Senior Investigation Specialist

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Investigation Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Investigation Specialist is located in the Investigation Service of the Inspector General's Office (IGO).

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 personal, and affiliated work force in specific cases.

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 Senior Investigation Specialist reports to the Head of the Investigation Service and works independently or as part of a team on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Head of Service.  The Senior Investigation Specialist has extensive contacts with all levels of staff within UNHCR as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and with UNHCR beneficiaries.

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, will be efficiently and properly assessed to identify the appropriate investigative approach / plan to establish the facts relevant to the case.
- Investigations of possible misconduct will be carried out in a timely and appropriate manner (e.g. in accordance with the Administration of Justice in the UN requirements) and findings will be reported without delay to the Inspector General.

Responsibility
- Investigate cases of alleged misconduct by establishing facts based on evidence gathered from available sources. 
- Design and monitor quality standards and procedures for all steps in the investigation process.
- 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.
- Train and coach Investigation Service staff, and other UNHCR staff, in carrying out professional investigations /forensics.
- Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned, in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with the Investigation Guidelines 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 risk 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 (witnesses 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, Ethic 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 staff and develop and deliver training as may be required.
- Assess initial allegations of possible misconduct and enter data into I-Sight database as required.
- Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of Investigation Service or the Inspector General (e.g. participate in inquiries, ad hoc inspections or investigation in support of other UN agencies).

Authority
- Decide on interviews to be conducted during the course of investigations.
- Has authority to access to any UNHCR document, site and property related to ongoing investigations

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Law, Criminology, Public Administration or equivalent certification in a related field.
- Formal professional qualification in investigation work.
- Working knowledge of UN administrative disciplinary rules and regulations.
- Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations, of which at least 6 years in an international environment.
- Familiarity with IT and forensic procedures.
- Working in investigative capacity with NGOs and/or Implementing Partners.
- 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 judgement.
- Ability to work effectively in English and French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Familiarity with the UN justice system.
- Certification as a fraud examiner.
- Investigation work from within the UN System.
- 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
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

Formal professional qualifications and/or certifications, involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work. The candidate must have 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.  Demonstration of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations, including proven experience in the field of forensic audit and/or fraud examination with relevant experience in the UN or international organisations an asset;
Excellent knowledge of internationally-recognized investigative practices and standards, and a good knowledge of UN Staff Rules and Regulations;
Wide-ranging investigation experience in the UN environment, particularly in areas such as sexual exploitation and abuse and financial fraud.
Knowledge of the P.E.A.C.E model of investigative interviewing.
Possess the skills and knowledge to coordinate and delivery of advanced trainings on investigations for UNHCR staff and partners in the region. This position in situated in the Investigation Service of the Inspector General¿s Office (IGO) in Geneva. The Service is composed of 9 professional positions, 1 JPO and 2 general service positions; in addition there are two outposted locations in Nairobi and Bangkok  with a further 5 professionals and 1 general service position.
The supervisor of this position is the Head of Service (Investigation) D-1 This is a position based in Geneva. The incumbent of this position will be required to travel frequently to hardship duty stations worldwide. None in particular. It is mandatory that the incumbent possesses all the essential minimum qualifications and professional experience set out in the Job Description;
The incumbent should have experience of conducting investigations within NGOs and a solid understanding of the challenges associated with investigating Implementing Partners.
In view of the sensitive and confidential contacts s/he will have with senior managers, this position cannot be under filled, and a candidate who is already at the P.4 level is essential.
French and English essential.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).