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 a newly created out-posted position located in the IGO¿s Oversight Unit in Nairobi, Kenya.  This Unit will initially be composed of 4 professional positions and 1 General Service position. The incumbent will report to the Head of the IGO Unit 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 Senior Investigation Specialist reports to the Head of the IGO Unit and works independently or as part of a team on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Head of Unit. 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. 

An important aspect of the position is to expand 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. 

In addition to conducting investigations, the Senior Investigation Specialist will support the IGO¿s strategic objectives to strengthen the investigation capacity of partner agencies in the region, as well as coordinate and deliver advanced training on investigations as may be required. 
 
The Senior Investigation Specialist investigates cases of alleged misconduct by establishing facts based on evidence gathered from available sources. 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 DHRM on individual staff members.

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
- 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, other UNHCR staff and partner agency staff, in carrying out professional investigations.
- 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 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.
- Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of the IGO Unit 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
- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) in Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Administration or related subject bearing on the conduct of investigations in administrative and/or criminal law contexts plus minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations, including proven experience in the field of forensic audit and/or fraud examination.  Of these 8 years, at least 7 years in an international   environment within the UN Common System or other international organizations.  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.
- Formal professional qualifications and/or certifications involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work.
- Experience in digital forensic investigations and evidence handling (professional certifications/training in the field of digital forensics such as EnCase, GCFE and similar are desirable).
- Working knowledge of the latest digital forensic tools, methodologies, protocols and techniques (field acquisition and data analysis) 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 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.
- Certification as a Fraud Examiner.
- Field experience in developing countries with direct responsibility for performing investigations of fraud, misconduct, harassment, sexual harassment or sexual abuse is desirable.
- Experience in the design, organisation and delivering of internal and external training related to anti-fraud and corruption training and investigations.
- Working knowledge of French is desirable. Ability to work in other UN official languages is an additional asset. 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 <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.

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 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 financial fraud, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse;
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 is a position in the IGO Unit, composed of 4  professional and 1 general service positions  in Nairobi;
The line manager is the Head of Unit, Investigation, East Africa , 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 September 2018 Compendium is Thursday 18 October  2018 (midnight Geneva time).