COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

About

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Compliance Specialist under the FAO Representation in Malawi. FAO is a specialised United Nations agency working to defeat hunger, improve food security and promote sustainable agriculture. The successful candidate will support the Malawi Country Office in strengthening compliance, risk management, internal controls, quality assurance and accountability across administrative, financial, operational and programme activities.

This is a Consultancy (Non-staff opportunity) for six (6) months.

Key Duties

• Supporting the integration of risk management, compliance, quality assurance and accountability measures into FAO Malawi's operations and programme implementation.
• Reviewing operational, administrative, financial and procurement processes against applicable FAO rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Advising the FAO Representative on practical measures to strengthen internal controls, improve governance and mitigate compliance risks.
• Conducting risk assessments, updating the Country Office risk register and monitoring agreed risk-mitigation actions.
• Coordinating with Country Office units, Field Offices, the Regional Office and Headquarters to identify compliance gaps and develop practical solutions.
• Developing and updating compliance checklists, standard operating procedures and other tools to improve oversight.
• Maintaining FAO Malawi compliance and risk logs through a structured, risk-based monitoring approach.
• Conducting field visits and spot checks at Field Offices and project sites, as required.
• Preparing concise mission reports outlining findings, identified risks and recommended corrective actions.
• Providing day-to-day guidance on FAO policies, procedures and standards of conduct.
• Responding to compliance-related queries and supporting staff learning initiatives.
• Performing other duties as required.

Qualifications

• An advanced university degree from an institution recognised by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Business, Financial Management, Procurement, Law, Economics or another closely related field. (Note: Applicants with a Bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience.)
• At least ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in a related field.
• Direct professional experience in compliance-related responsibilities within United Nations organisations will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated professional experience in compliance-related responsibilities, including contracts management, operations and procurement.
• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.
• Good knowledge of information technology skills relevant to forensic auditing and fraud prevention.
• Good understanding of administrative procedures and process flows.
• Familiarity with FAO rules, regulations and compliance matters will be an advantage.
• Strong risk assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement compliance frameworks and risk-management strategies.
• Commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability.
• High standards of professional conduct.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to FAO's values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should apply through the official FAO recruitment portal by visiting https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602190. Applicants should complete their online profile accurately, attach a letter of motivation, and submit the application before the deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties. Only applications submitted through the official portal will be considered. For assistance, candidates may register with FAO's client support team at https://fao.service-now.com/csp.