Assistant Executive Director

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, established to save lives in emergencies and to use food assistance as a means to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. WFP operates globally, with a mission centered around the belief that food is a fundamental human right and that everyone deserves access to it. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees regardless of their background. WFP has a diverse workforce and is dedicated to creating a healthy and inclusive work environment that reflects the communities it serves. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. WFP has a significant presence in multiple countries, working with various partners to deliver effective humanitarian assistance and support sustainable development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Assistant director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director (AED) position at WFP is a senior leadership role that plays a critical part in guiding the organization’s global program operations. The AED will be responsible for overseeing assessment and analysis, program and policy development, and supply chain operations. This role is essential in ensuring that WFP’s actions effectively support individuals, communities, and nations in addressing urgent needs during emergencies, reducing vulnerabilities, and enhancing food security. The AED will lead initiatives aimed at empowering women and youth, supporting refugees and displaced communities, combating malnutrition, and ensuring that every hungry child has access to nutritious school meals. Additionally, the AED will contribute to advancing WFP’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and the UN80 reform agenda, ensuring that WFP remains at the forefront of innovation, climate resilience, and localization efforts. The position demands strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to humanitarian principles and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The AED will provide strategic and visionary leadership across WFP’s Programme Operations Department, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mandate and goals while addressing urgent food security and humanitarian challenges. Responsibilities include fostering and enhancing global partnerships focused on empowering women and youth, supporting refugees and displaced populations, and combating malnutrition. The AED will champion WFP’s contribution to the UN80 Initiative by promoting operational efficiency and structural reform. Maintaining relations with relevant actors, including other UN agencies and Member States, is crucial for ensuring coordinated responses to humanitarian and development needs. The AED will drive the implementation of WFP’s Strategic and Management Plans, enhance emergency response capabilities, and promote a positive workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. Engaging in high-level forums and representing WFP’s interests will also be part of the role, alongside fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in fields such as International Development, Policy, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Food Security, Economics, Social Sciences, or related areas. A minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, policy development, and supply chain operations is required, preferably within humanitarian or development contexts. Significant leadership experience at the international level is essential, along with proven strategic leadership in managing large-scale operations, particularly in emergencies and complex global portfolios. Candidates should have a strong track record in establishing and sustaining global partnerships, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster a culture of respect and collaboration.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree, either a Master’s or Doctorate, in relevant fields such as International Development, Policy, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Agriculture, Food Security, Economics, or Social Sciences. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and policy development at a global scale.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 20 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, policy development, and supply chain operations. This experience should preferably be within humanitarian or development contexts, with significant leadership roles at the international level. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to manage large-scale operations and have a proven track record of success in complex environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of a second official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) or Portuguese, which is a WFP working language, is highly desirable. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and operate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract at the Assistant Secretary-General level, with an initial appointment for two years and a probationary period of one year. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, which includes a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, and 30 days of annual leave. Expatriate entitlements such as home leave, an education grant for dependent children, and a compulsory pension plan and medical insurance are also provided. The organization is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. WFP does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.