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

· Tier 1: 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

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. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations. 

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistle-blowers, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors and other applicable persons.

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI seeks to engage a French-speaking Investigations Specialist under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support the Central and West Africa (CWA) team of Unit 2 – Regional Investigations (Africa) and Sexual Misconduct Team. 

Scope of Work

The Investigations Specialist is required to conduct highly complex investigations into allegations of fraud, abuse and misconduct in a timely and efficient manner, and ensure that the investigative actions are consistent with UNDP Rules and Regulations and internationally accepted standards. 

The specific tasks that will be required are: 

1. Ensure the effective planning and conduct of complex investigations

  • Ensure planning and conducting investigations in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.
  • Plan investigations to ensure 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.
  • Lead in identifying, collecting and analyzing information software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to an investigation.
  • Collect, record, and handle evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
  • Use specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, document examination and computer forensics).
  • Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, subjects and suspects showing effective communication across diverse backgrounds and ensure precise recording and verification of testimony as needed. 
  • Interview subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (in order to obtain reliable information, while affording due process).
  • Assist the Intelligence, Analysis and Research Team by assessing complaints when needed. 
  • Plan and undertake frequent, and at times, extended missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with hazardous working conditions. 

2. Ensure all investigation reports are updated.

  • Keep the Investigations Section’s database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
  • Prepare high-quality investigation reports and documents that objectively summarize findings, with evidence-based conclusions and recommendations. 

3. Build strategic partnerships 

  • Liaise with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), Country Office management, the Vendor Review Committee (VRC), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Ethics Office, and other relevant UNDP business units. 
  • Liaise with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate. 

4. Facilitate capacity building and knowledge sharing 

  • Participate in outreach session to train UNDP personnel worldwide as required.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI. 

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Investigations Specialist will be tasked by the Investigations Specialist – Team Lead (CWA) or by the Chief, Regional Investigations (Africa) and Sexual Misconduct Team (SMT). The work produced by the Investigations Specialist will be submitted to the Team Lead, CWA under the overall supervision of the Chief, Regional Investigations (Africa) and SMT.

Competencies Core 

  • 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 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.        
  • Evidence Handling procedures: Ability to acquire, compile and safeguard information in a forensically sound manner to keep evidence integrity and chain of custody.     
  • Investigative Interviewing: Ability to conduct investigative interviews with all types of investigation participants, including witness and subjects, using an approach tailored to the interviewee and the investigation.   
  • Collection and analysis of evidence: Ability to extract and analyse all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.              
  • Technology tools and applications for investigations: Ability to understand key application and system software, IT infrastructure, IT Control frameworks and the use of forensic investigation software.            

Business Management

  • Communication: 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       

Business Direction & Strategy

  • System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.     

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Development Studies, Law, Conflict, International Affairs, Social Sciences or related field is required. Or
  • A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree. 

Min. years of relevant Work experience and skills

  • A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in complex criminal, civil and/or administrative investigations, law enforcement, or equivalent experience in a research capacity. 

Required Skills and competencies

  • At least one year of experience working within an international investigation role is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; presentation software applications; and forensic software (such as Intella)
  •  Proven track record of demonstrated strong understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations 

Desired additional skills and competencies

  • Experience working with UNDP or the UN System is desirable. 
  • Familiarity with investigative procedures applicable to OAI/UNDP is an advantage. 
  • Experience conducting sexual misconduct investigations or experience with victim support is desirable. 

Required Language(s) 

  • Fluency in French and English is required.

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. 

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.

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.

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