Senior Investigation Specialist  (Intake Assessment)

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  (Intake Assessment)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Senior Investigation Specialist (Intake Assessment) 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 personnel, and affiliated works 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 (Intake Assessment) reports to the Senior Strategic & Operational Intelligence Analyst. In addition, the incumbent also investigates cases of alleged misconduct by establishing facts based on evidence gathered from available sources. In those cases, the Senior Investigation Specialist (Intake Assessment) works independently on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the supervisor or the Head of Service (Investigation). Senior Investigation Specialists have extensive contacts with all levels of staff within UNHCR, as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and with UNHCR beneficiaries.

The Senior Investigation Specialist (Intake Assessment) primarily assesses the complaints received by the IGO, gathers and analyses preliminary information and/or evidence from available sources, and issues recommendations to the attention of the Senior Strategic and Operational Intelligence Analyst and Head of Service (Investigation) as to whether a given complaint should be escalated to a formal investigation.

The incumbent of the post must be able to operate independently and to the highest standards of impartiality and integrity as investigation cases may lead to the imposition of disciplinary measures by DHR on individual staff members.

When the Senior Investigation Specialist (Intake Assessment) is assigned the conduct of an investigation case, all responsibilities of the standard Senior Investigation Specialist position apply.

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 determine whether the opening of a formal investigation case is warranted.
- Urgent cases are prioritised and important information is highlighted to the attention of the Head of Service (Investigation) and of the Senior Investigation Specialist assigned to each 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.
- Complaints that do not fulfil the criteria for the opening of a formal investigation case but do require further action are referred for follow up to the appropriate instances (within or outside UNHCR).  

Responsibility
- Conduct the initial assessment of allegations of misconduct received by the IGO, in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with the IGO Standard Operating Procedures, the IGO Investigation Guidelines and the applicable UN/UNHCR policies and procedures.
- Gather and analyse the preliminary information and/or evidence necessary to conduct the assessment of each complaint; this may include researching through available sources -including electronic and e-mail records- interviewing complainants, potential witnesses and other persons of interest, and liaising with other sources of information both within and outside UNHCR.
- Maintain up-to-date electronic records of all misconduct complaints and of their follow up, by registering in the confidential IGO database (iSight) the assessments, the available information, the recommendations issued and any follow up actions.
- Review audit, evaluation and inspection reports and other sources of information as may be required to understand the operational context and the potential investigation environment.
- Conduct information gathering interviews in accordance with the IGO Investigation Guidelines, UN Administrative Instructions and the framework of Administration of Justice within the UN.
- In coordination and compliance with due process requirements, conduct inquiries with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered and impartiality of conclusions reached.
- Assess the urgency of each complaint, cognizant of risks to staff and operations, and prioritise assessments accordingly. Bring any risks identified to the immediate attention of the Head of Service.
- Prepare written assessments of each complaint, clearly outlining the available information, the possible constraints foreseen in the potential investigative process and the recommendations, to the attention of the Head of Service (Investigation).
- Acknowledge to the complainants the receipt and registration of misconduct complaints within the timeframe established by the IGO SOPs.
        Liaise with different units within UNHCR; e.g. DHR, Ethics Office, Staff Welfare, DIST, FSS etc., in relation to the intake assessment function.
        Interacts at all levels with internal and external stakeholders.
- Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned in accordance with the Investigation guidelines and UN/UNHCR policies, undertaking field missions when required.  .
- 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 analysis physical evidence, including forensic evidence and establish facts.
- Prepare reports based on the available evidence and the investigation findings such as Investigation Reports in cases of misconduct; Closure Reports where no misconduct has been established; and Management - Implication reports on systemic issues identified during the investigation.
- 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.
- Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of the Investigation Service or the Inspector General (e.g. participate in inquires, ad hoc inspections or investigations).

Authority
- Decide on interviews to be conducted during the course of inquiries.
- Have access to any UNHCR document, data, site and property related to on-going inquiries.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's), preferably in Law with study of Administrative Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, litigation practice and other topics bearing on the investigation of possible misconduct, and license to practice in member state jurisdiction plus minimum 8 years of previous relevant work experience, of which 5 years in an international context. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- Certified Fraud Examiner
- Experience with investigatory procedures and practices, including (Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority (SHA), fraud and conducting investigative work, preferably in the public sector administrative context.
- Solid knowledge of UN and Disciplinary/Administrative Tribunal jurisprudence and legal, procedural and evidentiary standards.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.
- Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and judgement, honesty and integrity.
- Thorough knowledge of UN Staff Rules and procedures.
- Fluency in English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Expertise in investigation techniques, particularly where conduct also may have criminal implications that could results in prosecution before local courts.
- Other useful certifications include national/state board certifications for investigations and other qualifications relevant to investigations and/or prosecution.
- Job related knowledge in areas relating to possible investigations: programme management / financial management / administrative management or overall management and supervision.
- Proficiency in French, Arabic or Spanish. 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
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X009L3 - Change Capability and Adaptability Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

The mandate of the IGO is to provide assurance to the High Commissioner on governance, policy, risk, resources, operations and accountability through independent and objective oversight services. The IGO has the exclusive authority to investigate alleged misconduct (e.g. violations of UN Rules and Regulations, policies, procedures, and other administrative issuances) by UNHCR personnel and entities with direct contractual links to UNHCR.
The Intake Unit assesses and evaluates the facts of a received complaint in sufficient detail for the Head of the Investigation Service to determine whether the case should be converted into an investigation.
The Intake Unit is the central entry point for all complaints received by the IGO. The main tasks of the Intake Unit are to (a) obtain additional information and to fill identified gaps to be able to assess and evaluate the incoming complaint; (b) assess and evaluate the incoming complaint; (c) identify and refer cases that do not fall under the mandate of the Investigation Service or could be dealt with by the existing informal resolution mechanisms; (d) enrich the complaint to allow for the investigation phase to be more effective (e.g. identification of additional witnesses and/or additional physical evidence to substantiate the allegation); and (e) provide homogeneous quality control and establish a common standard regarding the available information before an investigation is opened. Although staffing in the Investigation Service has remained at the same level since 2015, the workload of the Intake Unit has significantly increased from the processing of 399 misconduct complaints in 2016 to 664 misconduct complains in 2017 (an increase of 66%). Extrapolated figures for 2018 indicate the registration of around 1000 misconduct complaints, representing a further increase of 51% over 2017.
Given the increased focus on sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment, the processing of these complaints are now also being prioritised.
In light of these developments, especially taking into account the fact that a further increase in staffing is unlikely it becomes even more important to guarantee consistency for the Intake Unit which is handling the highest workload to allow for a seamless and timely continuation of the intake assessments. This position is based in Geneva.  Geneva has all amenities and complete infrastructure, i.e. schools, hospitals etc None in particular It is mandatory that the incumbent possesses all the essential minimum qualifications and professional experience set out in the Job Description;
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.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).