DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

1 March 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

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.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

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).

THE ROLE

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG), led by the Inspector General (IG), is responsible for supporting the achievement of WFP’s objectives by contributing to the improvement of WFP’s governance and way of operating through internal audit and investigation services. The OIG comprises the Office of Internal Audit (OIGA) and the Office of Investigations and Inspections (OIGI).

The ultimate goal and mission of OIGA is to conduct assurance and advisory work over WFP’s operations worldwide, in conformity with WFP’s regulatory framework and the Global Internal Audit Standards. OIGA comprises approximately 34 staff based in Rome.

We are currently seeking candidates for post of Director of OIGA at the D1 level, reporting to the IG. The position is part of Global Headquarters and is based in Rome, Italy.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

The Director of OIGA provides strategic leadership and overall management of the internal audit function, ensuring its independence, effectiveness, and alignment with WFP’s governance objectives and Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS). Reporting directly to the Inspector General, the Director is accountable for setting the internal audit strategy and for planning, directing, and coordinating the work of the Office of the Inspector General Assurance, delivering high-quality assurance and advisory services across WFP’s operations worldwide. Specifically, the Director is expected to:

Strategic

• Provide strategic leadership in formulating and implementing a comprehensive multi-year, risk based, internal audit strategy for WFP, covering global headquarters and field offices, and ensure alignment with organisational priorities.

• Oversee the development and implementation of annual internal audit work plans that translate strategic objectives into actionable audit activities across WFP.

• Ensure that internal audit strategies and recommendations proactively anticipate emerging organisational risks and contribute to WFP’s long-term objectives and governance, risk management and control improvements.

• Oversee and develop the OIGA’s audit strategy in alignment with the Global Internal Audit Standards and WFP's strategy.

• Drive a step change of the internal audit function to enhance its relevance, efficiency, and impact across WFP in line with GIAS.

• Contribute to the strategic positioning and overall direction of the Office of the Inspector General, working collaboratively with the Office of Investigations and Inspections (OIGI) as part of the OIG’s mandate.

Operational

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the internal audit function, ensuring its independence, effectiveness, and alignment with WFP’s governance framework, organisational priorities and stakeholder expectations.

• Oversee the planning and delivery of internal audits across WFP operations in accordance with international standards, policies, and procedures, ensuring that audit reports are timely, high-quality, and provide clear, actionable, insights to management and oversight bodies.

• Monitor and validate the disposition of audit observations.

• Establish and maintain a robust quality assurance framework to ensure compliance with the GIAS and continuous improvement of internal audit products and processes.

• Build an integrated assurance approach in WFP, working with internal and external assurance providers, to build up a coherent picture from oversight work.

Communication

• Lead the preparation and presentation of periodic reports on internal audit activities, key findings, and recommendations to Senior Management, the Independent Oversight Advisory Committee, and the Executive Board.

• Develop and implement a communication strategy that enhances understanding of the internal audit function among staff and external stakeholders, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and trust while safeguarding the independence of the function.

• Collaborate closely and work with the Office of Investigations and Inspections (OIGI) on matters of shared relevance and provide strategic advice to management on governance, risk management, and control issues.

Talent Management

• Role-model WFP values and ethical standards, fostering a culture of integrity, respect, inclusion, and psychological safety within OIGA.

• Provide strategic leadership in managing and developing the skills and capabilities of OIGA staff, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and the evolving needs of the internal audit function.

• Promote continuous learning and professional development within the internal audit function, providing coaching and constructive feedback to build a high-performing team.

• Foster collaboration and effective communication across organisational boundaries, including close coordination with OIGI and other relevant stakeholders, positioning the OIG and OIGA as a trusted advisor.

Representation

• Act as the principal representative of the internal audit function within WFP and externally, engaging with oversight bodies, UN counterparts, donors, and other relevant stakeholders to promote sound governance, accountability and the effective application of internal audit standards.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships that enhance WFP’s credibility and influence in the area of oversight.

Other

• Perform other duties as required by the Inspector General to advance the objectives of the Office of Internal Audit and the broader oversight mandate.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, audit, accounting, oversight, finance or other relevant fields; or First level degree in any of the above fields, in combination with a recognised professional auditing certification and relevant extensive professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Recognized professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or National audit certification (such as Chartered Accountant (CA/ACA/ACCA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Expert-Comptable, etc.).

• Other specialist internal audit certifications, for example, Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) ,IT auditing qualification (e.g.,ITAC / CISA), risk management (CRMA), and leadership (QIAL) desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English.

• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of an official UN language (Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian), and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Experience:

• A minimum of 13 years progressively responsible professional experience in auditing, of which at least 5 years must be at the management level, including leading part or the whole of an internal audit function.

• In-depth knowledge and experience of working with the International Professional Practices Framework promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

• Relevant work experience in an international environment, either in the public or private sector is required; consulting experience is an advantage.

• Field experience is desirable.

Technical Knowledge:

• In-depth and proven knowledge of the Global Internal Audit Standards, as well as oversight, corporate governance, risk management and internal control practices, techniques and principles, including evolving best practice, in particular in IT and data analytics.

• Extensive knowledge of inter-governmental governance processes.

• Strong knowledge of UN system policies, regulations, rules, processes and procedures is highly desirable.

Competencies:

• Exemplary emotional maturity, judgment and initiative, with resilience and tact; ability to remain focused and calm under pressure.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and diplomatic skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and convey insights clearly.

• Outstanding strategic planning and action management skills, ensuring delivery of results aligned with WFP’s vision and objectives.

• Proven ability to lead organisational change, adapt readily to uncertainty, and foster innovation within the audit function.

• Excellent management and technical leadership skills, creating an inclusive and collaborative culture that promotes diversity, psychological safety, and continuous learning.

• Strong sense of impartiality and objectivity, upholding WFP values, principles, and ethical standards.

• Demonstrated capacity to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, providing timely and constructive feedback.

• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with multiple cultures and stakeholders, including government officials, audit heads of other UN agencies, NGOs, and bilateral partners.

• Strategic partnership-building skills to advance WFP’s objectives and strengthen governance and accountability.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is an International Professional position (non-rotational) and is open to all nationalities. Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as "non-rotational" which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. This position is open to both internal and external candidates.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.

The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.

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: global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

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 global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org 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.