Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Specialist

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• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply;
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Project Support Division (PSS) has the lead responsibility for ensuring that corporate guidance on the Project Cycle, projects monitoring and TCP, New Operational Modalities, and Due Diligence are fit for purpose and contribute as part of a reinvigorated business environment to the Strategic Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Director, PSS, leads the organization’s work in oversight and monitoring of projects; project cycle management; management and oversight of the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP); due diligence and risk assessment review of partnerships with non-state actors; and the development and support of new operational modalities.
The Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Unit in PSS performs due diligence screening and risk assessment of engagements with the private sector and other non-state actors as per FAO’s Framework for Due Diligence and Risk Assessment/Management for Engagements (“FRAME”).

Reporting Lines

The Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Specialist reports to the Senior Programme Officer, Head of the Due Diligence and Risk Assessment Unit in PSS.

Technical Focus

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment (DDRA) specialized research and analysis on complex proposed collaborations following “FRAME”, DDRA research methodology, guidelines, procedures, and digital tools.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence and risk assessment (DDRA) screenings for proposed engagements with the private sector and other non-State actors (NSAs), in line with “FRAME.”
• Review screening requests and assess mandatory documentation, including financial statements.
• Carry out in-depth research using a range of information sources to support screening and risk assessment of the prospective entity engagement proposal, including interpretation of data and analytics.
• Analyze and map complex or unclear ownership, governance, and relationship structures of the prospective entity or engagement proposal.
• Prepare comprehensive evidence-based screenings in the FAO digital platform, clearly identifying risk factors related to prospective entities and proposed engagements.
• Provide technical advice and contribute to the development and refinement of DDRA methodologies, guidelines, procedures, and digital tools, ensuring alignment with “FRAME.”
• Conduct screenings across different operational contexts to support informed decision-making, including FAO Implementing Partners and event/logo use cases.
• Support training and capacity development activities, including the development of training materials related to DDRA.
• Organize and participate in meetings related to DDRA function at headquarters and in decentralized offices, as required.
• Review DDRA screenings prepared by other analysts.
• Provide support to ongoing, planned, and new activities or projects that relate to DDRA, as needed.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced University degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in ethics, business management, accounting, finance, economics, law, international relations or other related field. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least three years of relevant experience in a professional environment role as due diligence/ risk assessment analyst.
• Full proficiency/Working knowledge of English, French, Spanish Arabic, Chinese or Russian
(A second FAO language can be inserted if needed for the assignment)

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Technical and analytical skills in research, organization of information, and data analysis in the context of performing due diligence research and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with data science services for ESG Risk Ratings and analytical research (e.g., Sustainalytics, RepRisk).
• Good knowledge of UNSDG Common Approach to Prospect Research and Due Diligence for Business Sector Partnerships, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for implementing the UN, ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework (UN Guiding Principles), and the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, and of Anti-money Laundering.
• Detail-oriented and excellent report-writing skills in English. Ability to work with information systems.
• Ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and at all levels in the organization.

Selection Criteria

• Extent of Knowledge of due diligence and risk assessment approaches, with practical experience in their application; experience within the UN system is an asset.
• Strong technical analytical skills, particularly in assessing ESG and reputational risks, governance structures, and financial information.
• Proven ability to analyze and synthesize multiple data sources, identify ESG and corporate risks, and present complex findings clearly to support informed decision-making.
• Relevant experience in due diligence research and risk assessment analysis in an international context.
• Experience working with digital due diligence platforms and the UN Partner Portal is desirable.
• Good understanding of the UN common approach to due diligence and risk assessment is an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For more information, visit the FAO employment website
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application

• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.

• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

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