Investigator - P02

In accordance with paragraph f. of Article 44 of the General Standards, the official languages of the Organization are English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.  No candidate for a position in the General Secretariat subject to the competition requirement shall be contracted until he/she has passed language proficiency exams administered by the DHR in at least two of the official languages. Nevertheless, i) Any candidate, including staff member whose native language is one of those four languages shall only be required to demonstrate proficiency on an exam in one of the others; and (ii) Persons applying for G-1 and G-2 positions at Headquarters and G-3 driver/clerk positions in those Offices of the General Secretariat in the Member States where the language requirement unduly restricts the recruitment of otherwise qualified staff shall be exempt from this language proficiency requirement for as long as they occupy those positions. Subsequently, in order to be eligible to compete for a higher-level position, any staff member who has benefited from this exemption must demonstrate proficiency in a second official language of the Organization. (iii) A person selected as the best candidate may receive a fixed-term contract, which will be considered to have lapsed in case the person does not pass the required language examination within the 36 months following the appointment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Within the mandate of the Office of the Inspector General and under the authority of the Inspector General, the P-2 Investigator supports investigative and fact‑finding activities related to allegations of workplace harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, retaliation, misconduct and fraud. The post contributes to the OIG’s functions as defined in Chapter IX of the General Standards, including support to investigations, integrity promotion and the continuous improvement of investigative practices.

1.    Support the planning, organizing and conduct of administrative internal investigations, reviews and assessments authorized by the Inspector General; assist in evidence collection, notifications, interviews and documentation and participate in complex or sensitive investigation cases alongside other OIG staff; and draft investigation reports and memoranda in accordance with OIG standards on findings, evidence, analysis and evaluation, as well as recommendations.
2.    Support intake and screening phases and undertake preliminary reviews of complaints and referrals, in accordance with OIG procedures and protocols, as well as the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators (CII) & the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Manual and standards.
3.    Ensure investigative activities adhere to confidentiality, due process, objectivity and impartiality, consistent with the General Standards and Staff Rules on discretion and access to records, as well as international standards and best practices.
4.    Contribute to integrity, anti-harassment and anti-fraud awareness and outreach activities supporting the preventive role of the OIG, alongside other stakeholders.
5.    Coordinate investigative activities and collect documentary/forensic evidence with other relevant GS/OAS offices, including DOITS, DHR and/or DLS, as required and authorized.
6.    Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the OIG’s investigative mandate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  

Essential: First University Degree (Bachelor’s) in law, investigations, public administration, audit, accounting or a field related and 4 years of relevant experience at national and international levels OR Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in one of the fields listed above and 2 years of relevant experience.

Desirable: Experience or knowledge of the OAS mandates and priorities as related to the area of work. Professional designation as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE); Certified Internal Auditor (CIA); or Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

COMPUTER SKILLS: Ability to effectively work using Microsoft Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, and Excel), and other software applicable to the area of work.

LANGUAGES: 

Essential: Proficient in at least two of the official languages of the OAS (read, write and communicate). Language Examination is required.

Desirable: Working knowledge of other two OAS official languages.

PERSONAL COMPETENCIES: Client Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, Teamwork, Interpersonal Skills, Leading and Empowering Staff, Demonstrated Accountability/Ownership and Responsibility, Managing and Coaching Staff, Strategic Planning, Encouraging Innovation, and Decision Making/Judgment. Tact/Discretion/Diplomacy, Ability to clearly communicate in the languages required for the post. Sound Presentation skills.

ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:
Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a competency based assessment and/or written test designed to evaluate key professional competencies relevant to the post, including analytical reasoning, judgment, factual analysis, written communication, and the ability to assess evidence in accordance with applicable rules, procedures, and investigative standards of the General Secretariat of the OAS and the Office of the Inspector General. The assessment may include scenario based or case related exercises reflecting typical investigative and fact finding tasks.

The GS/OAS embraces equality, diversity and inclusion. Thus, the GS/OAS, in accordance with its rules and regulations, is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, achieving a diverse staff, and will take into account a wide geographic representation, as well as gender equity and equality, in the selection of candidates.      

Please note that the mandatory retirement age for staff members at the General Secretariat of the OAS is 65.