“Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you hold the applicable contract as defined below.

  • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026 
  • Tier 1: Other UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
  • Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates”

Background

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. 

The Investigations Section of OAI (OAI/IS) conducts assessments and investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as assault and/or threat, discrimination, fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, workplace harassment and abuse of authority, retaliation on whistleblowers, or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations that involve UNDP staff and other personnel.

OAI/IS also investigates allegations of fraud and other financial irregularities committed by contractors, implementing partners, and other third parties, deemed to be detrimental to UNDP.  Where vendors are found to have engaged in proscribed practices (including, for example, corruption, collusion, and unethical conduct) OAI provides all relevant evidence to the UNDP Vendor Review Committee for consideration of sanctions against the vendors involved. OAI may undertake proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to fraud, corruption and other wrongdoings. 

OAI/IS has the sole responsibility for the conduct of all investigations within UNDP. OAI/IS conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations endorsed by the 10th Conference of International Investigators, with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with the United Nations Standards of Conduct, and with the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI maintains multi-language, toll-free reporting facilities (telephone hotline, web-based reporting facility, email, postal address and other means as appropriate) that function around the clock to facilitate staff, management and others to report any instances of fraud, corruption or other wrongdoings, including sexual misconduct. OAI operates separate mechanisms for the reporting of alleged non-compliance with UNDP’s social and environmental policies and procedures.

Position Purpose

The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBLAC and HQ functionally reports to the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ & RBLAC) and Investigations Support Team (IST) on investigation cases, under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director, Investigations. 

Under the supervision of the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ & RBLAC) and Investigations Support Team (IST), the primary role of the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBLAC and HQ, is to oversee, supervise and conduct investigations into alleged misconduct that falls within OAI’s mandate, as outlined in ‘Organizational Context’ above, and that is reported within RBLAC and HQ.

The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBLAC and HQ will supervise the work of the team, including but not limited to Investigations Specialists at the P3 level, and IPSA holders, assigned to the RBLAC and HQ Team, and will complete their annual performance appraisals.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

As Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBLAC and HQ, coordinates and conducts the work of the RBLAC and HQ Team, including the work outlined below, to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry and associated work streams are identified, and OAI resources are used effectively and efficiently.

  • In coordination with the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ & RBLAC) and Investigations Support Team (IST), manages the caseload assigned to the RBLAC and HQ Team.
  • Oversees, supervises, plans and conducts – for higher priority and complex allegations – investigations into allegations in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and the OAI investigation guidelines.  
  • Ensures that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to factually determine the issues relevant to an investigation. 
  • Identifies, collects and analyses information, using software, internal data and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues. 
  • Collects, records and handles appropriate evidence, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence. 
  • Uses specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, document examination and computer forensics). 
  • Interviews victims, complainants and witnesses, showing appropriate communications skills, accurate recording and verification of testimony using interpreters as required. 
  • Interviews subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (to obtain reliable information, while affording due process). 
  • Undertakes frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with hazardous working conditions.  
  • Keeps the Investigation Section’s database and case files up to date on cases under investigation. 
  • Proposes action to close matters where appropriate.
  • Reviews and edits investigation reports prepared by team investigators and other relevant documents to ensure they are of a high standard, providing an objective and factual summary of the investigation, with soundly based conclusions and recommendations. 

Leads and manages the RBLAC and HQ Team and supervises the work of Investigations Specialists at the P3 level, and IPSA holders assigned to the RBLAC and HQ Team.

  • Assigns, oversees, and closely supervises investigations conducted by investigative team; conducts regular case reviews with team investigators to ensure timeliness and appropriate case management; and quality-assures investigators’ output to ensure editorial, analytical and evidentiary standards.
  • Plans the work of the RBLAC and HQ Team and distributes workload among the Team appropriately.
  • Provides senior expertise and advice to the RBLAC and HQ Team so that the work of the Team is performed in the most professional, efficient and timely manner. 
  • Appraises the work performance of the RBLAC and HQ Team.
  • Recruit personnel for the RBLAC and HQ Team as necessary

Ensure efficient Client Services.

  • Liaises with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), the Ethics Office, Regional Offices and counterparts, and other relevant offices in UNDP. 
  • Liaises with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
  • Liaises with the audit section within OAI.
  • Liaises with the Regional Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean personnel.

Facilitates knowledge management and other tasks 

  • Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI. 
  • Assesses the potential for misconduct in UNDP offices and operations. 
  • Contributes to risk assessment planning. 
  • Participates in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan. 
  • Keeps him/herself abreast of the jurisprudence of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT).  
  • Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ & RBLAC) and Investigations Support Team (IST)and/or Deputy Director, Investigations

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities Supervise and management of Investigations Specialists at the P3 level, and IPSA holders. 

Competencies

  • Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

  • Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: 

Audit & Investigation - Investigation-Investigation management and investigative techniques: The ability to manage an investigation, choose avenues of inquiry and apply different techniques during an investigation, including investigative interviewing; seizure of documentary and electronic evidence; identification, collection, review and analysis of all types of evidence, including project, procurement and commercial business documentation and electronic communications; forensic analysis; verification site visits; open-source research. 

Audit & Investigation - Investigation-Collection and analysis of evidence: Ability to extract and analyze all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.

Audit & Investigation - Investigation-Investigative Interviewing: Ability to understand key application and system software, IT infrastructure, IT Control frameworks and the use of forensic investigation software.

Business Direction and Strategy-Business acumen: Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programmes/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities, and establish a plan to meet funding requirements

Business Direction & Strategy-Effective Decision Making: Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications.

Business Management-Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Forensics Accounting, Finance, Law or related fields is required. Or, 
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, with an additional 2 years’ experience, which will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.  

Experience:

  • A minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in complex criminal and/or administrative investigations or equivalent experience.
  • At least one year of experience working within an international investigation role is desirable.
  • Experience communicating and collaborating with multiple parties is preferred. 
  • Formal professional training in a comprehensive range of investigation-related areas is required.
  • Specialized training in advanced investigative skills and digital forensics is required.
  • Specialized training in basic investigative techniques including interviewing, evidence handling, and evidence analysis and report writing, is required
  • Demonstrated experience in investigating and overseeing investigations of administrative misconduct and/or criminal offenses, including fraud and other financial crimes, sexual misconduct, and workplace standards of conduct violations are required. 
  • Familiarity with open-source, investigative analytic software, and AI tools in furtherance of investigations is required.
  • Experience in managing teams is an advantage.
  • Experience in conducting risk assessments is required.

Languages:

  • Proficiency in oral and written English and Spanish languages is required.  
  • Working knowledge of French and Portuguese is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

#LI-DNI
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.