About the opportunity
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking a Compliance Specialist for a 6-month consultancy position based at the FAO Representation in Malawi in Lilongwe. 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. Working under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi and in collaboration with various operational teams, the specialist will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management strategies, compliance frameworks, and fraud prevention measures to reinforce integrity and transparency throughout FAO Malawi’s operations.
Salary and benefits
- Consultancy contract providing professional remuneration aligned with FAO non-staff opportunities.
- Opportunity to lead vital risk management and compliance initiatives within a specialized UN agency.
- Professional collaboration across operations, procurement, finance, and programme teams at country, regional, and headquarters levels.
Who can apply?
- Advanced university degree recognized by IAU/UNESCO in business, financial management, procurement, law, economics, or a closely related field (consultants with a bachelor's degree require two additional years of relevant professional experience).
- At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in a related field, with direct professional experience in compliance-related responsibilities within UN organizations considered an added advantage.
- Working knowledge (level C) of the English language.
Required documents
- Online profile containing accurate employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Letter of motivation attached to the online profile
When to apply
- Vacancy announcement posted on 22 October 2026.
- Application deadline is 5 November 2026 at 10:59 PM (based on personal device date and time settings).
How to apply
- Visit the FAO recruitment website and complete your online profile with your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills.
- Attach a letter of motivation to your online profile.
- Submit your application through the FAO recruitment portal before the stated deadline.
Additional information
- FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Only academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO World Higher Education Database will be considered.
- Appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
- Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Extensive background in compliance, risk management, financial oversight, or procurement within international organizations.
- Advanced academic qualifications in law, business, economics, or financial management combined with substantial senior-level professional experience.
- Strong interest in contributing to accountability, governance, and fraud prevention within United Nations country operations.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a fixed 6-month consultancy assignment based on-site in Lilongwe, Malawi.
- Requires meeting rigorous background checks, medical clearance, and visa or residency requirements.
- Candidates must possess at least 10 years of professional experience and appropriate degree credentials recognized by IAU/UNESCO.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This 6-month consultancy offers mid-to-senior professionals an opportunity to apply their compliance and risk management expertise within a prominent UN specialized agency, strengthening governance and operational accountability at the country office level.
Our take
Highly suitable for seasoned compliance, risk, and audit professionals with extensive experience in international development or UN contexts who are available for a 6-month assignment in Malawi.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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