COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

OVERVIEW

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.

JOB TYPE: Consultancy (Non-staff opportunity)

Duration: Six (6) months

Date Posted: Thursday, 22nd October 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, 6th November 2026, at 12:59 AM (as displayed in the recruitment notice; time settings may depend on the applicant's device)

Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi

Reference Number: 2602190

Reports to: FAO Representative in Malawi

JOB SUMMARY

The Compliance Specialist will provide technical guidance to the FAO Representative and relevant teams to promote consistent application of FAO rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

The role focuses on identifying and mitigating compliance risks, strengthening internal controls, preventing fraud, improving governance and reinforcing integrity, transparency and accountability throughout FAO Malawi's operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Programme, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Field Office teams.

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Risk Management and Fraud Prevention

The Compliance Specialist will be responsible for:

• 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.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• 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.

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, as indicated in the selection criteria.

Language Requirements

• Working knowledge (Level C) of English.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• 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.

FAO CORE COMPETENCIES

Candidates will be assessed on the following core competencies:

• Results Focus.
• Teamwork.
• Communication.
• Building Effective Relationships.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND PROFESSIONAL VALUES

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• 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.

Application Link: https://jobs.fao.org/careersection/fao_external/jobdetail.ftl?job=2602190

Applicants should:

1. Visit the recruitment portal and complete their online profile accurately, including employment history, academic qualifications and language skills.
2. Attach a letter of motivation to their online profile.
3. Review their profile for completeness and submit the application for the position.
4. Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties.

Only applications submitted through the official FAO recruitment portal will be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Academic qualifications must be obtained from institutions recognised or accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Applicants may be asked to provide performance assessments and authorisation for verification of employment, education and other relevant records.

For assistance with the application process, candidates may register with FAO's client support team here: https://fao.service-now.com/csp.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment, including application, interview or processing.
• All selected candidates will undergo reference and background checks.
• Applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non- and under-represented Member Nations, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• FAO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
• Appointment is subject to medical fitness, accreditation, applicable residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
• FAO is a non-smoking environment.

Closing Date: Friday, 6th November 2026