional and international financial institutions, private-sector and philanthropic actors, and the broader Gulf donor community to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and Zero Hunger.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive UN salary scale compensation package based on qualifications and experience
- Opportunities for personal and professional development through training, coaching, and mentorship programs
- Exposure to humanitarian operations and multi-stakeholder partnership portfolios in a Gulf regional context
- Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment within the United Nations system
Who can apply?
- Must be a Kuwaiti citizen
- Must live within commuting distance (100 km or approximately 1.5 hours of travel time) of the WFP Kuwait Office, or be willing to relocate at own expense
- First University degree in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Development Economics, Law, or a related field
- A minimum of five or more years of relevant professional experience within the humanitarian space in partnership and representational roles
- Fluency (level C) in both English and Arabic
Required documents
- CV
- Cover letter
When to apply
- Application deadline is 16 October 2026 at 23:59 GMT+3 (Arabian Standard Time, Kuwait)
How to apply
- Ensure the Workday profile is accurate and complete, including employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade if applicable
- Submit the application exclusively through the online recruiting system before the deadline
Additional information
- The position is a national National Officer category (NOC) role based at UN House, Block 7A, Mishref, Kuwait
- The UN does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including conflict-of-interest and personal disclosure forms
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…
- Experienced humanitarian professionals with deep knowledge of the Kuwaiti political, governmental, and institutional landscape
- Candidates with a strong background in high-level partnership building, resource mobilization, and diplomatic negotiations with government or financial institutions
- Bilingual professionals fluent in both English and Arabic who excel in leadership, representation, and multidisciplinary team management
What should you think carefully about?
- Eligibility is strictly restricted to Kuwaiti nationals residing within or willing to relocate to commuting distance of Kuwait City at their own expense
- The role carries high responsibility as Head of Office, requiring independent operation on sensitive political and institutional matters
- Candidates must possess at least five years of relevant professional experience in partnership and representational roles within the humanitarian sector
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This senior national position offers a unique platform for an experienced professional to establish and drive WFP's institutional presence in Kuwait, making it an ideal career step for someone aiming to shape high-level humanitarian diplomacy and strategic partnerships in the Gulf region.
Our take
Kuwaiti nationals with extensive humanitarian partnership experience and bilingual fluency in English and Arabic should apply before the October 2026 deadline. Candidates lacking the required professional background or local residency eligibility should not apply.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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