The Oversight Advisory Committee serves as an independent expert advisory panel to assist the Director‑General and the Finance Committee on the internal control arrangements, risk management processes, financial reporting and internal audit, investigation and ethics functions of the Organization. The Committee advises on these matters taking into consideration the Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as policies and procedures applicable to FAO, and its operating environment.

The Secretary of the Oversight Advisory Committee is the Assistant Director-General/Director of the Office of Strategy, Programme and Budget (OSP) ex officio, who reports directly to the Chairperson on matters related to the work of the Oversight Advisory Committee.