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ABOUT WFP
The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization 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.
At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.
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WHY JOIN WFP?
- WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
- WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.
- A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.
- We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).
JOB TITLE: Risk Officer SC, L9
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract (SC, L9)
DUTY STATION: (Cairo, Egypt)
DURATION:12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.
TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract (SC, L9)
DUTY STATION: (Cairo, Egypt)
DURATION:12 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The World Food Programme (WFP) Egypt Country Office operates in a dynamic environment where effective risk management, strong internal controls, and compliance with corporate policies are critical to safeguarding resources and ensuring the successful delivery of operations. As WFP Egypt continues to implement its Country Strategic Plan (2023-2028) and associated activities, there is an increasing need to strengthen risk management practices and promote a culture of accountability and compliance across the Country Office
The purpose of this position is to support the strengthening and implementation of risk management activities within the WFP Egypt Country Office, contributing to the identification, assessment, and monitoring of strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. The incumbent will play a key role in promoting the consistent application of internal controls and ensuring adherence to corporate policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks, thereby enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of operations.
Under the supervision of the Head of Finance, the Risk Officer will support the integration of risk management processes into day-to-day activities, facilitate risk assessments, and contribute to risk reporting and escalation mechanisms. The role will also support the strengthening compliance monitoring, audit readiness, oversight follow-up and advise on mitigation measures to address identified risks.
By reinforcing control frameworks and supporting risk-informed decision-making, the position contributes to the efficient and accountable use of WFP resources and to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of programme delivery of WFP’s Egypt strategic objectives.
The World Food Programme (WFP) Egypt Country Office operates in a dynamic environment where effective risk management, strong internal controls, and compliance with corporate policies are critical to safeguarding resources and ensuring the successful delivery of operations. As WFP Egypt continues to implement its Country Strategic Plan (2023-2028) and associated activities, there is an increasing need to strengthen risk management practices and promote a culture of accountability and compliance across the Country Office
The purpose of this position is to support the strengthening and implementation of risk management activities within the WFP Egypt Country Office, contributing to the identification, assessment, and monitoring of strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. The incumbent will play a key role in promoting the consistent application of internal controls and ensuring adherence to corporate policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks, thereby enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of operations.
Under the supervision of the Head of Finance, the Risk Officer will support the integration of risk management processes into day-to-day activities, facilitate risk assessments, and contribute to risk reporting and escalation mechanisms. The role will also support the strengthening compliance monitoring, audit readiness, oversight follow-up and advise on mitigation measures to address identified risks.
By reinforcing control frameworks and supporting risk-informed decision-making, the position contributes to the efficient and accountable use of WFP resources and to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of programme delivery of WFP’s Egypt strategic objectives.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
1. Strategic Risk Integration. Contribute to embedding risk management in planning and decision-making across the office and all aspects of WFP operations through regular updating of risk registers, monitoring of key risk appetite metrics and risk indicators, including progress towards implementing the risk mitigation actions.
2. Risk assessments and Advisory Role. Support relevant managers in their regular and ad hoc risk assessments in regional, country and field offices to: identify and evaluate risks; contribute to the development and design of mitigation actions; assess effectiveness of the internal controls; and prepare risk information for management to share with external stakeholders.
3. Functional Collaboration. Support the discussion with functional experts and risk management focal points on: identifying trends and emerging issues; contributing to the preparation of guidance and/or checklists in conformity with WFP policies and rules on periodic risk and/or control assessments. Serve as liaison with GHQ oversight including OIG, Ethics, Legal and Evaluations ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
1. Strategic Risk Integration. Contribute to embedding risk management in planning and decision-making across the office and all aspects of WFP operations through regular updating of risk registers, monitoring of key risk appetite metrics and risk indicators, including progress towards implementing the risk mitigation actions.
2. Risk assessments and Advisory Role. Support relevant managers in their regular and ad hoc risk assessments in regional, country and field offices to: identify and evaluate risks; contribute to the development and design of mitigation actions; assess effectiveness of the internal controls; and prepare risk information for management to share with external stakeholders.
