Assistant Executive Director, Programme Operations at World Food Programme

As WFP’s Assistant Executive Director, Programme Operations, Ms. Valerie Guarnieri leads WFP’s assessment and analysis, programme and policy, and supply chain work, aimed at supporting people and nations to meet needs, reduce needs and improve food security. Of particular concern are people caught up in protracted and recurring crises driven by climate, conflict and economic shocks. Global partnerships to empower women and youth, support refugees and displaced populations, combat malnutrition and ensure that all hungry children benefit from a nutritious meal in school also fall under her leadership.

Prior to her appointment in January 2018, Ms. Guarnieri served as WFP Regional Director for East and Central Africa providing supervision, strategic guidance and support for some of WFP’s largest and most complex country operations. She also served as WFP’s Global Programme Director, and in a variety of country office, regional and headquarter positions since August 2000. Before WFP, she worked in the U.S. Government, at the National Security Council and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), as part of dedicated, inter-disciplinary teams to save lives and help create conditions for sustainable peace, with particular focus in Africa.

Ms. Guarnieri holds a Master of Arts from the School of International Service of American University in Washington, D.C. She is married and has three children.