Internship, Resource Management

Resource Management Department, Rome, Italy

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.  We are currently seeking to fill an intern position in the Resource Management Department, based in Rome, Italy.

Brief description of Resource Management Department:

WFP’s Resource Management Department has a diverse portfolio that includes planning and performance; financial and risk management; engineering, environmental, and fleet management; and information and telecommunications technology. It is overseen by the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Executive Director (CFO & AED) who is charged with ensuring effective stewardship and maximizing the impact of WFP resources. The CFO & AED is assisted by a small front office team that provides the professional, technical, and administrative support needed to carry out his mandate.

General Information

• Title of Post: Internship
• Supervisor: Executive Manager, Office of the CFO & Assistant Executive Director
• Unit: Resource Management Department
• Country:  Italy
• Duty Station: Rome
• Duration of internship: 2 months extendable
• Expected Start Date: 13 June 2022

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Executive Manager, Office of the CFO & Assistant Executive Director, the candidate will perform the following duties:

• Assist the Officer in liaising with and coordinating information exchanges with the secretariats of WFP’s governance and oversight bodies, namely, the WFP Executive Board and Independent Oversight Advisory Committee and related meetings scheduled for 20-24 June and 4-6 July respectively;
• Collaborate with the Officer in formulating an appropriate Business Continuity Plan that best describes the actions and resources needed to ensure continuity of the front office’s critical activities; and
• Undertake any other tasks required, including preparing written materials.

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the past six months) in business administration, international relations, development, governance or a related field);
• University course attendance in the past 12 months;
• Excellent command of English; Working knowledge of a second UN language would be an asset; and
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)

Required soft skills/WFP Competencies:

• Interest in governance issues;
• Able to critically review and analyze data and other information;
• Write clearly and concisely for varied purposes and audiences;
• Work accurately at a fast pace and under tight deadlines; and
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and develop productive working relationships.

Working Languages

Working knowledge of English (proficiency/level C) is required.

Supervision (Level/Methods of Supervision)

Under the direct supervision of Officer, the incumbent will be provided with close mentoring, guidance and technical supervision. Performance planning and reviews as well as learning and development discussions will be elemental part of the supervision. With the support of a comprehensive induction package and assignment of a buddy/mentor, the intern will rapidly become a productive member of the team.

Training components

Throughout their assignment WFP interns have access to an industry leading learning platform, WeLearn. Depending on opportunities and availability of funds, he/she may participate in WFP workshops or seminars, as appropriate.

Learning Elements

At the end of the assignment, the Intern should:

• Understand WFP’s governance structures and processes; and
• Implemented a functional Business Continuity Plan for the front office.

Information on the Country of Assignment

• Living conditions in Rome, Italy

(Living conditions, security, health, etc)

The security situation in Italy remains in line with other European Countries. There are no specific threats against the UN in Italy. Considering the ongoing defeat of Daesh in the war territories, the trend in the short and mid-term will most likely continue to see the return of the militants to the countries of origins, including Italy. Insurrectional anarchism remains sufficiently organized on the Italian territory, as it has been present for many years. This movement could target the UN in the context of its anti-capitalism/anti-western narrative. 2) Whilst UN staff continue to be victims of minor crime such as street robbery and apartment break-ins, the infrequency of attacks and random nature of locations do not indicate that UN staff are at an elevated risk in comparison to residents or tourists in Italy. 3) Italy’s national territory is exposed to a broader range of natural hazards than any other European country. The vulnerability of its population and built environment is often severe and has in some cases been exacerbated by human activities. 

• Other relevant information

VA Reference no: 162083

Closing Date: 24 May 2022

Please note that the deadline is at 11:59 pm Rome time (GMT + 1)

Terms and Conditions:

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education.
• Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.  WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

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.

Fighting Hunger Worldwide