Job description


Purpose of Consultancy

UNFPA is recruiting for a Roster of qualified Consultants to assist in the Investigations for the Investigations Branch of the Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS). OAIS will draw from the Roster as needed to support specific short term audit assignments.

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.  

The investigation team carries out investigations into allegations of wrongdoing and proscribed practices, including but not limited to allegations of fraud, harassment, abuse of authority, corruption, sexual misconduct and retaliation.

OAIS investigations follow the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators. The purpose of an investigation is to examine and determine the veracity of allegations received and investigators must maintain objectivity, impartiality, fairness and integrity throughout the investigative process. All investigations are undertaken under conditions of strict confidentiality. OAIS investigations follow a victim centered approach in cases of sexual misconduct and, as applicable, follow the guidance set out in the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination Investigator’s Manual for the Investigation of Sexual Harassment Complaints in the UN.  

Within the broad scope of work as outlined above, the consultant is expected to deliver relevant activities on a timely basis, reliably and accurately throughout the consultancy period. Consultants will be remunerated daily, per assignment, at a rate equivalent to grade P-1, P2 and P3. During the term of this consultancy, incumbent will be expected to perform the following activities:

Deliverables:
Under the overall guidance of the OAIS Director, and the direct supervision of the Chief, Investigations Unit 1, and/or Chief, Investigations Unit 2 the consultant will assist with:

  • For OAIS ongoing cases assigned to the incumbent, conduct investigations with due respect for professional standards, in line with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations of the Conference of International Investigators (CII) as well as UNFPA policies and procedures, including conduct of relevant interviews and analysis of documentary and electronic evidence.
  • Prepare investigative reports in a timely manner and other written outputs of the highest quality, presenting facts cross-referenced with underlying evidence, conclusions, and recommendations to enable UNFPA management decisions regarding disciplinary, administrative, or other corrective action.

  • Communicate in a regular, effective, and timely manner with OAIS management and apprise them 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 investigative process /outcome and make recommendations for next steps for review and decision by OAIS management.
  • Undertake, as needed, investigative activities for specific cases in support of the cases investigated by OAIS investigators, or as assigned specifically by the Investigations Unit Chiefs, or OAIS Director.

All work products, both electronic and hard copy, produced by the consultant as a result of this engagement are owned by UNFPA and shall be submitted to the Chief, Investigations Unit 1, and/or Chief, Investigations Unit 2, as per agreed upon deadlines  depending on location and complexity of cases assigned.


Expected Travel: 
The consultant is expected to travel on mission to the field, as necessary, to undertake assigned investigations or to participate in investigations as required.  Travel related costs would be paid by UNFPA in line with travel policies.


Required Expertise and Qualifications:

Education:

  • Advanced university degree in investigations, law, business administration, finance or other closely related fields.
  • A first level university degree with a combination of significant relevant education, training and experience in the field of investigations may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
  • 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:

  • Professional experience in complex 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 or related areas typically 5 to 7 years for P3, and 2 to 5 years for P1/P2. Experience in an international firm is desirable.
  • 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.
  • Experience in conducting investigations in developing countries, highly desirable.
  • Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Google Suite is an asset.

Languages:

  • Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing.
  • Good knowledge of other UN official languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian), highly desirable.
  • Female candidates, and/or candidates with fluency in Russian, with experience in international organizations are highly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a short letter of motivation with “Investigations Consultant for Roster, Office of Audit and Investigation Services” on the subject line and email the documents to oais.recruitment@unfpa.org, by 19 May 2026.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.