Investigations Quality Assurance Specialist- IPSA 11 (Home Based)

UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Office/Unit/Project Description 

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations. 

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations against parties external to UNDP of financial irregularities committed to the detriment of UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption. 

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines. 

OAI needs to engage a suitably skilled and experienced International Personnel under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI/Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The IPSA holder is required to provide expert advisory support to the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit with the review of draft investigation reports, management letters and other documents produced by the Investigations Section to ensure high quality and legal sufficiency of the work-products.

The specific tasks that will be required are: 

  1. Review draft reports and other work products prepared by the Investigations Section for sufficiency of evidence, accuracy, legal conformity, coherence and appropriateness of recommendations and compliance with OAI’s report templates and report writing style. 
  2. Based on the above reviews, identify areas for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products. 
  3. Review evidence gathered during an investigation and ensured that citations to evidence in footnotes of investigation reports and other documents are accurate and complete; 
  4. Provide proofreading and editorial services, including ensuring compliance with the editing standards of the United Nations and relevant templates. 
  5. Develop and update UNDP and OAI policies and guidelines, relating to misconduct, including as example in relation to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
  6. Provide legal advisory services to investigators and OAI management.
  7. Liaise with the Legal Office and internal and inter-agency advisory panels on areas of interest to the Investigations Section, such as Sexual Misconduct, as required.
  8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Deliverables:

  • Draft reports and other investigation products in MS Word document format with review comments and edits tracked. 
  • Inputs and recommendations for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products.
  • Provide timely legal advisory and legal/policy research products as required.

Institutional Arrangement

The IPSA holder will be tasked by or on behalf of the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance, and Special Investigations Unit. The work performed by the IPSA holder will be submitted to the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit.
 

Competencies
Core  
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact 
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Management Communication

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience

Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Audit & Investigation – Investigation Collection and analysis of evidence Ability to extract and analyse all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.
Audit & Investigation – Investigation Investigations of sexual misconduct Ability to discern and handle the intricacies of investigations including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment allegations
Legal Legal analysis skills The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization’s best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework.
Legal Legal Research The ability to identify and retrieve information to support legal positions and corporate decision making from all relevant sources. In the UNDP context, this skill includes, amongst other things, proactive seeking of information in anticipation of the different angles that any given issue may present.
Business Direction and Strategy  System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
 

 
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Academic Education
  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Law, Business Administration, Finance or another directly relevant field is required. 

 

  • First level degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with passed Bar examinations, or a combination of formal professional training from a national law enforcement or investigations academy or equivalent and at least two years of additional experience (in addition to the 7 years of experience required below), will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience 

Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in, at least one of the areas listed below is required:  

  • Complex criminal, civil and/or administrative litigation.
  • Drafting, editing and quality control of legal documents.
  • Providing advisories and recommendations of a legal/investigative nature. 
Required   skills and competencies

 

  • Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; Presentation software applications; Electronic working paper software; and Database application.
  • Demonstrated strong understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations.
Desired additional skills and competencies
  • Experience working with UNDP, or the UN System is desirable.
  • Familiarity with investigative procedures applicable to UNDP is an advantage.
Required Language(s) (at working level)
  • Fluency in oral and written English is required. 
  • Working knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic is desirable.

Disclaimer

 

 
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

 
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
 
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
 
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
 
Non-discrimination
 
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
 
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