TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT: Investigations Specialist, Investigation Branch, Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS), New York, P-4 (2 Positions)

The Position:

The Investigations Specialist assists the OAIS Investigations Branch in addressing its overall caseload by conducting investigations into allegations of all types of wrongdoing and staff misconduct in UNFPA programmes and operations, including allegations of fraud, corruption,  sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment (work/sexual) and abuse of authority, involving personnel or entities in a contractual relationship with UNFPA.

You will report directly to the Chief, Investigations Unit 1 and Chief, Investigations Unit 2.  

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

OAIS is an operationally independent office at UNFPA and reports to the Executive Director of UNFPA. The Office is responsible for supporting the achievement of the objectives of UNFPA by contributing to the improvement of its operations, risk management and results through its internal audit, investigation, and advisory services. OAIS is composed of the Office of the Director, an Internal Audit Branch and an Investigation Branch, composed of two Investigations Units. It is the sole office authorized to conduct,  manage or authorize investigations at UNFPA.  

The investigations team is comprised of two Investigation Unit Chiefs, five investigators (at present), three Investigation Analysts and an investigation assistant, augmented with several investigation consultants. The investigation team carries out investigations into allegations of proscribed practices, including but not limited to allegations of fraud, harassment, abusive or authority, corruption, sexual misconduct and retaliation. 

You would be responsible for:

Under the overall guidance of the Director, OAIS, and the direct supervision of the Investigations Unit Chiefs, the incumbent will either independently or as part of a team:

A. Key outcome: Investigations are planned, managed and conducted in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

• For OAIS backlog or current cases assigned to the incumbent, conduct investigations with due respect for professional standards and UNFPA policies and procedures, including conduct of relevant interviews and analysis of documentary and electronic evidence.
• Prepare investigative reports and other written outputs of the highest quality, presenting facts, conclusions and recommendations to enable UNFPA management decisions regarding disciplinary, administrative or other corrective action.
• Communicate in an effective and timely manner with OAIS management to keep them apprised of the status of the investigations, issues affecting them, and the steps taken to address such issues.
• Perform, as needed, preliminary assessments of allegations of wrongdoing to determine their relevance and credibility, document the outcome and make recommendations for next steps for review and decision by OAIS management. 

Expected result: Timely, efficient and effective delivery of assignments given, including issuance of high-quality investigation products.

B. Key outcome: Contributed to OAIS advisory and communication activities across UNFPA and with key partners. 

• Participate and/or undertake other assignments as determined by OAIS management, including but not limited to:
  • Providing guidance and advice to UNFPA management and staff on investigation-related matters, escalating issues or queries to OAIS management as necessary and in a timely manner.
  • Contributing to OAIS’ outreach activities to staff and other stakeholders through information dissemination, presentations and meetings.

Expected result: Timely and efficient delivery of OAIS investigations and advisory services. 

C.   Key outcome: Any other duties as assigned by the Director, OAIS or the Investigation Unit Chiefs performed.

• Assist the other Chiefs of the Branch and the Director in addressing issues raised by clients and other stakeholders. 
• Undertake, as needed, the investigative activities for specific cases in support of the cases investigated by OAIS investigators or as assigned specifically to the Head of Section themselves.
• Perform special reviews and other tasks assigned by the Director, OAIS.

Expected result: The Director of OAIS and Chiefs of Investigations Units receive timely and effective assistance in addressing day-to-day issues arising from investigative work and operations. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in law, criminology or closely related fields is required.
• Formal training and/or certification in law enforcement methodologies, an asset. Admission to the Bar or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), highly desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible, relevant professional experience in criminal and/or administrative investigations, with a proven track record in planning and performing investigations (or part thereof), including experience as a case lead investigator.
• Proven ability to quickly and accurately analyze, assess and summarize investigation findings, observations and recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience in investigating white-collar crime and coordinating investigations; demonstrated experience in investigating sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as harassment (work/sexual) and abuse of authority.
• Good knowledge of UN policies, procedures and jurisprudence relevant to administrative investigations, highly desirable.
• Experience in an International Organization (UN system or multilateral context) highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting investigations in developing countries, highly desirable.

Languages: 

Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing. Good knowledge of other official UN languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian), highly desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of investigation principles and their application, 
• Excellent investigation interviewing skills,
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills,
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing, and ability to draft and edit clear and concise reports in English,
• Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given,
• Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities for self and others,
• Ability to handle sensitive relationships with tact, integrity and discretion,
• Ability to respond effectively to stress, situations of ambiguity, and difficult situations; as well as to manage conflicts, negotiate and resolve disagreements.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.