DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
19 February 2026-23:59-GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome)WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.
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.
To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.
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).
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), D2 will report to the Executive Director and will serve as a member of WFP’s Leadership Team, contributing to corporate decision-making and strategic direction. The CFO will provide leadership and oversee a division that is responsible for Budgetary Policy and Strategic Financing Service, Corporate Planning, Financial Operations, Financial Reporting, Financial System and Process Support contributing to WFP's larger mandate and objectives. The incumbent plays a pivotal role in corporate decision-making, development and execution of financial strategies, and holds authority over WFP’s broader financial management
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):
Drive the formulation and execution of WFP’s financial management strategies, policies, and plans in alignment with the organization’s overarching objectives.
Drive effective planning, allocation, and utilization of resources as a division-level mandate.
Oversee the organization’s budgetary planning, performance, financial reporting, and ensure the most effective use of WFP’s financial resources.
Ensure the division remains agile, adaptive, and resilient through continuous change management, fostering innovation and digital transformation as well as operational efficiencies.
Champion and execute WFP’s corporate financial initiatives, embedding best financial practices and maintaining financial integrity and compliance with WFP Rules and Regulations, IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) and other applicable regulations.
Represent WFP on budgetary matters and financial administration with the Executive Board, UN Finance & Budget Network, and other financial oversight and advisory bodies.
Lead organizational change processes to maximize performance, enable innovation, and achieve cost-effective delivery.
Uphold transparency and accountability in financial operations, leading by example in efficient resource allocation and utilization.
Provide effective leadership to develop and coach a cohesive, high-performing team, promoting professional growth and psychological safety.
Foster strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting WFP’s financial objectives and broader organizational strategies.
Promote an equitable and inclusive work environment, embracing the diversity and values.
Undertake other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education: Advanced University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields, or First University degree with added relevant experience and/or advanced training/courses. Professional financial or accounting certificate (such as CPA or CMA) highly desirable.
Experience: A minimum of fifteen years of senior-level experience in financial management. Proven experience in leading large teams, financial planning, and strategy formulation.
Language: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).
MORE ABOUT YOU:
You have:
Comprehensive knowledge of global financial practices with an interest in understanding of humanitarian assistance and development nuances.
Demonstrated track record in providing financial leadership in a large, complex business, serving as a strategic business partner to the senior team.
Ability to inspire and steer large teams, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
Capacity to drive financial innovation and leverage advanced tools and methodologies.
Demonstrates strong financial acumen and leverages strategic partnerships to optimize resources and advance WFP’s financial objectives.
Experience implementing financial controls and reporting systems to improve management capabilities and results.
Proficiency in understanding intricate financial issues and formulating strategic solutions.
Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to a broad spectrum of stakeholder, ranging from leadership and operational teams to program staff.
Skill in creating networks, coalitions, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Analytical skills for informed decision-making and recommendations to the senior leadership team.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
This is an International Professional position and is open to all nationalities.
Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. This position is however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.
The selected candidate will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year.
This position is open to both internal and external candidates.
WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards (http://icsc.un.org) including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance.
The selected candidate will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy to take up this assignment.
WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK
WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.
Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework
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 recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.
If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.
Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.
We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).
Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.
Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter
Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time
Only shortlisted candidates will be notified
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.