PMO Implementation Manager & Head of Product Delivery

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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, highlighting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP's mission is driven by its core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment for its employees.

Job Overview:
The PMO Implementation Manager & Head of Product Delivery is a pivotal role within WFP, based in Rome, Italy, reporting directly to the Chief of Digital Services. This position is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the comprehensive delivery of WFP’s digital services portfolio across both corporate and field environments. The incumbent will integrate project, programme, and product management to ensure that digital initiatives are prioritized and delivered in alignment with WFP's business needs, enterprise IT processes, and compliance requirements. The role demands an in-depth understanding of WFP’s mandate and operating model, translating business demands into scalable and sustainable digital solutions while ensuring adherence to WFP policies, financial regulations, and governance frameworks. The PMO Implementation Manager will lead cross-functional teams, oversee portfolio budgets and resources, manage delivery risks, and ensure transparency and accountability in WFP’s digital investments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key accountabilities for this role include leading the Digital Services Product and Project Manager Team, ensuring business value delivery through clear product strategies and roadmaps. The incumbent will provide enterprise-level leadership across project, programme, and product management, ensuring consistent application of standards and methodologies. Compliance with WFP policies, financial rules, and governance frameworks is crucial, as is acting as the focal point for audits and oversight activities. The role also involves leading budget planning, forecasting, cost control, and reporting for multiple branches, ensuring transparency and value-for-money delivery. Additionally, the PMO Implementation Manager will coordinate cross-branch planning and delivery for Corporate Change Initiatives, manage a high-performing team, and act as a senior escalation point for stakeholders, resolving delivery risks and managing expectations across business and technical counterparts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems, Project or Programme Management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant experience is acceptable. The role requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in programme, project, and/or product management, with at least 4 years in IT or digital environments. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of experience in HR and Finance, with demonstrated experience in budget, finance, and resource management for large-scale portfolios. Proven experience working within complex organizations and a strong ability to operate autonomously while coordinating across multiple stakeholders is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems, Project or Programme Management. A first university degree combined with additional relevant experience is also acceptable, emphasizing the importance of practical experience alongside formal education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in programme, project, and/or product management, with at least 4 years specifically in IT or digital environments. Candidates should also have a minimum of 2 years of experience in HR and Finance, showcasing a well-rounded background in managing complex projects and resources effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this role, as it is the primary working language of WFP. Additionally, intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese is desirable, enhancing communication capabilities within the diverse international environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role, open to candidates of all nationalities. The selected candidate will be employed on a limited fixed-term contract of 1 year, which is renewable. The role is based in Rome, Italy, and the selected candidate will be expected to relocate. The compensation package includes a basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.