Regional Director (D2) - Talent Pool

Overview

Join to apply for the Regional Director (D2) - Talent Pool role at World Food Programme .

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 12 October 2025, 23:59 GMT+01:00 Central European Time (Rome).

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. WFP values diversity and inclusion and operates with integrity, collaboration, commitment, humanity, and inclusion.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website and follow us on social media.

WHY JOIN WFP?

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
• Inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.
• Investment in personal and professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and internal mobility opportunities.
• Opportunities to work across country, regional, and global offices with colleagues who strive to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions.
• Attractive compensation package (refer to Terms and Conditions in this vacancy announcement).

Regional Leadership

The World Food Programme is seeking to build a diverse pool of exceptional leaders for future Regional Director opportunities for its Regional Offices. As a Regional Director, you will drive WFP’s strategic vision, support country operations, and foster partnerships that deliver life-saving assistance and long-term resilience. By joining this talent pool, you position yourself to lead regional strategies, represent WFP at high levels, and contribute to Zero Hunger worldwide.

Regional Offices include:

• Asia and the Pacific RO – Bangkok, Thailand
• Eastern and Southern Africa RO – Nairobi, Kenya
• Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office – Panama City, Panama
• Middle East, Northern Africa, and Eastern Europe Regional Office – Cairo, Egypt
• Western and Central Africa Regional Office – Dakar, Senegal

Key Accountabilities (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority)

Country Office Support

• Drive cross-functional coordination to promote quality and timely support to Country Offices by Global HQ.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of Country Strategic Plans (CSPs), aligned with WFP strategic plan and policy framework.
• Assist with crisis preparedness and response per the Emergency Activation Protocol.
• Support Country Directors (CDs) in implementing oversight recommendations, promoting risk management and internal controls.
• Support CDs in strengthening performance, operational effectiveness, and leadership development to foster high-performing teams.
• Contribute to the performance appraisal and appointment process of CDs.

Inputs to Corporate Decision Making

• Contribute to development of corporate WFP strategies and policies reflecting CO needs and regional dimensions.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements in consultation with CDs and Global Functions.
• Work with functional leads to translate priorities into tailored guidance for COs.
• Serve as members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other corporate bodies as required.

Regional Engagement, Fundraising, and Partnerships

• Represent WFP within the region and engage with regional stakeholders to advance WFP’s mission.
• Facilitate regional engagement to drive UN system coherence and joint results; support RCs and UNCTs in implementing UN policies.
• Contribute to regional resource mobilization to secure funding for WFP operations; coordinate with COs and partners to mobilize resources for regional priorities.
• Foster strategic partnerships to enhance synergy and cross-border initiatives.
• Engage with the Regional Collaborative Platform to access regional expertise and facilitate HQ-level discussions.

Management of the Regional Director’s Office (RO)

• Oversee planning, budgeting, staffing, and internal coordination in line with corporate policies; ensure staff security and an inclusive workplace.
• Promote integrity, accountability, safety, and compliance with WFP’s Code of Conduct and PSEA standards.
• Undertake other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Advanced university degree in Economics, International Development, Social Sciences or related field, or a first university degree with two additional years of relevant experience.

Experience: Minimum fifteen years of senior-level professional experience in international humanitarian development, with extensive experience leading multicultural teams and improving performance.

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English is required.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese) is required.
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Extensive experience leading and coordinating humanitarian and development operations across multiple countries.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector.
• Diplomatic and representational skills to influence policy and mobilize support.
• Crisis preparedness and emergency response coordination across stakeholders.
• Resource mobilization and donor engagement, including multi-donor and private sector funding.
• Experience in organizational performance management, capacity building, and data-driven decision-making.

NEXT STEPS

This is not an application for a specific vacancy, but an opportunity to be considered for future leadership roles in our Regional Offices. If shortlisted, you will be contacted for additional information and assessments.

We appreciate your commitment to WFP’s mission and look forward to the possibility of working together to achieve Zero Hunger.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Geographical mobility is a core contractual requirement in WFP. Selected candidates for future Regional Director opportunities will be employed on a fixed-term International Professional position with a rotational contract and a one-year probationary period.

WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel, visa and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, education grant for dependent children, pension plan, and medical insurance. For more information, visit the UNICS site.

Selected candidates will relocate to the corresponding duty station for the assignment.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please contact:

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, or other fee in connection with the recruitment process. Ignore any request for payment. Be cautious with emblems, logos, names, and addresses online.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• Ensure your profile is accurate and complete, including employment records, qualifications, language skills, and UN Grade if applicable.
• Apply once your profile is complete.
• Upload your CV in English.
• Only CV and Cover Letter may be required at this time; other documents may be requested later.
• Contact if you face submission challenges.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

All employment decisions are based on organizational needs, merit, and qualifications. WFP is committed to an inclusive work environment and will conduct rigorous reference and background checks.