Compliance Specialist (Advisor)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is dedicated to achieving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensuring that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Established in 1945, FAO has grown to include 194 member countries, two associate members, and one member organization, the European Union. FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide, focusing on eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. In Afghanistan, FAO is actively involved in enhancing agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems across all 34 provinces, particularly through initiatives that support farmers and herders in improving their production and income.

Job Overview:
The Compliance Specialist (Advisor) plays a crucial role in ensuring that FAO Afghanistan adheres to its operational rules, regulations, and internal policies. This position is pivotal in strengthening the Complaints and Feedback Mechanism for FAO Afghanistan, which involves establishing a centralized Call Center in Kabul. The Call Center will serve as a proactive and reactive platform for addressing concerns from beneficiaries and stakeholders regarding FAO's activities. The Compliance Specialist will work closely with various business owners and teams within FAO to ensure compliance with fiduciary requirements and to mitigate potential risks. This role requires a strategic approach to compliance, risk management, and internal controls, ensuring that all operations align with FAO's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Compliance Specialist will be responsible for coordinating the preparation of corporate internal tools such as the Risk Log, Internal Control Questionnaire, and Fraud Prevention Plan. This includes monitoring and updating these tools periodically. The Specialist will advise the FAOR on strategies to strengthen controls and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with FAO's operational rules. Additionally, the role involves supporting the establishment of processes for compliance with resource partners' fiduciary requirements, overseeing the Call Center operations, and ensuring that personnel are trained in relevant standards. The Specialist will liaise with various workstreams to identify risks and develop control checklists and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Furthermore, the role includes supporting reporting to the Office of Inspector General and donors, implementing audit-related Management Action Plans, and leading due diligence reviews of Implementing Partners. The Specialist will also contribute to capacity building within local offices and participate in compliance/risk management technical working groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business/public administration, economics, or a related field recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of experience in public or private sectors related to programming, planning, technical cooperation, evaluation, audit, compliance, and control functions is required, particularly in disaster-prone or emergency-risk countries. Proficiency in written and spoken English at a full proficiency level (C) is essential, and knowledge of a second FAO language is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, or economics. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to qualify. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of compliance and risk management within the context of FAO's operations.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in both public and private sectors, particularly in areas related to programming, planning, technical cooperation, evaluation, audit, compliance, and control functions. Experience in countries vulnerable to disaster or emergency risks is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the unique challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Proficiency in a second FAO language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is likely to be a full-time role. The contract duration and seniority level may vary, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a complex and dynamic environment. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and the organization may consider international candidates for this role.