3. Functional Collaboration. Support the discussion with functional experts and risk management focal points on: identifying trends and emerging issues; contributing to the preparation of guidance and/or checklists in conformity with WFP policies and rules on periodic risk and/or control assessments. Serve as liaison with GHQ oversight including OIG, Ethics, Legal and Evaluations ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.
4. Country Strategic Plan Integration. Utilize available risk management tools to link risk, oversight and evaluation information; review and analyze risk management activities, exposures and mitigation actions in draft Country Strategic Plan (CSP)/Interim CSP including budget revisions.
5. Risk and Incident Escalation. Support timely risk and/or incident escalation and assist CO management to ensure compliance with corporate escalation protocols. Address fraud-related complaints received through community feedback mechanisms and assess the materiality of fraud incidents, when delegated. Serve as CO management liaison with Officer of Inspector & Investigations for reporting, monitoring and control remediation measures.
6. Tracking of Incident Management. Support incident reporting and case tracking by ensuring timely follow-up and documentation, including monitoring trends and escalation timelines.
7. Donor Risk-Sharing. Support engagement with donors and consolidate inputs related to donor risk-sharing arrangements, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies. Provide strategic risk-related documentation and analysis to support senior management decision-making, donor engagement, and resource mobilization efforts.
8. Internal Controls and Executive Director’s Assurance exercise. Support the completion of the annual Executive Director’s Assurance exercise survey, collect and review inputs. Provide technical support and inputs to CO management on complex risk and accountability issues, promote enhancement and/or establish adequate internal control systems with clear accountabilities and maintain an effective internal control environment to support operational efficiency.
9. Accountability. Promote accountability across functional units, assist the review and preparation of comprehensive periodic progress reports summarising the status of compliance of internal controls, key oversight themes, and using risk information (e.g., risk indicators, incidents) to highlight areas out of risk appetite and formulate sound recommendations on required actions in areas of vulnerability.
5. Risk and Incident Escalation. Support timely risk and/or incident escalation and assist CO management to ensure compliance with corporate escalation protocols. Address fraud-related complaints received through community feedback mechanisms and assess the materiality of fraud incidents, when delegated. Serve as CO management liaison with Officer of Inspector & Investigations for reporting, monitoring and control remediation measures.
6. Tracking of Incident Management. Support incident reporting and case tracking by ensuring timely follow-up and documentation, including monitoring trends and escalation timelines.
7. Donor Risk-Sharing. Support engagement with donors and consolidate inputs related to donor risk-sharing arrangements, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies. Provide strategic risk-related documentation and analysis to support senior management decision-making, donor engagement, and resource mobilization efforts.
8. Internal Controls and Executive Director’s Assurance exercise. Support the completion of the annual Executive Director’s Assurance exercise survey, collect and review inputs. Provide technical support and inputs to CO management on complex risk and accountability issues, promote enhancement and/or establish adequate internal control systems with clear accountabilities and maintain an effective internal control environment to support operational efficiency.
9. Accountability. Promote accountability across functional units, assist the review and preparation of comprehensive periodic progress reports summarising the status of compliance of internal controls, key oversight themes, and using risk information (e.g., risk indicators, incidents) to highlight areas out of risk appetite and formulate sound recommendations on required actions in areas of vulnerability.
10. Internal and External Audit Preparation. Support managers to prepare and plan for Internal Audit and External Audit, collect essential documents, organize briefing meetings and follow-up on recommendations.
11. Three Lines Model implementation. Using the Three Lines Model, participate in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by First Line colleagues for managing the risk and accountability process, including criteria for conducting and following up on risk management oversight missions, training materials and modules, etc., to minimize risk to the organization. As part of the second line, strengthen oversight role by conducting and/or coordinating management oversight missions.
12. Anti-fraud and Anti-Corruption. Promote and disseminate the 2021 Revised Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption (AFAC) Policy and WFP’s adherence to Zero Tolerance for Inaction, including assisting managers in their fact-finding reviews and fraud risk assessments by collecting and analysing data on fraud incidents, fraud risk metrics, and fraud risk appetite, supporting training in AFAC standards.
