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Compliance Specialist – FAO Malawi

Vacancy announcement: 2602190
Organizational Unit: FRMLW – FAO Representation in Malawi
Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition: Consultant
Duration: 6 months
Grade Level: N/A
Post Number: N/A
Job Posting: 22 October 2026
Closing Date: 5 November 2026, 10:59 PM

Important: The closing date and time displayed in the vacancy notice are based on your personal device’s date and time settings.

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. This is 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:

• Advocate, inform and support policies and investments in the areas of FAO’s mandate.
• Provide technical assistance and deliver core services.
• Assist and catalyse partnership and resource mobilization activities to support agrifood systems transformation.
• Position FAO as the specialized/authoritative technical agency in food and agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
• 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. They will provide practical advice to the FAOR and relevant teams to promote consistent application of FAO rules, procedures and standards.

The incumbent will 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.

Minimum requirements

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in business, financial management, procurement, law, economics or another closely related field. Consultants 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-related responsibilities within UN Organizations will be an added advantage.
• Working knowledge (level C) of English.

FAO 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 will be an advantage.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated professional experience in compliance-related responsibilities, including contracts management, operations and procurement.

All candidates should adhere to FAO’s values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All, and Integrity and Transparency.

Additional information

• 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 persons 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 has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct 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 its strategic objectives and operations.
• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview and processing.
• FAO only considers academic credentials and higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by IAU/UNESCO. The list is available at www.whed.net. Qualifications should align with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• 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

1. Visit the FAO recruitment portal and complete your online profile. Ensure that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications and language skills.
2. Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
3. Once your profile is complete, apply and submit your application.

Important application information

• 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 information pertinent to their employment qualifications.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Personal information provided in your application may be shared within FAO and with companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services, including application pre-screening, assessment tests and background checks.
• You will be asked to provide consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time by withdrawing your application, in which case FAO will no longer be able to consider it.
• 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.
• Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline.

For assistance, create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team.

FAO is a non-smoking environment.

Closing date: 5 November 2026, 10:59 PM, as displayed in the supplied notice. Check the recruitment portal for the deadline shown on your device. Closing date: 6 November 2026

Apply or view the vacancy notice

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