Compliance Specialist

The Compliance Specialist will support the FAO Country Office in Malawi by strengthening compliance, risk management, internal controls, quality assurance, and accountability across administrative, financial, operational, and programme activities. The role involves advising on FAO rules and procedures, conducting risk assessments, and promoting integrity and transparency in operations.

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 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.

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.
• 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 issues will be an advantage.

Skills

• Compliance Management
• Risk Management
• Internal Controls
• Quality Assurance
• Accountability
• Finance Management
• Procurement
• Forensic Auditing
• Fraud Prevention
• Process Flow Analysis
• FAO Rules Compliance
• Legal Compliance
• Administrative Management
• Risk Assessment
• UN Compliance
• Financial Reporting
• Operational Compliance
• English Language Proficiency

Languages

English