Deputy Director for Investigations, Office of Internal Audit and Investigation (OIAI), D-1, NYHQ

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is led by the OIAI Director and is responsible for conducting internal audits, and for conducting or supervising investigations related to known and suspected cases of fraud, corruption, and other forms of misconduct. OIAI consists of an Internal Audit Service and an Investigations Service, each headed by a Deputy Director. OIAI reports directly to the UNICEF’s Executive Director and also reports independently to the Executive Board. The Investigations Service is responsible for carrying out investigations and other activities related to fraud and corruption across UNICEF’s operations, as well as possible violations of UNICEF’s rules and regulations including misconduct by staff and others subject to its jurisdiction. Under the general guidance of the Director, Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), the Deputy Director for Investigations is responsible for the overall management, leadership, direction and quality control for all activities of the Investigations Service. The Deputy Director for Investigations is responsible for liaising with relevant UNICEF staff and stakeholders with respect to investigative outcomes and findings and the implications for management policies and practices.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, dedication.

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is led by the OIAI Director and is responsible for conducting internal audits, and for conducting or supervising investigations related to known and suspected cases of fraud, corruption, and other forms of misconduct. OIAI consists of an Internal Audit Service and an Investigations Service, each headed by a Deputy Director. OIAI reports directly to the UNICEF’s Executive Director and also reports independently to the Executive Board.

The Investigations Service is responsible for carrying out investigations and other activities related to fraud and corruption across UNICEF’s operations, as well as possible violations of UNICEF’s rules and regulations including misconduct by staff and others subject to its jurisdiction.  Under the general guidance of the Director, Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), the Deputy Director for Investigations is responsible for the overall management, leadership, direction and quality control for all activities of the Investigations Service. The Deputy Director for Investigations is responsible for liaising with relevant UNICEF staff and stakeholders with respect to investigative outcomes and findings and the implications for management policies and practices.

How can you make a difference?

Key functional accountabilities include:

• Provides overall management, leadership and direction of all facets of the work of the Investigations Service, including direct supervision of its staff and consultants, both at headquarters and in field locations.
• Oversees the development, implementation and ongoing updating of polices, standards and procedures, as well as tools and techniques, necessary for the execution of the Investigations Services’ functions including investigations under the jurisdiction of OIAI related to the global operations of UNICEF. Topics of investigation include fraud and corruption, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, and retaliation, involving UNICEF staff, vendors, implementing partners and any other applicable person or third party.
• Directs and supervises the selection, prioritization, planning and conduct of both proactive and reactive investigations in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures, ensuring investigations are conducted professionally, fairly and outcomes and outputs are timely and of the highest quality.
• Maintains a quality assurance function to ensure all complaint receipt mechanisms, investigative reports, closure memos, referrals and other outputs are professional, of the highest quality, comply with applicable standards, are issued to appropriate parties in a timely manner and are sufficient to support any further action required.
• Manages and oversees the efficient and proper utilization of resources made available to the Investigations Service.
• Oversees mechanisms to ensure the adequacy of the case management system, databases and other tools to manage and report data on allegations, investigations and outcomes both internally to UNICEF management and staff and to external stakeholders, as well as the preparation of periodic reports on the status and results of the Investigations Service. 
• Implements a communications strategy to ensure staff and external stakeholders understand the investigative process and its role in UNICEF’s broader integrity framework.
• Provides support and advice on the prevention and mitigation of potential financial, reputational and other integrity risks identified through investigations, as well as the promotion of a culture of integrity and improved accountability across the organization.  This work will include coordination and consultation with OIAI’s Audit Service, as well as other relevant stakeholders across UNICEF.
• Liaises with other UNICEF offices and other UN and international organizations to contribute to the development and harmonization of investigative and risk management practices and methodologies, including representing UNICEF in relevant global forums.
• Manages the recruitment, training and development of staff of the Investigations Service, as well as fostering teamwork and communication across OIAI and UNICEF.
• Along with the Director and Deputy Director for Audit, serves as a member of OIAI’s senior management team, participating in the overall management of OIAI and including the preparation of office wide plans and reports.
• Represents the Director, as required, and undertakes additional assignments as needed.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

•  Strong academic and professional credentials including an advanced university degree in Law or a relevant field combined with appropriate professional qualifications from reputable professional bodies
• At least 13 years of progressively responsible experience and demonstrated technical competence in directing complex investigations and teams and related legal activities, a significant part of it in an international environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse group of individuals in a complex and sensitive environment.
• Fluency in English. A working knowledge of another UN language is highly desirable

Candidate profile

• Results-oriented leader with a proven track record in strategic and conceptual thinking.
• Strong management and leadership skills, track record in empowering people to achieve results.
• Exceptional analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the capacity to succinctly convey ideas and advocate for organisational positions.
• Sound political and business acumen.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Leadership Competencies

• Delivers Results
• Engages and Nurtures
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Manages Complexity and Change
• Creates and Maintains Impact and Partnership
• Innovates and Takes Risks

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.