Risk Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and communities.

Job Overview:
The Risk Management Officer position is designed to support the Senior Management Team of the Country Office in Freetown by enhancing risk management activities. The role involves embedding risk management into planning and decision-making processes, ensuring compliance with policies, and optimizing the use of WFP resources. The officer will be responsible for maintaining risk registers, conducting risk assessments, and supporting the management of cooperating partners. This position is crucial for ensuring that WFP's operations are effective and aligned with its strategic objectives, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance and development initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk Management Officer will have a variety of key accountabilities, including:

• Supporting the integration of risk management into the planning and decision-making processes of the Country Office.
• Regularly updating risk registers and tracking the implementation of risk mitigation actions.
• Collecting feedback and data on risk performance and contributing to new implementation approaches.
• Conducting spot checks of cooperating partners in accordance with established procedures.
• Assisting managers in conducting regular and ad hoc risk assessments to identify and evaluate risks.
• Utilizing risk management tools to analyze risk activities and exposures.
• Preparing comprehensive reports on compliance with internal controls and highlighting areas of risk vulnerability.
• Leading the establishment of the Country Office’s Annual Performance Plan and Risk Register, including facilitating workshops for mid-year and end-year reviews.
• Supporting preparations for Internal and External Audits, including document collection and follow-up on recommendations. 1
• Promoting adherence to the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy and assisting in fraud risk assessments and training.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, international development, audit, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional relevant work experience and/or training in audit, performance, and risk management is acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of risk management principles and practices, as well as compliance with organizational standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, finance, accounting, or international development is required. A first university degree combined with relevant work experience may also be considered. Additional training or courses in audit, performance, and risk management will be advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of relevant postgraduate professional experience in risk management, audit, monitoring, or related fields is required. Candidates should have experience contributing to risk management activities and participating in risk analysis and mitigation initiatives. Familiarity with monitoring and reporting activities, as well as knowledge of performance metrics, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Sierra Leone Nationals only. The World Food Programme offers a competitive compensation package that will be determined based on the contract type and the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications, ensuring an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.