IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
Organizational Setting
FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO's goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With 195 Members (194 Nations and the European Union), FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide.
FAO Country Offices, working under overall corporate guidance and in line with the Strategic Framework, offer policy advice and support to countries in the mandated areas of FAO, facilitated through partnerships, resources and an active country programme to provide technical assistance, develop capacities and deliver core services while fully observing international standards of accountability to establish leadership and strengthen impact at the country level.
The offices deliver on the programmatic priorities of each country as agreed in their respective Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and ensure effective and efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Specifically, FAO Country Offices:
(i) advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO's mandate.
(ii) provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
(iii) assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
(iv) position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation; and
(v) ensure risk-smart and accountable operations and management.
Reporting Lines
The Compliance Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi, and in collaboration with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Field Office teams.
Technical Focus
The incumbent will support the Country Office in strengthening compliance, risk management, internal controls, quality assurance and accountability across administrative, financial, operational and programme activities. S/he will provide practical advice to the FAOR and relevant teams to promote consistent application of FAO rules, procedures and standards.
Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management strategies, compliance frameworks, and fraud prevention measures. These activities are aimed at restoring and reinforcing integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout FAO Malawi’s operational practices.
Tasks and responsibilities
Risk Management and Fraud Prevention
• Support the systematic integration of risk management, compliance, quality assurance and accountability measures into FAO Malawi operations and programme implementation.
• Review operational, administrative, financial and procurement processes against applicable FAO rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Advise the FAOR on practical measures to strengthen internal controls, improve governance and mitigate compliance risks within the Country Office and supported programmes.
• Conduct risk assessments, update the Country Office risk register, and monitor progress on agreed mitigation actions, including inputs to performance planning and review processes.
• Coordinate with relevant Country Office units, Field Offices, the Regional Office and Headquarters, as required, to identify compliance gaps, develop control checklists and standard operating procedures, and propose practical solutions to improve oversight.
• Develop, update and monitor FAO Malawi compliance and risk logs through a structured, risk-based monitoring approach.
• Undertake field visits and spot checks, as required, to review compliance at Field Offices and project sites, and prepare concise mission reports with findings, risks and recommended corrective actions.
• Promote awareness and consistent application of FAO policies, procedures and standards of conduct by providing day-to-day guidance, responding to routine compliance queries, and supporting staff learning initiatives in coordination with relevant offices.
• Perform other duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in a field of business, financial management, procurement, law, economics and any other closely related fields. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in a related field, direct professional experience in compliance related responsibilities within UN Organizations will be an added advantage
• Working knowledge (level C) of English language.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Good knowledge of relevant IT skills in forensic audit and fraud prevention
• Good knowledge of administration and process flows.
• Familiarity with FAO rules and regulation and compliance issue will be an advantage
Selection criteria (Candidate will be assessed against the following criteria)
• Demonstrated professional experience in compliance related responsibilities (contracts management, operations, procurement
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
- Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For more information, visit the FAO employment website
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT