Investigation Specialist

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). Investigation Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Investigation Specialist is a newly created out-posted position located in the IGO's Unit in Nairobi Kenya.  The Unit is composed of 4 professionals and 1 General Service position.  The incumbent will report to the Head of the IGO Unit African Region in Nairobi.

The ultimate aim of the IGO is to support the effective, efficient and accountable management of UNHCR operations and to play a positive role in upholding an environment of integrity in UNHCR by contributing to the maintenance of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct by UNHCR personnel, and all entities with contractual links to UNHCR. 
The Investigation Service, working under the authority of the Inspector General, has responsibility for carrying out investigations into possible misconduct within UNHCR in a timely and appropriate manner and that findings are transmitted to the Inspector General.

The Investigation Specialist reports to the Head of the IGO Unit African Region in Nairobi and works as part of a team on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Head of Unit.  The Investigation Specialist has contact with staff within UNHCR, as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and UNHCR beneficiaries.

An important aspect of the position is to support the IGO's investigation capacity, efficiency and strategic reach.  The post will serve to enhance the IGO's focus and response to investigations, notably in the African Region.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- Reports received by the IGO on possible misconduct within UNHCR, and in specific cases affiliated staff members working under the supervision and management of UNHCR, are efficiently and properly assessed to identify the appropriate investigative approach / plan to establish the facts relevant to the case.
- Investigations of possible misconduct are carried out in a timely and appropriate manner (e.g. in accordance with the Administration of Justice in the UN requirements) and findings are reported without delay to the Inspector General.

Responsibility
- Act as a focal point for specific areas of expertise / typology of investigation as may be required and/or delegated by the Head of Service.
- Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned, in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with the Operational Guidelines on Conducting Investigations and UN/UNHCR policies, undertaking field missions when required. This may involve gathering evidence from available sources, including electronic and e-mail records, interviewing witnesses as well as interaction at all levels with external actors (other UN agencies/embassies/missions/implementing partners etc.) as well as UNHCR staff and UNVs.
- Assess allegations of misconduct with a view to determining the most effective investigative approach, cognizant of risks to staff and operations, and develop investigation plans and methodologies to gather evidence and establish facts.
- In coordination and compliance with due process requirements, conduct investigations with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered and impartiality of conclusions reached.
- Conduct investigation interviews (complainants, witnesses, subject matter experts and subjects) in accordance with Investigation Guidelines, UN Administrative Instructions and the framework of Administration of Justice within the UN.
- Gather and analyse physical evidence, including forensic evidence, to establish facts.
- Prepare reports based on the available evidence and the investigation findings, such as: Investigation Reports (IR) in cases of misconduct; Closure Reports where no misconduct has been established; and Management Implication Reports on systemic issues (e.g. procedural or management issues) identified during the investigation.
- Liaise with different units within UNHCR; e.g. DHRM, Ethics Office, DIST etc., in relation to the investigation function.
- Provide advice and guidance to staff members on how to report misconduct and, as may be required, how to assist in conducting preliminary assessments / investigations.
- Undertake training activities on investigations for UNHCR and partner agency staff and develop and deliver training as may be required.
- Assess initial reports of possible misconduct and enter data into case management database, as required.
- Provide support to the Senior Investigation Specialists when required.
- Regularly appraise progress of investigations and assess probable impact of investigation outcome relative to strategies and advise colleagues.
- Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of the IGO Unit Nairobi, Head of Investigation Service or the Inspector General (e.g. participate in inquires, ad hoc inspections or investigations in support of other UN agencies).

Authority
- Decide on interviews to be conducted during the course of investigations.
- Decide on the appropriate, forensically and legally sound use of investigation tools, techniques and methods to be applied during the course of investigations.
- Have access to any UNHCR document, site and property related to ongoing investigations.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced university degree (Master¿s degree or equivalent), in Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related subject bearing on the conduct of investigations in administrative and/or criminal law contexts. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience or equivalent training/diploma in criminal investigations techniques from a recognized public police academy combined with qualifying experience in criminal investigation techniques may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Minimum 6 years of experience in the field of investigations and application of law. Of these 6 years, at least 4 years in an international   environment within the UN Common System or other international organizations.  
- Working knowledge of UN administrative disciplinary rules and regulations.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.
- Honesty and integrity in the highest degree.
- Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and judgment.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Familiarity with UN justice system and knowledge of the law of the international civil service as related to investigations, and staff misconduct.
- Experience in drafting and reviewing legal documents.
- Field experience in developing countries with direct responsibility for performing investigations of fraud, misconduct, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual abuse.
- Field experience in international protection and resettlement issues of Persons of Concern.
- Experience in the design, organisation and delivering of internal and external training related to anti-fraud and corruption training and investigations.
- Certification as Fraud Examiner.
- Working knowledge of digital forensic tools, methodologies, protocols and techniques (field acquisition and data analysis), digital forensic investigations and evidence handling applied to data storage devices and digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, external media and other electronic devices, emails, social media and messaging systems.
- Working knowledge of French.
- Ability to work in other UN official languages. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3 Formal professional qualifications and/or certifications, involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work. Experience in using digital forensics in investigations and evidence handling, as well as working knowledge of the latest digital forensic tools, methodologies, protocols and techniques is an asset. Demonstration of experience in the field of investigations, including proven experience in the field of fraud examination with relevant experience in the UN or international organisations.;
Excellent knowledge of internationally-recognized investigative practices and standards, and a good knowledge of UN Staff Rules and Regulations; Field experience in developing countries with direct responsibility for performing investigations of fraud, misconduct, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual abuse as well as experience in international protection and resettlement issues of Persons of Concern is an additional asset
Professional certification such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is an asset
Wide-ranging investigation experience in the UN environment, particularly in areas such as financial fraud, workplace harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse;
Knowledge of the P.E.A.C.E model of investigative interviewing. This is a position in the newly-created IGO Unit, composed of 4 professional and 1 general service positions  in Nairobi;
The line manager is the Head of the IGO Unit in Nairobi (P-5). This is a position based in Nairobi. The incumbent of this position will be required
To travel frequently to hardship duty stations, both in Africa and worldwide. Good security awareness needed as duty station has frequent security and safety threats;
Although a B category duty station and APA for countries in the region, there is a considerable level of criminality and banditry in Nairobi.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).