UN Women - Investigator (Internal Iinvestigation Function), P2, New York, USA, FTA

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Under a hybrid model of investigation services, UN Women’s Internal Investigation Function (IIF) of the Independent Evaluation, Audit, and Investigations Services (IEAIS), and the external investigation service provider have authority to conduct investigations for UN Women at Headquarters and offices away from headquarters.  When directed, the in-house investigator will undertake records checks for stakeholders, preliminary analysis and reviews, conduct investigations into alleged fraud, corruption, harassment, abuse of authority or other misconduct and violations of UN Women regulations, rules and administrative instructions and assist with annual reporting requirements. 

The Investigator reports to the Head, IIF as primary supervisor, and works closely with the Director, Independent Evaluation, Audit and Investigation Services (IEAIS) as secondary supervisor. The Investigator works in close collaboration with IEAIS personnel, Human Resources personnel, Department of Management and Administration personnel, Legal personnel.

Key Functions and Accountabiities:

1. Conduct and participate in investigations activities aligned with UN Women’s regulations, rules and administrative instructions.

• Conduct and participate in a full range of activities involved in preliminary assessments, reviews and investigations. 
• Contribute to UN Women’s corporate integrity, good governance and anti-fraud efforts.

For cases assigned, the Investigator will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct initial reviews and prepare proposed work plans (including on potential tools, interviews, etc.) for review and approval by the Head, IIF;
• Gather and analyze relevant evidence (documentary, physical, electronic, etc.);
• Participate within a team of investigators to interview witnesses, victims, and subjects, using interpreters as required, in accordance with accepted best practices (ensuring confidentiality, reliable information and due process);
• At the completion of an assignment, prepare a detailed report setting forth the findings, supporting evidence, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, as well as recommendations for next steps; and
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders, both internally (other offices, and divisions) and externally (civil society organizations, suppliers, donors).

2. Contribute to the timely substantive support on investigative activities

• Assist with annual reporting requirements
• Contribute to the maintenance and development of investigation and investigation-related policies, procedures and guidance material, based on best practices and legal developments.
• Assist and contribute to ensuring confidentiality and administration of information systems, files and statistics related to investigations;
• Perform legal and policy research and analysis of evidentiary material gathered for investigation reports, including analysis of the applicable legal norms governing investigations.

3. Provide technical contributions to knowledge management and sharing:

• Contribute to the provision of training and guidance to personnel and partners on integrity and fraud and corruption prevention and detection;
• Contribute to the provide guidance and advice to business units on investigation-related matters;
• Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within the team including the development of investigation standard operating procedures for the effective and efficient conduct of investigations; and
• Participate in the implementation of a personal learning and training development plan.

4. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Competencies :

Core Values:

• Integrity;
• Professionalism;
• Respect for Diversity.

Core Competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework: 

Functional Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to perform investigation services across a wide range of types of misconduct
• Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to administrative investigations. 
• Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 
• Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. 
• Ability to gather evidence and conduct investigation interviews. 
• Demonstrated ability to exercise confidentiality.
• Ability to produce timely and quality written outputs.
• Ability to develop creative solutions.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively in an international environment and to embrace and promote diversity.
• Ability to listen actively and respond effectively.

Recruitment Qualifications:

Education and Certifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, investigation, audit/accounting or a related area.
• A first-level university degree with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Additional professional certifications (e.g. CFE) are desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in conducting administrative investigation activities in an international organization is required.
• Experience in investigations annual reporting and maintenance of investigation statistics is required.
• Experience with UN policies, procedures and operations is desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems is required.
• Experience in the use of a modern web-based ERP System, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required;
• Good knowledge of French or Spanish desirable;
• Knowledge of additional official UN languages is desirable (Arabic, Chinese, or Russian).

Statements :

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Diversity and inclusion:

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.