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, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, and continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs. The organization emphasizes the importance of a healthy work environment and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Risk Management Officer position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is integral to the Risk Management Unit (RMU) of WFP. The role involves providing specialized support and advice on establishing effective risk assessment and management activities. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that risk assessment is integrated into planning and decision-making processes, developing key risk metrics, and updating risk registers. The job holder will also be tasked with building the capacity of WFP teams and partners in risk management, promoting a culture of integrity and accountability, and supporting the collection of feedback and data on risk performance. This position requires frequent visits to field offices and collaboration with various stakeholders to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies, ultimately contributing to the optimization of WFP resources and the effectiveness of operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Risk Management Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the Risk Management Unit in embedding risk assessment in planning and decision-making by developing and monitoring key risk appetite metrics and indicators.
• Regularly updating risk registers and tracking progress on risk mitigation actions.
• Building capacity among WFP teams and partners by raising awareness and skills in risk management.
• Providing advice and support to staff on risk management matters.
• Collecting feedback and data on risk performance and contributing to new implementation approaches.
• Assisting managers in conducting regular and ad hoc risk assessments in various offices to identify and evaluate risks.
• Contributing to the development of mitigation actions and assessing the effectiveness of internal controls.
• Preparing risk information for management and external stakeholders.
• Facilitating discussions with functional experts on emerging issues and preparing guidance in line with WFP policies. 1
• Utilizing risk management tools to analyze activities and exposures in draft Country Strategic Plans. 1
• Conducting periodic and ad-hoc risk reviews to identify key risks and opportunities, and designing appropriate responses. 1
• Analyzing compliance and oversight findings and participating in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for managing risk and accountability processes. 1
• Promoting adherence to the Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy and assisting in fraud risk assessments. 1
• Preparing comprehensive reports on compliance status and making recommendations for improvement. 1
• Supporting the completion of the annual director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director’s Assurance exercise and assisting in audit preparations. 1
• Assessing training needs and delivering training on risk management and compliance with WFP policies.

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 an additional two years of relevant work experience and/or training in audit, performance, and risk management is acceptable. The role requires fluency in both oral and written communication in English and local languages (Pashto/Dari).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as business, public administration, finance, accounting, international development, or audit. A first university degree combined with additional relevant work experience or training may also be considered sufficient for applicants.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of postgraduate professional experience in risk management activities, including assessing and recommending effective internal controls and mitigation actions. Experience in organizations that utilize modern enterprise risk management frameworks and techniques is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both in oral and written communication. Proficiency in local languages, specifically Pashto and Dari, is also required to effectively engage with local stakeholders and teams.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Kabul, Afghanistan. The World Food Programme is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of a complete and accurate application profile. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and all employment decisions will be based on organizational needs and individual qualifications.