COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

Job description

OVERVIEWThe 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) monthsDate Posted: Thursday, 22nd October 2026Application 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, MalawiReference Number: 2602190Reports to: FAO Representative in MalawiJOB SUMMARYThe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESRisk Management and Fraud PreventionThe 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.