2026 Calling:Due Diligence Senior Officer (UNOPS Remote Retainer Role)|Deadline 22 Apr

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) regularly recruits specialists for remote, flexible “retainer” roles that support global development and humanitarian operations. One of the more specialized positions is the Due Diligence Senior Officer, a risk management role focused on safeguarding UN operations from financial, reputational, and ethical risks.

This position is part of UNOPS’ broader commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in all partnerships and funding arrangements.

Role Overview and Purpose

The Due Diligence Senior Officer works within the risk management function to evaluate potential partners, funding sources, and operational relationships. The goal is to ensure alignment with UN values and international compliance standards.

Key objectives of the role include:

• Conducting risk-based due diligence on partners and funding sources
• Identifying financial crime and compliance risks
• Supporting Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) frameworks
• Advising internal teams on risk mitigation strategies
• Ensuring ethical alignment with UN principles

This is a home-based, intermittent retainer role, meaning work is assigned as needed rather than on a fixed daily schedule.

Core Responsibilities

The role is highly analytical and involves both investigative research and advisory work. It supports UNOPS operations in sensitive regions and complex humanitarian environments.

Main responsibilities include:

• Performing detailed background checks and screening processes
• Assessing reputational, financial, and sustainability risks
• Preparing structured due diligence reports and executive summaries
• Recommending risk mitigation measures to project teams
• Advising stakeholders on AML and CFT compliance
• Supporting training materials and knowledge-sharing sessions

The work is essential in ensuring that UN-funded projects remain transparent and compliant with international standards.

Key Skills and Competencies

This position requires strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of compliance frameworks.

Core skills include:

• Due diligence and investigative research
• Risk assessment and management
• Understanding of AML and CFT regulations
• Report writing and executive communication
• Data analysis and critical thinking
• Stakeholder advisory and communication skills

In addition, UNOPS emphasizes behavioral competencies such as:

• Ethical judgment and integrity
• Cultural sensitivity and teamwork
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Clear and concise communication

Education and Professional Requirements

Candidates must have a strong academic background in a relevant field, combined with professional experience in risk or compliance roles.

Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Law, Finance, International Relations, or related fields with at least 4 years of experience
• OR a master’s degree (or equivalent) with at least 2 years of relevant experience

Preferred qualifications include:

• Certifications such as CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist)
• CIA (Certified Internal Auditor)
• CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)

These certifications strengthen a candidate’s profile in compliance and investigation-related roles.

Experience Profile

The ideal candidate typically has experience in:

• Due diligence or compliance investigations
• Financial crime risk analysis
• Work within international organizations or NGOs
• Humanitarian or development project environments
• Multicultural and cross-border team settings

Experience in the UN system or similar international bodies is considered a strong advantage.

Language Requirements

Strong multilingual capability is essential for this role due to its regional scope.

Required languages:

• English (fluent)
• Arabic (fluent)

These language skills support communication across Middle Eastern and humanitarian operations.

Why This Role Matters in UNOPS Operations

Due diligence is a critical safeguard in international development work. This role helps ensure that UNOPS engages only with credible and responsible partners.

Key impacts include:

• Preventing misuse of humanitarian and development funds
• Strengthening transparency in global operations
• Supporting ethical partnerships in conflict and post-conflict regions
• Enhancing trust between donors, governments, and UN agencies

In regions like the Middle East, where UNOPS supports infrastructure, humanitarian aid, and recovery programs, this role directly contributes to operational integrity.

Work Structure and Contract Type

This position is offered as a:

• Retainer contract (ICA – LICA Specialist Level 9)
• Home-based role with flexible, intermittent assignments
• Contract duration: until December 2026 (subject to funding and performance)

Key features include:

• Work assigned based on project demand
• No fixed daily workload
• Mandatory onboarding and compliance training
• No compensation for mandatory training hours

Application Expectations

Applicants are typically expected to submit:

• A detailed CV highlighting compliance or risk experience
• A cover letter demonstrating due diligence expertise
• Proof of relevant certifications (if applicable)
• Evidence of analytical or investigative work experience

Shortlisted candidates may undergo technical assessments focused on risk evaluation and reporting.

Final Thoughts

The UNOPS Due Diligence Senior Officer role is a highly specialized position suited for professionals in compliance, finance, law, or international risk management. It offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the integrity of UN operations in complex global environments.

For experienced professionals in AML, investigations, or international risk assessment, this role provides a meaningful way to support humanitarian and development work while operating remotely with global impact.

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