Director of Office of Internal Audit (OIGA)

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 to build pathways 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 core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion. The organization is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. WFP has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mobility opportunities. WFP's workforce is diverse and skilled, working in a healthy and inclusive environment to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Office of Internal Audit (OIGA) at WFP is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the internal audit function within the organization. This role involves strategic leadership and management of the internal audit operations, ensuring they align with WFP’s governance objectives and adhere to Global Internal Audit Standards. The Director will report directly to the Inspector General and will be accountable for setting the internal audit strategy, planning, directing, and coordinating the audit activities across WFP’s global operations. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying emerging organizational risks and ensuring that audit strategies contribute to WFP’s long-term objectives. The Director will also be responsible for fostering a culture of integrity and collaboration within the audit team, promoting continuous learning and professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of OIGA will have a range of key accountabilities, including:

• Providing strategic leadership in formulating and implementing a comprehensive multi-year, risk-based internal audit strategy for WFP.
• Overseeing the development and implementation of annual internal audit work plans that translate strategic objectives into actionable audit activities.
• Ensuring that internal audit strategies proactively anticipate emerging organizational risks.
• Leading the planning and delivery of internal audits across WFP operations in accordance with international standards.
• Monitoring and validating the disposition of audit observations and establishing a robust quality assurance framework.
• Preparing and presenting periodic reports on internal audit activities to senior management and oversight bodies.
• Promoting a culture of integrity and respect within the audit function and managing the development of OIGA staff.
• Acting as the principal representative of the internal audit function within WFP and engaging with external stakeholders to promote sound governance and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, audit, accounting, finance, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level degree in these fields combined with a recognized professional auditing certification and extensive professional experience may be accepted. Recognized professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Chartered Accountant (CA/ACA/ACCA) are required. Other specialist certifications in internal audit or risk management are desirable. Candidates should demonstrate exemplary emotional maturity, judgment, and initiative, with strong analytical and communication skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business administration, public administration, audit, accounting, or finance is required. A first-level degree in these fields, combined with a recognized professional auditing certification and relevant extensive professional experience, may also be accepted. Professional certifications such as CIA or CPA are essential, and additional certifications in internal audit or risk management are advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 13 years of progressively responsible professional experience in auditing, with at least 5 years at the management level. Experience leading an internal audit function is crucial, along with in-depth knowledge of the International Professional Practices Framework. Relevant work experience in an international environment, either in the public or private sector, is required, and field experience is desirable. Candidates should also have strong technical knowledge of internal audit standards and practices, particularly in IT and data analytics.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of an official UN language such as Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, or Portuguese, which is a working language for WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional position (non-rotational) and is open to all nationalities. The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. The position requires relocation to Rome, Italy, and offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, and various allowances. WFP emphasizes a commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.