Programme, reporting and compliance Officer (P3), Rome, Italy

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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.

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Are you a Programme Policy Professional interested in further developing your professional experience while contributing to ending global hunger? Are you passionate about helping those in need? Would you like to join a global organisation investing in its people?

If so, an exciting & fulfilling career awaits you! Join our diverse and passionate team that works on varied and international projects directly contributing to saving & changing millions of lives around the globe.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 10, 2023 (11:59 PM CEST).

WHO WE ARE

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), a highly prestigious, reputable & world's largest humanitarian organization, operates in more than 120 countries and territories, bringing life-saving assistance in emergencies, building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change and supporting sustainable and resilient livelihoods for a world with zero hunger.

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.

WHY JOIN US?

• 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 trainings, 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 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 attractive compensation package (please refer to Terms and Conditions section)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The position is based in Rome, HQ and reports directly to the Deputy Director, Operations Management Support Unit (OMS) with next-level reporting line to the Director OMS and Deputy Chief of Staff.

THE ROLE

The Operations Management Support Unit (OMS) plays a key role in supporting the Office of the Chief of Staff, as well as the Regional Bureaux and country offices, across a series of core and cross-cutting operational themes, as well as a pivotal liaison function between the field and HQ. In this context, the position currently holds a tri-fold purpose:

1.    OMS currently plays the main supporting role to field offices vis-à-vis external audit matters, becoming the principal advisory actor for RBx and COs for process-related and sensitive issues, as well as for the external auditor itself in facilitating communications with the field. OMS also support the External Auditor (EA) on procedural and protocol matters during the induction period and along his mandate to ensure a smooth six-year tenure or the external auditor. To further strengthen engagement, OMS has taken the lead in developing and rolling-out a centralized corporate system (risk and recommendation tracking tool: R2) which will for the first time allow WFP to track, update and close recommendations through one single platform, with a view to avoiding potential reputational risks for WFP, (as the EA reports to the Executive Board). This position requires the provision of experienced support across the function, so as to increase compliance and accountability at corporate level.

2.    OMS is the guarantor of key accountability functions towards WFP’s Governance, which are safeguarded through key steps of the Programme Review Process (PRP). In this context, the purpose of this assignment is to substantially contribute to the provision of support to the PRP and related functions, by supporting the review of a project documents and of country office responses to EB member comments on Country Strategic Plans (CSPs). It entails excellent editing skills and in-depth understanding of potential sensitivities, given that OMS is often the last point of call for the finalization of documentation for the office of the Country Offices, internal WFP PRP clients and the Executive Board.

3.    Finally, a primary purpose of the position is to take charge of OMS high-level reporting requirements, some of which are of a corporate nature, addressing WFP Governance and senior management. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

External Audit engagement: 

• Provide advice to RB compliance units and country office compliance officers/managers on external audit management response formulation ahead of sharing the final product for endorsement by the External Auditor. 
• Gather inputs and finalize External Audit Management Letters and Management Comments, ensuring that these are compiled in quality form and within the prescribed deadlines. 
• Monitor, maintain and enhance the tracking system for past External Audit recommendations to ensure closure by the External Auditor. 
• Support the External Auditor with regard to his field-based queries, such as his audit visit schedule and the dissemination of information to the field, as well as protocol and procedural matters.
• Provide inputs/draft management responses to audit recommendations addressed to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
• Act as the OMS R2 focal point. Engage with R2 team to ensure that External Audit ML follow-up processes are fully integrated within R2. 
• Periodically review and update Standard Operating Procedures as needed.

Internal Audit engagement: 

• Review internal audit Management Comments and ensure these are at a publishable standard ahead of submission to OED and posting on the external website.
• Periodically review and update Standard Operating Procedures as needed.
• Programme Review Process (PRP):
• Review country office responses to EB member questions on CSPs and budget revisions.
• Review of project documents; ahead of internal clearances.
• Draft notes for the records of Strategic PRP meetings as needed.
• Responsible for OMS reporting:
• Prepare the twice-yearly Executive Board reports on operational matters. 
• Prepare inputs for the yearly APR exercise. 
• Prepare any other report as required

Responsible for review and editorial functions:

• Review OED operational correspondence from field offices ahead of Chief of Staff clearance including NFRs of ED meetings with high-level external participants.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced University degree in social sciences or other relevant disciplines
 

Experience: At least 5 years of postgraduate professional relevant experience 

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Knowledge of WFP programmes and policies along with an understanding of politically sensitive matters (desirable)
• broad experience on response formulation and provision of advice for Audit Matters
• ability to act as a key point of contact for RB/CO focal points on a wide array of external audit matters
• broad diplomatic skills to engage with the External Auditor on various matters to ensure the smooth running of critically important external oversight work
• ability to engage in systems development (workflow requirements and management etc)
• excellent drafting and reporting skills, with particular experience. in the drafting of complex reports under time constraints 
• advanced editing skills  

Language: International Professional: Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language. 

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

These are the common standards of behaviour that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Leads by Example with Integrity - Lives the WFP values and shows humanity and integrity by role modelling care for others
Drives Results and Delivers on Commitments - Delivers on commitments and adapts readily to change
Fosters Inclusive and Collaborative Teamwork - Is inclusive and collaborative, and contributes to a culture of learning and personal growth
Applies Strategic Thinking - Demonstrates commitment to gather perspectives, analyse options and risks, and propose new ways of doing things
Builds and Maintains Sustainable Partnerships - Builds and nurtures external partnerships and collaborates with partners to deliver common objectives
 
Different expectations of behaviour are defined depending on your grade and role/responsibilities within WFP.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• 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
• Please make sure you upload your professional CV in the English language
• 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
• Please contact us at wfRrecruitment@wfR.org in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

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WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.