13. Business Continuity Management. Support Business Continuity Management activities by inputting and maintaining the BCM Plan and booklets, as well as and responding to the activation of business continuity procedures.
14. Training and Capacity Building. Collect information/training needs and contribute to the preparation of training programmes or information sessions for colleagues and partners to enhance understanding of risk management and compliance with WFP policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
15. Additional Duties. Other duties as required including potentially serving as Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focal point (e.g., supporting OCI avoidance plans and procedures).
11. Three Lines Model implementation. Using the Three Lines Model, participate in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by First Line colleagues for managing the risk and accountability process, including criteria for conducting and following up on risk management oversight missions, training materials and modules, etc., to minimize risk to the organization. As part of the second line, strengthen oversight role by conducting and/or coordinating management oversight missions.
12. Anti-fraud and Anti-Corruption. Promote and disseminate the 2021 Revised Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption (AFAC) Policy and WFP’s adherence to Zero Tolerance for Inaction, including assisting managers in their fact-finding reviews and fraud risk assessments by collecting and analysing data on fraud incidents, fraud risk metrics, and fraud risk appetite, supporting training in AFAC standards.
13. Business Continuity Management. Support Business Continuity Management activities by inputting and maintaining the BCM Plan and booklets, as well as and responding to the activation of business continuity procedures.
14. Training and Capacity Building. Collect information/training needs and contribute to the preparation of training programmes or information sessions for colleagues and partners to enhance understanding of risk management and compliance with WFP policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
15. Additional Duties. Other duties as required including potentially serving as Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focal point (e.g., supporting OCI avoidance plans and procedures).
OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
16. Support the coordination and follow up of oversight activities (internal audit, external audit and oversights), ensuring timely collection of inputs, tracking of actions, and communication between relevant units and management.
17. Maintain and regularly update the audit recommendations tracking system, ensuring that all agreed actions are properly recorded, progress is monitored, and implementation status is reported to management.
18. Ensure systematic follow up on agreed management actions, promoting accountability across units and supporting timely resolution of identified risks, control gaps, and compliance issues.
19. Coordinate the organization and functioning of risk management and/or oversight committee meetings, including preparation of agendas, consolidation of inputs, documentation of discussions, and follow up on agreed action points.
20. Track, monitor, and report on action points arising from risk management and oversight committee meetings, ensuring timely implementation and escalation of outstanding issues.
21. Support the coordination and preparation of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and the periodic update of the Business Continuity Plan (BCP), including consolidation of inputs from relevant units, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, risk assessments, and corporate requirements, and facilitating timely review and endorsement by management.
DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE
• Knowledge of governance, organizational structures, strategy and major initiatives of international organizations.
• Experience in programme/project management.
• Has conducted monitoring and reporting activities, has knowledge of results hierarchy, performance metrics and measurement.
• Has participated in risk analysis and risk mitigation strategies development and/or implementation.
Has participated in conversations with other units on impact, timing or planning initiatives, using analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills as well as resourcefulness, initiative, good judgement, tact and diplomacy.
• Has contributed to risk management activities, including assessing and recommending effective internal controls and mitigation actions, preferably in organizations that use modern enterprise risk management frameworks, techniques and systems.
• Has contributed to risk management activities, including assessing and recommending effective internal controls and mitigation actions, preferably in organizations that use modern enterprise risk management frameworks, techniques and systems.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education:
Advanced University degree in business/public administration, finance, accounting, international development, audit or other relevant field, or First University degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training/courses in audit, performance and risk management or other related
fields. Professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or other internationally recognized certifications in risk management, internal audit, or governance (e.g. CRMA) are highly desirable.
Experience:
At least 7 years of progressively responsible work experience, including a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in risk management, internal controls, compliance, governance, audit, or related fields
Language:
Fluency (level C) in English language and Arabic language.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: global.inclusion@wfp.org
NO FEE DISCLAIMER
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
- All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.
- We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
- If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.
- At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.