Risk Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE:

Risk Officer

TYPE OF CONTRACT:

WAE Consultant

UNIT/DIVISION:

Risk Management Divison (RMD)

DUTY STATION (City, Country):

Rome Italy - (Remote)

DURATION:

11 months (12 January December days per month)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Risk Officer will support RMD in strengthening WFP's assurance and oversight objectives. The assignment focuses on mainstreaming assurance practices, developing and updating normative guidance, preparing high-level briefing materials, and consolidating relevant reporting. The role will also serve as a shared resource across all RMD units, providing technical support and facilitating cross-functional collaboration to enhance risk management and internal control processes organization-wide.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with RMD management on the update of the ERM policy to be approved by the Board in late 2027, with a view to strengthen the ERM Policy and related guidance to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with organizational priorities, embedding risk management into decision-making and operational processes. This will include stakeholder consultations and coordination with relevant divisions to ensure integration across processes. Develop, review, and update normative guidance documents, standard operating procedures, and tools to strengthen internal controls and risk management practices. Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for high-level meetings, Executive Board sessions, and inter-agency forums, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with WFP's strategic objectives. Draft responses for queries from member states, donors and senior management for use in internal and external communications. Contribute to the identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned in assurance and oversight. Serve as a shared resource, providing technical support and surge capacity to all units within RMD, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. Perform other related duties as required by the Chief Risk Officer or Director, RMD

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

•  Updated ERM policy.

•  High-quality briefing materials and presentations for senior management and external partners.

•  Documented best practices and lessons learned shared across RMD units.

•  Evidence of effective support provided to multiple RMD units as a shared resource.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

Bachelors degree with focus on business administration or related field.

Experience:

10 years. Experience in developing normative guidance, preparing high-level briefing materials, and supporting assurance or oversight activities.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Understanding of risk management, internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO), and assurance processes.

•  Demonstrated ability to draft and review policy documents, SOPs, and guidance materials.

•  Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills.

•  Proven ability to synthesize complex information for senior audiences.

• Proactive and able to work independently.

• Organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across units and functions.

•  Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with risk management or oversight tools (e.g., R2, audit tracking systems).

Languages: | Fluency (oral and written) in English. Knowledge of a second UN language (especially French or Spanish) is an asset. |

Excellent command of the English language

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

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REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.