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 pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and extreme weather shocks. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts in humanitarian assistance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks. 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 Officer position at WFP is designed to provide proactive, specialized, and field-based risk and compliance support. The role involves identifying and addressing control gaps, conducting targeted verification and spot checks, and ensuring timely follow-up and closure of active oversight matters. The Risk Officer will work closely with HQ and Country Office stakeholders to strengthen guidance, staff capability, and accountability. This position requires frequent field missions to various operational locations, including high-risk areas, to assess compliance with WFP policies and procedures. The Risk Officer will also analyze information from various sources to identify emerging risks and control weaknesses, conduct risk assessments, and prepare detailed reports on findings and recommendations. The role is critical in maintaining the integrity of WFP's operations and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and undertake frequent field missions to various operational locations, including camps, programme sites, and distribution points.
• Conduct proactive, risk-based spot checks to verify activities and assess compliance with WFP policies.
• Lead or support investigations into allegations and operational concerns, ensuring adherence to established procedures.
• Maintain an up-to-date tracker of oversight matters and coordinate necessary follow-up actions.
• Collaborate with HQ functions to clarify requirements and escalate material risks.
• Analyze information to identify emerging risks and priority areas for management action.
• Conduct targeted risk assessments and compliance reviews, tracking agreed mitigation measures.
• Prepare concise reports and management updates detailing findings and recommendations.
• Review and update corporate guidance and standard operating procedures. 1
• Design and deliver training sessions on risk management and compliance for staff and partners. 1
• Maintain accurate records of missions and findings, ensuring confidentiality. 1
• Build effective relationships with stakeholders to facilitate information sharing and resolution of issues. 1
• Undertake other assignments as requested by the supervisor, prioritizing high-risk issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong educational background, including an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Accounting, Finance, or Criminology. Alternatively, a First University (Bachelor or equivalent) degree with additional relevant work experience and training in audit, performance, or risk management is acceptable. The role requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in investigations, monitoring, risk management, or audit, demonstrating a solid understanding of compliance and oversight processes. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently in challenging environments.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Risk Officer position include the completion of an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in fields such as Accounting, Finance, Criminology, or other relevant disciplines. Alternatively, candidates with a First University (Bachelor or equivalent) degree along with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training in audit, performance, and risk management will also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform the duties associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in fields such as investigations, monitoring, risk management, or audit. Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record of conducting investigations, audits, and compliance reviews, with a focus on following findings and actions through to closure. Experience in humanitarian settings or field-based programs is highly desirable, as is familiarity with operations in refugee camps. The ability to engage effectively with beneficiaries, partners, and local authorities is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the operational context of WFP's work in Bangladesh or other regions where WFP operates. Strong communication skills are essential for effective reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Notes:
The Risk Officer position is classified as CST II and is offered as an International Consultancy contract for a duration of 6 months. The duty station for this role is Dhaka, Bangladesh, with one position available. Candidates should be aware that all documents submitted will be verified, and any discrepancies may lead to automatic disqualification. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes that no fees are charged for application or recruitment processes, and candidates are advised to apply exclusively through the online recruiting system.