Compliance Specialist

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a UN specialized agency working to defeat hunger and achieve food security, is seeking a Compliance Specialist for its Country Office in Malawi.

Vacancy Details

• Vacancy announcement: 2602190
• Job posting date: 22/Oct/2026
• Closure date: 06/Nov/2026, 12:59:00 AM
• Organizational unit: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi
• Job type: Non-staff opportunity, Consultant
• Location: Malawi-Lilongwe
• Duration: 6 months

Reporting Lines

• The Compliance Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi, in collaboration with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Field Office teams.

Technical Focus

• The Compliance Specialist will support the Country Office in strengthening compliance, risk management, internal controls, quality assurance and accountability across administrative, financial, operational and programme activities.
• Provide practical advice to the FAO Representative and relevant teams to promote consistent application of FAO rules, procedures and standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of risk management strategies, compliance frameworks and fraud prevention measures to reinforce integrity, transparency and accountability in FAO Malawi's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 FAO Representative on measures to strengthen internal controls, improve governance and mitigate compliance risks.
• Conduct risk assessments, update the Country Office risk register, and monitor progress on mitigation actions, including inputs to performance planning and review.
• Coordinate with Country Office units, Field Offices, the Regional Office and Headquarters to identify compliance gaps, develop control checklists and standard operating procedures, and propose 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 at Field Offices and project sites, and prepare mission reports with findings, risks and corrective action recommendations.
• Promote awareness and consistent application of FAO policies, procedures and standards of conduct, providing day-to-day guidance and supporting staff learning initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the IAU/UNESCO in business, financial management, procurement, law, economics or a closely related field. Candidates with a 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 within UN organizations is an advantage.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

Core Competencies

• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

Technical and 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, regulations and compliance issues is an advantage.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated professional experience in compliance-related responsibilities (contracts management, operations, procurement).
• 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).
• FAO only considers academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list.
• Appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

How to Apply

• Applications will only be considered through the board's Apply button.
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.