Associate Investigation Officer

This position is open for secondment only and participating States are kindly reminded that all costs in relation to assignment at the Secretariat must be borne by their authorities. Candidates should, prior to applying, verify with their respective nominating authority to which extent financial remuneration and/or benefit packages will be offered. Seconded staff members in the OSCE Secretariat and Institutions are not entitled to a Board and Lodging Allowance payable by the Organization.

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is responsible for planning, organizing and carrying out internal audits, investigations, and independent evaluations of the Organization's activities including field operations in order to determine the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control, to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework, and to enhance performance, efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

The investigation section of OIO independently assesses and, as appropriate, investigates indications/allegations of potential misconduct, malfeasance, waste of resources, or other violations of the OSCE's Regulatory Framework. As a result, OIO prepares reports on such situations for the attention of the OSCE Secretary General and relevant Heads of Missions/Institutions which may be used as a basis for evidence-based accountability mechanisms. In an appraisal and advisory capacity, the investigation section of OIO also participates in the protection of the OSCE against fraud through recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention, detection and deterrence at all levels in the Organization.

Under the supervision of the Senior Investigator, the Associate Investigation Officer will support the assessment of incoming allegations for referral to investigation and the investigation of cases of alleged misconduct, malfeasance, waste of resources, or other violations of the Organization's Regulatory Framework in accordance with OSCE applicable instructions, policies and practices regarding investigations. The Associate Investigation Officer will also participate in appraisal and advisory activities, such as fraud risk assessments.

More specifically, the Associate Investigation Officer will be tasked with:

1. Assessing incoming allegations to determine whether they are substantiated and represent a prima facie case of misconduct, and providing recommendations to the Senior Investigator;
2. Planning, developing, conducting and drafting reports on administrative fact-finding investigations in compliance with OSCE applicable instructions, policies and practices and the Uniform Guidelines for International Investigators;
3. Assisting the Senior Investigator on complex investigations, and leading other investigations as required, in compliance with applicable internal OSCE standards and international best practices;
4. Proposing investigation timetables to the Senior Investigator;
5. Conducting interviews, taking statements and analysing facts and findings, obtaining and reviewing pertinent documentation, and preparing relevant evidence with a specific attention to the chain of custody;
6. Drafting reports and recommending corrective measures as appropriate;
7. Making proposals for best practices to be incorporated within the Organization's manual of investigation practices, policies and procedures, and in Internal Audit working programmes, as appropriate;
8. Assisting the Senior Investigator on complex fraud risk assessments, and leading other fraud risk assessments as required;
9. Developing and proposing recommended improvements of a remedial and/or innovative nature to improve the control framework of OSCE, in particular with regards to fraud;
10. Following up on implementation of recommendations, appraising their adequacy based on the results achieved by the actions undertaken;
11. Making proposals for best practices to be incorporated within Internal Audit working programmes, as appropriate;
12. Performing other related duties and assignments as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see: http://www.osce.org/secretariat.

1. First-level university degree in law, applied criminal justice, business administration, accounting, information technologies or another relevant discipline; a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or similar investigatory qualification would be an advantage;
2. A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in investigative activities, with two years at the international level would be desirable;
3. Experience investigating complex and serious cases of fraud, corruption and other misconduct as well as experience with Human Resources-related investigations (such as alleged harassment or other violations of a professional working environment) would be highly desirable;
4. Demonstrated research, analytical and problem-solving skills including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments;
5. Demonstrated report writing skills and the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner;
6. Professional fluency in English with communication skills; working knowledge of Russian is highly desirable;
7. Ability to operate windows applications including word processing, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications;
8. Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
9. Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see http://www.osce.org/states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages the nomination of qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.

Please apply to your relevant authorities several days prior to the deadline expiration to ensure timely processing of your application. Delayed nominations will not be considered.