The World Food Programme (WFP) is hiring a Director of Internal Audit (D1) in Rome, Italy for 2026. Monthly salary ranges from $12,600 to $16,100 plus UN benefits. Apply by 1 March 2026.
Overview
The World Food Programme (WFP) has officially opened applications for the senior leadership role of Director, Internal Audit (D1), based at its global headquarters in Rome, Italy.
This is a high-level international UN professional position within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), offering a monthly salary between USD 12,600 and USD 16,100, in addition to post adjustment and a comprehensive UN benefits package.
The role is ideal for senior audit and governance professionals with extensive leadership experience in internal audit, risk management, and oversight, particularly within international or UN system environments.
Position Details
- Job Title: Director, Internal Audit
- UN Grade: D1
- Duty Station: Rome, Italy
- Job Requisition ID: JR120144
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (International Professional, non-rotational)
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Reporting Line: Inspector General
- Department: Office of the Inspector General – Office of Internal Audit (OIGA)
Salary and Benefits
Monthly Compensation
- Estimated monthly salary: USD 12,600 – USD 16,100
- Additional benefits include:
- Post adjustment (ICSC-based)
- Relocation, visa, travel, and shipment allowances
- 30 days of annual leave
- Home leave entitlement
- Education grant for dependent children
- UN pension scheme
- Comprehensive medical insurance
This role offers one of the most competitive compensation packages currently available for UN D1-level audit and oversight positions.
About the Office of Internal Audit (OIGA)
The Office of Internal Audit operates under the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and provides independent assurance and advisory services across WFP’s global operations.
OIGA plays a critical role in:
- Strengthening governance and accountability
- Improving risk management and internal controls
- Ensuring compliance with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS)
The Director leads a team of approximately 34 audit professionals based in Rome and oversees audit activities across WFP country, regional, and headquarters operations worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a multi-year, risk-based internal audit strategy aligned with WFP priorities
- Ensure alignment with Global Internal Audit Standards and best practices
- Anticipate emerging organizational and operational risks
Operational Oversight
- Oversee planning and delivery of internal audits across global operations
- Ensure audit outputs are timely, high-quality, and actionable
- Monitor implementation of audit recommendations
Governance and Assurance
- Strengthen integrated assurance across WFP in collaboration with internal and external oversight actors
- Maintain robust quality assurance and continuous improvement frameworks
Communication and Reporting
- Present audit findings and strategic reports to Senior Management, the Executive Board, and oversight committees
- Promote transparency, accountability, and trust across WFP
Talent and Culture
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing audit teams
- Foster an inclusive, ethical, and psychologically safe work environment
- Promote continuous professional development and leadership excellence
External Representation
- Represent WFP’s internal audit function with UN counterparts, donors, and oversight bodies
- Build strategic partnerships to enhance organizational governance and credibility
Eligibility and Qualifications
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
- Audit
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business or Public Administration
- Oversight or related fields
- A Bachelor’s degree combined with extensive experience and recognized audit certification may be accepted
Professional Certifications (Required/Highly Desirable)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Chartered Accountant (CA / ACA / ACCA)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Additional certifications such as CFE, CISA, CRMA, or QIAL are an advantage
Experience
- Minimum 13 years of progressively responsible audit experience
- At least 5 years at senior management or director level
- Proven leadership of internal audit functions
- Experience in international, UN, or intergovernmental environments strongly preferred
Languages
- Fluency in English required
- Intermediate knowledge of another UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Portuguese) is an asset
Why Join the World Food Programme
WFP is a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2020) and the world’s largest humanitarian organization, operating in some of the most complex and high-risk environments globally.
By joining WFP at the D1 level, you will:
- Shape global oversight and governance at scale
- Influence organizational integrity across emergency and development operations
- Work in a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven environment
- Access world-class professional development and leadership opportunities
How to Apply
- Visit the official WFP Careers Portal
- Complete your online profile
- Submit:
- CV
- Cover Letter
- Apply before 1 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | World Food Programme (WFP) |
| Position | Director, Internal Audit |
| Grade | D1 |
| Location | Rome, Italy |
| Monthly Salary | USD 12,600 – 16,100 |
| Contract | Fixed-term (International) |
| Deadline | 1 March 2026 |
Conclusion
The WFP Director of Internal Audit (D1) position for 2026 is a rare senior-level UN opportunity for experienced audit and governance leaders seeking global impact. With a highly competitive salary, extensive UN benefits, and strategic influence across one of the world’s most important humanitarian organizations, this role represents a pinnacle career move within international oversight and accountability.
Keywords
WFP jobs 2026, Director Internal Audit D1, UN senior audit jobs, World Food Programme careers, UN D1 salary, internal audit UN jobs, Rome UN jobs, humanitarian governance roles, UN oversight positions
