The World Food Programme (WFP) is recruiting Supply Chain Officers (Sustainability) for Consultancy Level I (CST I) and Consultancy Level II (CST II) positions based in Rome, Italy, or remotely. The roles focus on making humanitarian supply chains more sustainable, resilient and operationally effective.
These consultancy positions sit within WFP’s Sustainable Supply Chain Unit at headquarters and involve work across sustainability initiatives, procurement, logistics, partnerships, research, technical support and environmental impact measurement.
WFP Supply Chain Officer (Sustainability): Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | World Food Programme (WFP) |
| Position | Supply Chain Officer (Sustainability) |
| Consultancy levels | CST I / Level I and CST II / Level II |
| Location | Rome, Italy, or remote |
| Work arrangement | Full time |
| Requisition ID | JR126418 |
| Required experience | At least 3 years for Level I; at least 5 years related to sustainability in the multilateral sector for Level II |
| Education | Advanced university degree in a relevant field, or first university degree with additional related experience and/or training |
| English | Fluency in oral and written English required |
| Additional languages | Intermediate knowledge of a second official UN language, particularly French, Spanish and/or Arabic, highly desirable |
| Application documents | CV and Cover Letter |
| Application method | WFP online recruiting system only |
The vacancy source lists the application deadline as 15 September 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (Rome) in its main vacancy information. A later section of the same source states 16 September 2026. Because the supplied material contains these two dates, applicants should check the live WFP application page and avoid waiting until the later date.
What does a WFP Supply Chain Officer (Sustainability) do?
The role is designed for professionals who can connect supply chain operations with environmental and social sustainability. WFP says the successful candidates will support initiatives intended to improve sustainability, resilience and operational efficiency across its supply chain systems.
The work can include providing technical assistance to Country Offices as they implement environmental strategies and sustainability projects. Officers may also contribute to policies, guidelines, plans and procedures designed to strengthen the sustainability, resilience, agility, reliability and quality of WFP supply chain operations.
Partnership work is another important part of the position. The role involves working with internal WFP divisions as well as external organisations such as private-sector partners, UN agencies, NGOs and governments. Candidates may also support efforts to identify partnership and funding opportunities and develop proposals for sustainability-related projects.
The position also has a strong analytical and knowledge-management element. Responsibilities include researching trends and solutions, turning findings into practical recommendations, documenting lessons learned, developing guidance and training, and supporting tools used to monitor and report environmental and other sustainability impacts across WFP’s supply chain.
One named example in the vacancy is ECODASH, WFP’s environmental impact measurement system, which candidates may support through frameworks, guidelines and tools for monitoring, managing and reporting supply-chain sustainability impacts.
Who is eligible for the WFP consultancy?
Applicants need an advanced university degree in Environmental Science, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, International Development, International Relations, or another relevant field. A first university degree may also be accepted when accompanied by additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training or courses.
The experience requirements differ between the two consultancy levels:
- CST I / Level I: At least three years of relevant professional experience.
- CST II / Level II: At least five years of relevant professional experience related to sustainability in the multilateral sector.
Importantly, WFP states that the consultancy level will be determined by the complexity of the Terms of Reference rather than simply by the candidate’s experience.
Candidates should also have experience working on environmental and/or social sustainability initiatives within a supply-chain context. Relevant backgrounds can include supply chain management, procurement, logistics, operations, circular economy, climate action and sustainable sourcing.
What additional experience could strengthen an application?
WFP identifies several areas as desirable rather than essential. These include research, policy analysis or technical assessments; project management and multi-stakeholder coordination; development of guidance materials, training programmes or knowledge products; and partnership-building with governments, international organisations, NGOs, donors or private-sector organisations.
Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks, impact measurement methodologies or ESG-related approaches is also desirable. Experience in developing countries, humanitarian settings or international development programmes, as well as consulting or advisory experience, is listed among the desirable areas.
The vacancy additionally highlights strong written and verbal communication, the ability to manage multiple priorities, effectiveness in multicultural environments and commitment to WFP’s aims.
Language requirements
Fluent spoken and written English is required, including strong technical writing ability. Knowledge of a second official UN language at an intermediate level is highly desirable, with WFP specifically identifying French, Spanish and/or Arabic.
This makes the language profile particularly relevant for applicants whose professional work involves international partnerships, technical documentation or communication across different stakeholders.
How to apply for the WFP Supply Chain Officer consultancy
Applications must be submitted exclusively through WFP’s online recruiting system. WFP states that CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn or another channel will not be considered.
Before applying, candidates should make sure their Workday profile is accurate and complete. WFP specifically recommends filling in sections covering employment history, academic qualifications, language skills and UN grade, where applicable.
At the application stage, the required documents are:
- CV
- Cover Letter
WFP notes that additional documents, such as passports, certificates or recommendation letters, may be requested later in the recruitment process.
After submission, candidates receive confirmation that their application has been received. Applications are reviewed competitively against relevant experience and qualifications.
Candidates who meet the selection criteria may be invited for further assessment or interviews and may be asked to confirm their continued interest and availability.
Successful candidates may also be placed in a roster for future consultancy opportunities and contacted when there is a need.
WFP also states that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to proceed to the next stage. Selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
What should applicants know before submitting?
WFP describes the selection as competitive and says it is committed to diversity and gender balance. The vacancy particularly encourages qualified female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries to apply.
The organisation also states that it provides reasonable accommodation during recruitment for individuals with disabilities. Applicants requiring accommodation can contact WFP through the address provided in the vacancy announcement.
There is also an important fraud-prevention reminder: the United Nations does not charge application, processing, training, interview or testing fees connected with recruitment. Applicants should disregard requests for payment.
WFP describes its working environment as inclusive, diverse and multicultural and says it supports professional development through training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship and internal mobility opportunities.
Final thoughts
This consultancy is particularly aligned with professionals whose experience sits at the intersection of sustainability and supply-chain operations. The strongest source-supported profile combines relevant supply-chain or sustainability experience with technical analysis, project coordination, stakeholder engagement and strong English communication skills.
Because the vacancy covers both Level I and Level II consultancy assignments, applicants should focus on demonstrating the relevance and substance of their experience rather than assuming that years of experience alone determine the consultancy level. WFP explicitly states that the assignment level depends on the complexity of the Terms of Reference.
