FAO Compliance Specialist

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 encompass 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 resilience-building initiatives across all 34 provinces, aiming to protect agricultural livelihoods and local ecosystems while boosting local production of nutritious foods and cash incomes. The organization is committed to safeguarding critical agricultural development gains achieved over the past decades, particularly through revitalizing rural markets and economies.

Job Overview:
The FAO Compliance Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organization's operations in Afghanistan adhere to established rules, regulations, and internal policies. Reporting directly to the FAOR/Deputy FAOR, the Compliance Specialist will collaborate closely with various business owners and teams, including the Office of the Inspector General, Enterprise Risk Management, and Human Resources. The primary focus of this position is to strengthen the Complaints and Feedback Mechanism for FAO Afghanistan, which includes establishing a centralized Call Center in Kabul. This Call Center will address both proactive and reactive measures concerning beneficiary and stakeholder concerns related to FAO's activities across the country. The Compliance Specialist will be responsible for advising on strategies to enhance controls, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with fiduciary requirements, including anti-terrorism clauses and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and reporting on compliance-related matters to donors and internal stakeholders, ensuring that the organization maintains high standards of accountability and transparency in its operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Compliance Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks, including coordinating the preparation of corporate internal tools such as the Risk Log, Internal Control Questionnaire, and Fraud Prevention Plan. This involves monitoring and updating corporate dashboard information at least every six months. The Specialist will advise the FAOR on strategies to strengthen controls and mitigate potential risks, ensuring compliance with FAO operational rules and internal policies. Responsibilities also include supporting the establishment of processes for compliance with resource partners' fiduciary requirements, overseeing the Call Center operations, and ensuring personnel are trained in relevant standards. The Specialist will liaise with various workstreams to identify critical risks and develop control checklists and Standard Operating Procedures. Furthermore, the role involves supporting the FAOR in reporting to the Office of Inspector General and donors, implementing audit-related Management Action Plans, and advising on compliance with FAO’s policy framework regarding accountability to affected people. The Specialist will also lead due diligence reviews of implementing partners and contribute to capacity building within local offices, participate in UN Country team compliance/risk management working groups, and supervise team members as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities or UNESCO in business/public administration, economics, or a related discipline. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of five years of relevant 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. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, along with excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, proficiency in MS Office, and the ability to work cohesively within diverse teams while managing time effectively and prioritizing tasks.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, economics, or a related discipline. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have additional professional experience to compensate for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Compliance Specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively perform their duties within the organization.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in sectors related to programming, planning, technical cooperation, evaluation, audit, compliance, and control functions. This experience should preferably be in contexts that are vulnerable to disasters or other emergency risks, highlighting the need for the Compliance Specialist to be adept at navigating complex operational environments and ensuring compliance with various regulations and standards.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a second FAO language is considered an asset, which could enhance the candidate's ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and partners within the organization and the broader international community.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and may involve working in a challenging environment. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a variety of tasks that require flexibility and adaptability. The FAO is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their background. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, ensuring that the selected candidate is adequately supported in their role.