Financial Monitoring & Compliance Expert

​Requisition ID: 7739
Grade: ISA-NOC
Country: Somalia
Duty Station: Mogadiscio
Category: National Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 6 months
Application deadline: 31-Jul-2026, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNIDO welcomes applications from qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to applicants and employees with disabilities to support full participation in the recruitment process and in the performance of their duties.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies to a greater or lesser extent to all SDGs.

The medium-term programme framework (MTPF) is UNIDO’s core strategic document. As the Organization moves from the 2022–2025 cycle to the 2026–2029 MTPF, it sets a renewed vision to support Member States shape their industries for development. The new priorities include renewable and clean energy, sustainable access and climate action, ending hunger through innovation and local value addition, and fair and sustainable global and regional supply chains. Cross-cutting priorities focus on industrial and economic policy advice, skills development, fostering digitalization and artificial intelligence, gender equality and the empowerment of women, supporting youth, promoting cleaner production and circular economy, and leveraging private sector investment and development finance.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Sub-regional Offices and Country Offices.

The Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible for the development of innovative UNIDO services in the areas of agro-industry and agribusiness, sustainability standards and fair production, and climate relevant or climate-improving technologies. It is also, in collaboration with ODG, responsible for developing innovative cooperation concepts, identifying new sources and means of innovative finance, and entering into new partnerships with a broad range of relevant stakeholders.

The Directorate is responsible for the Divisions of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR), Fair Production, Sustainability Standards and Trade (IET/PST), Climate and Technology, Partnerships (IET/CTP), Innovative Finance and International Financial Institutions (IET/IFI), and Public-Private Partnerships (IET/PPP). Leveraging the diverse skill sets of UNIDO personnel and the services provided by the two TC directorates, IET collaborates closely with Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) to develop and implement programmes and projects, aiming at enhancing synergy and complementarity and maximizing UNIDO corporate performance and impacts on the ground. The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in all Directorates across the Organization. The position is located under Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) in Agro-Innovation and Bioeconomy Unit (IET/AGR/AIB).

Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR)

Under the overall guidance of the Director General, the direct supervision of the Managing Director, Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, the Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) supports Member States in their efforts to pave the way to sustainable rural development and a structurally transformed and modernized agribusiness sector. Capitalizing on the experience gained by UNIDO in this field over decades and on tried-and-tested and to-be-developed service modules, the Division will explore innovative approaches to maximise the potential that exists in agribusiness development, addressing emerging global trends, in particular food security, poverty alleviation and climate change. It will explore new ways to contribute to global efforts to reduce hunger, accelerate food systems transition, and generate income and employment, especially among women and youth.

The Division provides technical cooperation services to assist the modernization of agriculture and agro-industry, especially in less-developed countries, ensuring that enterprises add value to primary agricultural production, substitute the imports of food and other value-added agricultural products, and participate effectively in local, regional and global value chains. Where needed, it will develop infrastructure and agro-industrial parks and capacities for Agro-industrialization, value addition, quality assurance, and food safety. It will also bring innovative approaches to Member States to fully benefit from carbon-neutral and biodiversity-enhancing agricultural and agro-industrial production and development opportunities in the green and blue bioeconomy.

Agro-Innovation and Bioeconomy Unit (IET/AGR/AIB)

The Agro-Innovation and Bioeconomy Unit (IET/AGR/AIB) promotes the development of innovative approaches to agricultural and agro-industrial production by looking at new products for industry, new processes of production, new sources of materials and energy from biomass, new schemes for sustainable production and new approaches to climate adaptation and the reduction of climate change. The Unit will contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and water shortages, environmental pollution, and loss of biodiversity – all in combination with economic development - by replacing fossil and mineral resources with renewable raw materials and through new technologies in production and processing of agriculture and aquaculture-based products. Overall, the Unit will support agriculture and agro-industry in Member States in a transition from fossil and mineral-based production to a green and blue circular bioeconomy. Through partnerships with innovative firms, R&D departments and development partners, the Unit draws from the latest technology development in agricultural machinery, Agro-processing and digitalization and renders adapted solutions to agro-industry development, emphasizing services to less developed countries. It will also engage with innovative carbon sequestration and biodiversity improvement schemes that help farmers and agro-industry firms finance and apply new technologies for CO2 reduction and biodiversity improvement. It will also foster climate adaptation in agricultural and agro-industry production, using more sustainable technology and production schemes.

