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  • 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”

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation 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 procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP personnel, contractors and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations against parties external to UNDP of financial irregularities committed to the detriment of UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption.

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 needs to engage a suitably skilled and experienced Investigations Specialist under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI/Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) Team.

Scope of Work

The Investigations Specialist is required to conduct highly sensitive investigations into allegations of misconduct reported to OAI in a timely manner and ensure that the investigative actions are consistent with the internationally accepted standards. The specific tasks that will be required are:

  • Plan and conduct investigations
    • Plan and conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct in accordance with UNDP policies and OAI Investigation Guidelines, and applicable procedures.
    • Identify all relevant lines of inquiry, deploy investigation resources efficiently, and conduct missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including hardship and hazardous-duty locations, to establish facts and determine accountability.
  • Collect, analyse and manage evidence and information from multiple sources in support of investigations
    • Ensure proper evidence handling, documentation, and chain of custody in line with best practices and confidentiality requirements.
  • Conduct interviews and ensure due process
    • Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, and subjects using recognized best-practice methodologies to obtain reliable information while ensuring fairness, due process, and cultural sensitivity.
    • Accurately record, verify, and assess testimonies to support evidence-based findings.
  • Ensure Investigation reporting and case lifecycle management
    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files and databases for matters under investigation.
    • Prepare high-quality investigation reports that objectively present findings, supported by evidence, and include clear conclusions and recommendations, including proposals for case closure where appropriate.
  • Coordination, liaison, and strategic partnerships
    • Liaise with the Office of Legal Services, Country Office management, Vendor Review Committees, and relevant UNDP business units, as well as investigation functions of other international organizations and national law-enforcement or anti-corruption authorities, as appropriate.
    • Facilitate referrals to available support services for victims and subjects when required.
  • Facilitate capacity building and professional development
    • Support the strengthening of institutional investigative capacity through participation in outreach and training activities for UNDP personnel worldwide and support the continuous development and harmonization of professional investigation 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 undertake assignments as directed by the RBAS Team Lead or the Chief, Unit 3, OAI. All work performed by the IPSA holder will be reported to the RBAS Team Lead, under the overall supervision of the Chief, Unit 3.

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, navigating complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
  • Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 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.

BUSINESS DIRECTION AND 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

AUDIT & INVESTIGATION – INVESTIGATION
Evidence handling procedures

Ability to acquire, compile and safeguard information in a forensically sound manner to keep evidence integrity and chain of custody.

AUDIT & INVESTIGATION – INVESTIGATION
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.

AUDIT & INVESTIGATION – INVESTIGATION
Investigations of fraud, abuse and misconduct

Ability to discern and handle the intricacies of investigations of various types of misconduct within OAI’s mandate.

AUDIT & INVESTIGATION – INVESTIGATION
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.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Academic Education

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Law, Management, Finance or another directly relevant field is required. Or
  • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

  • Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in, at least one of the areas listed below is required:
  • Complex criminal, civil and/or administrative Investigations or equivalent experience.

Required skills and competencies

  • Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; MS Power BI, Presentation software applications; Electronic working paper software; and Database application.
  • 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 UNDP is an advantage.
  • At least one year of experience working within an international investigation role is desirable.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

  • Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
  • Working knowledge of French, Spanish, Chinese or Russian is desirable.

Travel

As and when travel for business purposes is required, OAI will notify the consultant and agree upon the reimbursable travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses as per UNDP Policy on IPSA.

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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