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 is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment, investing in the personal and professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programmes. WFP is currently seeking to fill an intern position in the Office of Inspections and Investigations (OIGI), based in Rome, Italy.
About the Division
OIGI has the sole responsibility within WFP to conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct committed by WFP personnel, such as fraud, corruption, collusion, theft and misappropriation, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, retaliation and other breaches of WFP rules and policies. OIGI is also responsible for assessing and investigating allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion and other wrongdoings committed by vendors, cooperating partners and other third parties to the detriment of WFP.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of an Investigations Officer, Strategy and Litigation Support, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
📑 Assist in the technical and quality review of investigation reports and other written products, in particular in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of reporting, and by reviewing the underlying evidence
⚖️ Conduct legal research, in particular within the internal framework of other UN agencies and in the administrative jurisprudence of the ILOAT, UNDT and UNAT
🛠️ Assist in the development of OIGI's investigative internal framework
🔍 Assist with other facets of investigative work, including preliminary assessment of complaints, assisting with ongoing investigations and any other duties as required
⚖️ New to how funded internships actually work? Read our guide: Paid Internships Abroad for Students: How Funded Traineeships Really Work → https://youthworkshub.org/paid-internships-abroad
🗺️ Also based in Italy and worth a look: ESC Volunteering in 🇮🇹 Italy as a Communication Assistant with ESN in Rome → https://youthworkshub.org/21920
Qualifications and Experience
🎓 Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate programme in Law or other related fields from a recognized university, or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme in Law or other related fields (within six months prior to the application) from a recognized university
🔎 Experience in investigations is desirable
📚 University course attendance in the past 12 months
Knowledge and Skills
⚖️ Knowledge of general legal principles applicable to internal investigations
✍️ Ability to write clearly and concisely
🔍 Attention to detail
📊 Research and analytical skills
🌍 Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse international environment
Languages
Excellent written and spoken English is required (proficiency level C).
🔎 Another writing and research-focused placement worth exploring: Editorial and Social Media Internship at IRK Magazine in 🇫🇷 France → https://youthworkshub.org/19102
Learning Elements
At the end of the assignment, the intern should understand WFP's mission and key programmes, gain advanced insight into administrative investigations in a large international organization, develop a solid and critical understanding of the legal principles applicable to responding to staff misconduct in an international organization, and have extensively practiced report-writing skills. Throughout the assignment, WFP interns have access to an industry-leading learning platform, weLearn, and, depending on opportunities and availability of funds, may participate in WFP workshops or seminars. Under the direct supervision of an Investigations Officer, Strategy and Litigation Support, the intern will be provided with close mentoring, guidance, and technical supervision, and the Chief, Strategy and Litigation Support, and other members of the team will also be involved in helping, guiding, and mentoring the intern.
The Details
🗓️ Duration: 8 months
📅 Expected start date: 1 October 2026
🕘 Schedule: full time
📍 Location: Rome, Italy
Terms and Conditions
Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1,000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment. WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs. WFP will reimburse the travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country. Candidates who bear any of the following relations to WFP staff members are not eligible to apply: sons, daughters, brothers or sisters.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted exclusively through the online recruiting system; CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel are not considered. At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter, and additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, and similar) may be requested later in the process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Deadline
⏳ 29 August 2026
