JOB DESCRIPTION

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

24 August 2025-23:59-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 ROLE

This position is based in Rome and reports to the Chief of Infrastructure and Facilities Management Branch or a designate of the Director of WFP’s Management Services Division (MSD).

The job holder is expected to establish and strengthen relationships with relevant Italian government authorities, requiring strong advocacy and negotiation skills to achieve results. They provide authoritative advice, set standards, and establish processes for others to follow.

With in-depth technical knowledge and experience, the job holder identifies, analyzes, and resolves complex engineering issues, directs projects and work streams, and delivers technical expertise and solutions that support strategic objectives. They also develop new strategies and technical approaches when necessary.

Additionally, the job holder leads multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering and facilities staff, while overseeing clusters of project partners and stakeholders to execute real estate, engineering services, and possibly complex facilities management projects. The role also includes providing technical support, guidance, and oversight to field-based teams engaged in WFP’s infrastructure and facilities-related activities, ensuring alignment with global standards and operational needs in diverse contexts, including remote and high-risk areas.

JOB PURPOSE

To develop and lead planning and delivery of high quality, client-focused, and value-for-money real estate, facilities engineering and construction activities services, including management of projects, facilities management vendors, building partnerships and contributing to the cost-efficient and timely outcome delivery. The role also extends to supporting WFP’s field offices in implementing infrastructure solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and resilience in challenging environments.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Management of the HQ Agreement (Italian – Law 114/1994) for the part related to the facilities:

• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Tax Agency and the Public Properties Agency.
• Annual Financial and Technical Reporting of the expenditures under the HQ Agreement.
• Develop annual facilities and infrastructure financial plans.
• Liaise with government representatives to navigate regulatory frameworks and obtain necessary permits and authorizations.
• Stay informed about relevant regulations and policies and communicate their impact on WFP”s facilities and projects.

2. Real Estate strategy:

• Develop multi-year plans for the implementation of the Real Estate strategy.
• Manage lease contracts for the WFP headquarters buildings and provide advisory support for field-based real estate acquisitions.
• Negotiate lease terms that align with WFP”s needs and strategic objectives.
• Advocate and negotiate for infrastructure investments to property owners.
• Provide guidance on infrastructure and facilities management in field locations, ensuring compliance with international and host-country regulations.

3. Maintenance and Operations:

• Oversee the effective management of building operations and systems in HQ and identify innovative and cost-effective solutions to ensure business continuity and environmental sustainability.
• Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend asset life.
• Ensure emergency and business continuity plans for the HQ facility are developed and maintained in compliance with the Italian regulatory framework.

4. Design and Project Management:

• Architectural and Engineering design services according to the international and Italian regulatory framework.
• Construction Project Management services for the infrastructural improvement of WFP facilities according to the international and Italian regulatory framework.
• Provide technical support to field teams implementing infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to WFP standards and best practices.

OTHER ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive):

1. Develop and nurture high-impact partnerships with WFP’s internal and external stakeholders, other UN agencies, and government entities with the aim of achieving exceptional efficiency and optimisation of cross-functional processes.

2. Provide expert advice and support on a range of engineering services, project management and construction activities, including the implementation of WFP policies, standards, norms and practices to ensure that outputs meet the established quality standards.

3. Promote WFP Occupational Safety and Health and Asset Management Policies related to facilities engineering and project management.

4. Lead and motivate large, diverse teams and provide coaching, training, and guidance as required to ensure appropriate development and enable high performance.

5. Provide technical guidance to Regional Bureaux and Country Offices engineering and logistics teams, supporting them in the implementation of safe, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructure projects.

6. Other accountabilities, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Engineering or Architecture, or other relevant field (5-year diploma).
• Accreditation to “Professional Engineer/Architect” or “Engineer/Architect” status or recognised equivalent by an appropriate national or international regulatory authority is required.
• A certificate in Health and Safety in the construction released by an authorised institute is highly recommended requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in managing large-scale, complex engineering and/or construction projects and programs in an international environment, managing multi-disciplinary or cross-functional teams to ensure a successful project outcome.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English and Italian language.
• Ability to communicate and understand technical documents in Italian is required.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language) is required.

MORE ABOUT YOU:

• Prior experience in developing and nurturing high-impact partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including government entities.
• Documented professional experience in working with International, European and Italian legislation on regulations related to construction planning, management, and implementation.
• Has demonstrated considerable experience in planning and organizing, managing work programs, objectives, and budgets, and liaising with stakeholders/donors.
• Has developed strong experience in Italian construction law and engineering contract management.
• Experience with infrastructure development in field settings is a strong advantage.
• Ability to communicate and understand technical documents in Italian is required.
• Good knowledge of public procurement procedures, international contract formats, and construction management procedures.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD software is required.
• Working knowledge of Archibus would be an asset.

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:  [email protected]

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

• 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 [email protected] in case you face any challenges with submitting your application
• 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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements