Risk 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 a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact 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 ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Risk Officer position at WFP is crucial for providing specialized support and advice on donor assurance, risk reporting, risk assessments, incident management, and compliance with policies and procedures. The role is designed to enhance risk-informed decision-making within Country Offices, ensuring that operational, fiduciary, programmatic, safeguarding, and contextual risks are effectively identified, assessed, and managed. The Risk Officer will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and the Risk Management Division, contributing to the development and improvement of risk management plans and ensuring alignment with corporate risk management requirements. This position also involves providing technical support to Country Offices in meeting donor requirements and implementing controls related to beneficiary targeting, partner oversight, and safeguarding measures. The Risk Officer will play a key role in facilitating incident reporting and follow-up processes, conducting rapid risk assessments during emergencies, and integrating risk considerations into program implementation and response planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including:

• Supporting Country Offices in identifying, assessing, monitoring, and escalating various risks, ensuring that risk registers are current and aligned with corporate requirements.
• Developing, reviewing, and improving country Risk Assessment and Management Plans, including risk categorization and mitigation measures.
• Providing technical support for donor assurance, oversight, accountability, and compliance monitoring.
• Implementing controls related to beneficiary targeting and partner oversight.
• Establishing and implementing incident reporting and investigation processes.
• Conducting fraud risk assessments and following up on mitigation measures.
• Supporting emergency responses by conducting rapid risk assessments.
• Advising on integrating safeguarding and accountability mechanisms into program implementation.
• Contributing to inter-agency coordination mechanisms and ensuring risk considerations are integrated into response planning. 1
• Coaching and training Risk Officers and Country Office teams on risk management and donor assurance requirements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in enterprise risk management, internal controls, compliance, or audit functions. They should have experience supporting humanitarian field operations and working with monitoring systems and community feedback mechanisms. Knowledge of risk assessments, incident management, and accountability frameworks is essential. Strong stakeholder management, analytical, facilitation, and reporting skills are also required. The ability to deploy rapidly and work in multicultural and high-pressure environments is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for the Risk Officer position is an advanced university degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, international development, audit, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree combined with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training in audit, performance, and risk management may be accepted. Relevant postgraduate professional experience in risk management, audit, monitoring, or related fields is also necessary, along with a background and interest in international humanitarian development.

Experience:
Candidates should have relevant professional experience in risk management, audit, monitoring, or related fields. Experience in humanitarian operations and familiarity with cash-based transfers, partner management, and donor compliance requirements is highly desirable. The role requires a demonstrated ability to analyze and evaluate data, gather diverse perspectives, and use evidence to inform decision-making. Experience in coaching and training others in risk management practices is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, which are considered working languages at WFP. Proficiency in additional languages may be advantageous but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role is full-time and may involve international travel to support field operations and emergency responses. WFP offers an attractive compensation package, which includes various benefits and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. All applications must be submitted through the WFP online recruiting system, and candidates should ensure their profiles are complete and accurate.