PROJECT CONTEXT

Project Food safety systems and trade facilitation across agri-food value chains in Somalia project (UNIDO ID 230302) is part of the EU-INTPA regional programme called the ‘Alliance for the Horn of Africa Initiative.’ The component of the regional programme related to Somalia is implemented through this UNIDO project and will contribute to“Somalia economic transformation building more inclusive and sustainable food systems, contributing to food security, poverty alleviation and job creation” (impact) and “increase in Somalia agri-food value chains overall contribution across domestic markets (local content) and their exports towards regional and international markets implementing food safety compliance practices and trade facilitation initiatives” (objective). The project is structured around three areas of interventions working i.) on the regulatory framework level on food safety compliance and trade facilitation (macro) level, ii.) building the capacities of institutions (meso) of sector specific regulatory and competent authorities, and iii.) at the (micro) level on the support to be provided to Somali agri-food SMEs/Cooperative to support building the operational and production compliance and overall competitiveness.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and the International Project Coordinator and close cooperation with the project team in the HQ and field location, the Financial Controller will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Expected duration

(if WAE)

Location

• Regular spot checks on reporting conducted for each IP as per UNIDO PMU agreement All expenditures confirmed as supported by original documentation and within implementation period All transaction reviewed to be eligible costs Internal control assessments conducted as per UNIDO PMU agreement Tracking log of recommendations, mitigation measures and implementation of the status of IP maintained Assets physically verified Narrative reports reviewed and cross checked against financial reports Any inconsistences are reported and documented Key lessons learned and system improvement measures identified and implemented Regular 01 Aug 2026 – 31 Jan 2027 Mogadishu MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Education: Advanced University (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, accounting, management, finance, or relevant discipline is required. Technical and Functional Experience:
  • Review and verify financial reports submitted by Implementing Partners (IPs), ensuring that expenditures are eligible, properly justified, and supported by original documentation and costs are incurred within the approved project period;
  • Coordinate regularly with UNIDO project team (HQ and field) to ensure effective communication, timely reviews, and follow-up on any financial verification issues;
  • Assess the adequacy and effectiveness of IP financial management and internal control systems, including expense tracking, payment processes and authorization procedures;
  • Provide clear recommendations to UNIDO and IPs on strengthening financial controls and compliance, and support IPs in improving related SOPs where required;
  • Support the implementation of risk mitigation measures recommended under the HACT assessment and UNIDO requirements, including strengthening internal controls, financial procedures, and reporting to ensure compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Verify the existence, condition, and ownership of project-funded assets, and ensure that all assets are recorded in a complete and accurate asset register;
  • Review narrative (technical) reports and confirm consistency with financial reports and supporting documentation;
  • Conduct periodic spot checks of IP activities to ensure that activities are properly implemented and supporting documentation is complete and accurate;
  • Verify that all expenditures comply with UNIDO financial rules, including: (i) no double funding of costs (ii) exclusion of VAT from eligible expenditures (iii) no inclusion of profit margins, mark-ups, or indirect cost allocations and (iv) application of correct UN Operational Exchange Rates;
  • Maintain a tracking log of any identified issues and discrepancies, recommendations issued, and status of implementation by IPs.
  • Document key lessons learned and recurring compliance issues from financial verification exercises and spot checks, and support the design and implementation of improved financial monitoring, reporting, and internal control systems to strengthen efficiency, transparency, accountability, and risk mitigation.
  • Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and Somali is required. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Core Values Excellence – Deliver high-quality results; continuously improve performance Integrity – Uphold ethical standards; act transparently and responsibly Inclusion – Promote respect, diversity, and fairness Humility – Show self-awareness; value others’ contributions Humanity – Act with compassion; align work with sustainable development Core Behaviors Connect & Collaborate - Build trust through communication and teamwork; Share knowledge and embrace diversity Analyse & Plan - Use data and evidence for decision-making; Plan proactively and prioritize effectively Deliver Results with Positive Impact - Take ownership and deliver quality outputs; Align work with UNIDO mission and objectives Learn and Develop - Continuously develop skills; Seek feedback and share knowledge Adapt and Innovate - Respond flexibly to change; Embrace innovation and new approaches
    This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
    Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.
    All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.
    Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org
    NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.
    Notice to applicants:
    UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org
    • At least five (5) years of progressive professional experience in a financial or accounting role in the public or private sector, is required.
    • Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring and verification of expenditures and supporting documentation, with assessment of cost eligibility in line with donor requirements, for implementing partners, grants, and/or subcontracts in Somalia is required.
    • Experience in working with the UN system, international organizations or non-governmental organizations and with the donors community, is desirable.
    • Experience developing and managing stakeholder relations is desirable
    • Strong verbal and written communications and reporting skills are required.