Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Through its Country Offices, or FAO Representations, FAO assists governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to address hunger and malnutrition, and provides technical support for the sustainable development of their agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors. The activities of the FAO Country Offices include design and implementation of country-tailored field programmes, liaison with local donor representatives, and active public awareness-raising and outreach activities related to FAO initiatives such as the World Food Day.
Reporting Lines
The Risk and Compliance Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Representative in Malawi, and in collaboration with the Assistant FAO Representatives responsible for Programme and Administration.
Technical Focus
The Risk and Compliance Specialist 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
• Develop and institutionalise a comprehensive and practical Risk Management framework, incorporating regular (bi-annual or annual) fraud risk assessments and mitigation plans. This framework will specifically target high-risk operational areas (e.g., procurement, payroll, grants and agreements, and financial disbursements) to guide country office management in systematically identifying, understanding, and reducing financial and operational risks.
• Coordinate the preparation, periodic updating, and maintenance of the country office’s risk register. Monitor the implementation status of mitigation measures across programme and operations.
• Lead office-wide risk mapping, peer reviews, and regular field monitoring missions to assess and verify compliance and operational risks.
• Integrate risk management considerations into project design, governance structures, and key management decisions.
• Support management in evidence-gathering and documentation for preliminary reviews or investigations related to suspected fraud, misconduct, or non-compliance. Act as focal point for initial risk screening of allegations and coordinate closely with OIG.
• Advise management on anti-fraud measures by analysing trends and lessons learned from past investigations and recommend actionable prevention strategies and corrective measures accordingly.
• Institutionalise fraud detection mechanisms through the use of data analytics to identify financial irregularities, establish whistleblower reporting protocols, and implement staff training and reference tools such as red-flag checklists.
• Localise and implement the FAO corporate Anti-Fraud Strategy within the Country Office, recommend internal fraud prevention mechanisms, and proactively alert management to any identified fraudulent activities or unethical conduct.
• Develop and implement a risk-based framework for unannounced field visits, ensuring that at least 20% of high-value projects are covered annually.
• Conduct thorough vendor due diligence and strengthen procurement oversight through pre-qualification screening (e.g. background checks, sanctions lists, and litigation history) and post-award audits using random sampling to verify that goods and services delivered align with invoiced amounts.
• Undertake due diligence reviews of implementing partners, monitor their financial accountability and reporting, and carry out partner spot-checks as appropriate.
• Lead the design and facilitation of fraud risk awareness training and orientation sessions for employees, implementing partners, and suppliers.
• Contribute to effective management by actively participating in key governance meetings, including the Operations Management Team (OMT) and the Senior Management Team (SMT), and other strategic fora.
Compliance to rules, regulations and guidelines
• Review office systems, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance with FAO rules and regulations, donor contractual obligations, and applicable national laws.
• Strengthen and enforce internal controls to ensure effective mechanisms are in place to prevent, detect, and report non-compliance. Additionally, support periodic audits, investigations, and the preparation of internal control reports.
• Assess internal work processes in Programme and Operations to ensure that roles and accountabilities are clearly defined and aligned with organisational policies and recognised best practices.
• Establish and implement a risk-based system to periodically and systematically review a representative sample of Programme and Operations activities, verifying compliance with established workflows and corporate policies.
• Lead preparations for and support the implementation of headquarters-led audits and investigations. Conduct quality assurance reviews, track implementation of recommendations, and provide timely updates to management.
• Periodically conduct tests and simulations to assess compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures, and ensure staff understanding and accountability.
Create awareness/capacity building
• Establish a system for documenting and reporting weaknesses in internal controls and implement corrective actions to address identified gaps (e.g. through SOPs, internal memos, etc.), while strengthening the capacity of responsible staff.
• Analyse the cause-and-effect implications of policy changes on office operations, anticipate their impact, and advise on adaptive approaches to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Support the implementation of a continuous learning and development plan for the Risk and Compliance function.
• Ensure that management enables staff access to relevant training, and that all personnel are familiar with key workplace policies, including those related to PSEA, fraud prevention, and ethical conduct. Extend similar awareness and training to implementing partners and suppliers where appropriate.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in Law, Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, Audit, Risk Management, or a related field is required.
• Seven (7) years of cumulative work experience in risk management, compliance, internal audit, legal, governance, or a related area is required.
• Working knowledge of English language.
FAO Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields is considered an asset.
• Good knowledge of relevant IT skills in forensic audit and fraud prevention
• Good knowledge of administration and process flows.