Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management at the World Food Programme (WFP)

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

REFERENCE: EBSecretariat/2026/071

Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management at the World Food Programme (WFP)

The Secretariat of the United Nations welcomes applications for the position of Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management at the World Food Programme (WFP). This position is based in Rome, Italy. The Secretariat welcomes applications to supplement WFP’s search and consultations and would especially welcome the applications of women candidates. Candidates may apply for this opening by applying directly on WFP’s career site: Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management by Wednesday, 18 November 2026 (midnight Rome time). All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence and short-listed candidates will be contacted directly to undergo an assessment process, reference and background checks, including human rights and conflicts of interest screening. Background 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 extreme weather shocks.

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.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE WFP is seeking an Assistant Executive Director, Workplace and Management (United Nations Assistant Secretary-General level) to serve as a core member of its Senior Leadership Team. The incumbent will provide leadership for human resources and staff wellbeing, and across WFP’s enabling functions, including management services, security and technology, ensuring a harmonious and results- driven work environment and that functions are aligned to support effective mandate delivery across global headquarters and country operations.

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

The AED Workplace and Management will play a critical role in strengthening WFP’s organizational effectiveness, operational resilience, and duty of care in a complex and evolving global environment. The incumbent will drive a coherent, accountable and results oriented approach to people, systems, services and security, with a focus on simplifying processes, empowering managers and staff, driving change, improving transparency, and ensuring that WFP’s resources are managed responsibly in support of principled humanitarian action. As a senior leader, the AED will help advance WFP’s contribution to UN reform, including leading efforts to strengthen collaboration across the UN system to ensure that management practices enable agile, cost effective and accountable delivery, including through shared premises and services, where possible. The role requires a leader of the highest integrity and credibility, able to build trust across the organization, engage effectively with Member States, UN partners and governing bodies, and model the values and standards expected of WFP’s senior leadership.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES

• As a member of WFP's cohesive Senior Leadership Team, work closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and COO, Assistant Executive Directors and other senior leaders to shape and implement policies, strategies, and initiatives that advance WFP's mission and goals.
• Provide comprehensive strategic direction and guidance across WFP's Workplace and Management Department ensuring that enabling services are coherent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the organization.
• Offer strategic leadership in integrating management functions across the organization to ensure effective coordination and alignment.
• Support WFP’s contribution to UN Reform and related initiatives by championing operational efficiency, mandate alignment, and structural reform, ensuring WFP remains a model of innovation and cost- effectiveness within the UN system.
• Set the tone for a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, setting high standards of integrity and ethical behavior for all staff.
• Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and fosters an environment of respect and collaboration across all levels of the organization.
• Oversee WFP’s duty of care and staff wellbeing agenda, including physical and mental health, occupational safety and health, and support to the personnel serving in hardship and high-risk duty stations.
• Engage and represent WFP in high- level fora (e.g. United Nations, including High Level Committee on Management, Governments, Executive Board, relevant humanitarian and development committees, etc.), asserting the organization’s position and ensuring that WFP interests are at the forefront of discussions and considerations.

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

• Promote and set the tone for innovation, efficiency and effectiveness internally and in engagement with other UN agencies and partners
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required to support WFP’s mission and the Senior Leadership Team.

CORE REQUIREMENTS Experience:

• A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in senior management, administration or other relevant fields

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong track record of leadership and strategic management at the international level, preferably in humanitarian or development sectors
• Proven track record and experience in successfully managing and leading roles with significant breadth and complexity in related fields such as Administration, Security, Human Resources or Facilities
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and persuade at the highest levels.
• Demonstrated ability in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusion, with a strong commitment to diversity and gender equity.
• Successfully managed a significant budget and operating plan, and a multi-disciplinary team of experts across a variety of job functions.
• High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage complex and challenging situations with empathy and tact.
• Impeccable personal and professional integrity, with a firm commitment to the work, objectives, values, and guiding principles of WFP and the United Nations system.
• Demonstrated experience in leading innovation and promoting operational efficiency in complex environments.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, supported by a well-established network of international stakeholders and partners.
• Willingness to travel to different locations worldwide, often in challenging and remote environments.

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

LANGUAGES.AND.EDUCATION

• Fluency (level C) in English language
• Working knowledge proficiency of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) highly desirable
• An advanced university degree in Organizational Development, Business Administration, Leadership, Public Administration or related field.

Human.Rights.Screening. Individuals who seek to serve with the United Nations in any individual capacity will be required, if short-listed, to complete a self-attestation stating that they have not committed, been convicted of, nor prosecuted for, any criminal offence, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and have not been involved, by act or omission, in the commission of any violation of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, including sexual exploitation and abuse.

Conflicts.of.interest.screening. All United Nations staff members are expected to uphold the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. Senior leaders in particular, have the responsibility to serve as role models in upholding the Organization’s ethical standards. A conflict of interest occurs when, by act or omission, a staff member’s personal interests interfere with the performance of their official duties and responsibilities, or call into question their integrity, independence and impartiality. Risk for conflicts of interest may arise from a staff member’s engagement in outside (non-United Nations) employment or occupation; outside activities, including political activities; receipt of gifts, honours, awards, favours or remuneration from external (non-United Nations) sources; or personal investment. In particular, no staff member shall accept any honour, decoration, favour, gift or remuneration from any Government (Staff Regulation 1.2 (j)). Where a real or perceived conflict of interest does arise, senior leaders are obligated to disclose this to the Organization without delay. In order to avoid real or perceived family influence or preferential treatment and conflicts of interest that could stem from such situations, the United Nations Staff Rules provide that appointments “shall not be granted to anyone who is the father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister of a staff member” (Staff Rule 4.7 (a)). Short-listed individuals will be required to complete a pre-appointment declaration of interests for senior positions to identify possible conflicts of interest that may arise and to proactively prevent and manage, as much as possible and in a timely manner, situations in which personal interests may conflict, or appear to conflict, with the interests of the United Nations, should the individual be appointed to this position.

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68/70, 00148 Rome, Italy | T +39 06 6513 2917 F +39 06 6513 2864 | wfpsecretarytotheeb@wfp.org

Terms of Appointment

• The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract at the Assistant Secretary General level, with a probationary period of one year.
• WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, as well as expatriate entitlements such as home leave, an education grant for dependent children, and compulsory pension plan and medical insurance.