Data and IT Forensic Officer

Organizational context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and  advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Post's organizational accountability

The Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO) provides independent and objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the operations of IFAD. AUO also reviews and investigates possible or alleged irregular practices, including staff misconduct, fraud and corruption in IFAD activities, and actively promotes ethics, accountability, quality and continuous improvement in IFAD operations.

Under the general supervision and strategic guidance of the Director, AUO, and under the supervision of the Audit Manager and the Investigation Manager for specific tasks, the Data and IT Forensic Officer contributes to enhancing IFAD’s operational effectiveness, risk management, internal control, governance processes and ethical culture by leading data analysis assignments and by providing data analysis and forensic support to internal audits and investigations. The Data and IT Forensic Officer will be comfortable analyzing data, working with data sources using Python, SQL or similar tools, doing data modeling / visualization and have good team / communication skills so that she/he can understand the requirements and communicate the results clearly to the users (normally AUO auditors and investigators). 

The incumbent will serve with accountability for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. During the assignment the incumbent will conduct herself/himself in a professional manner, will keep confidentiality and will exercise due care in carrying out her/his work.  The confidentiality obligation over AUO sensitive information extends to after the completion of the assignment.

Key results expected / Major functional activities

1. Contributes substantively to and participates in the annual risk assessment and definition of divisional work plans and in oversight engagements as assigned by the Director, AUO, under the supervision of the Audit and Investigation Managers

2. Independently performs data mining and complex analytics as required on internal systems data and external open sourced data using data mining/analysis tools, such as ACL or IDEA, Oracle Business Intelligence, Power BI, MS SharePoint MS Dynamics 365 and other relevant tools.  Maintains quality work records and presents reports or visualizes data outputs as required.

3. Independently performs IT forensic examination, in the context of AUO investigations, of electronic data suing forensic tools available at AUO applying appropriate forensic protocols.  Maintains quality work records and reports on the results in the appropriate formats, make recommendations to supervisors as needed.

4. Keeps professionally  abreast of the evolution of data analytical and IT forensic practices and tools and shares knowledge, coaches and trains AUO staff on their application, especially in leveraging IFAD's corporate systems for risk and red flag’ identification, improved business results, simplification of transaction and reporting processes and improved client services.

5. Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

The impact of work of the Data and IT Forensic Officer is characterized as seasoned and demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the concepts, principles and tools of work performed; the incumbent plans and takes independent decision on methods of work used in routine data analytics and forensic task. Officers at this level are accountable for providing in-depth analysis and authoritative interpretation of data and tasks assigned. The impact of work directly affects the perceived professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of the AUO team and outcome/quality of AUO deliverables for high quality work in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to emerging tools and technologies and changing client needs. The incumbent follows established procedures, but has the ability to make recommendations and proposals to enhance procedures and systems.

Representation / Work relationships

Representational functions of the Data and IT Forensic Officer are typically focused information gathering and consultation with AUO staff and clients in the context of a specific assignment or in keeping abreast of developments regarding organizational processes, procedures, technologies, tools and systems. Work relationships are established and maintained with counterparts and pertain to an exchange of information requires proactivity to clearly establish the policy, positions or practice of the audit being conducted or the internal procedures and controls being considered.  S/He keeps abreast of professional developments in relation to data analytics and forensic practices. The incumbent may occasionally be called upon to present aspects of the AUO analytics and forensic practices to wider IFAD and external peer and professional audiences.

Competencies

Organizational                   

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change (Level 1)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture (Level 1)
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture (Level 1)
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact (Level 1)
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources (Level 1)
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment (Level 1)
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills (Level 1)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally (Level 1)
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively (Level 1)

Technical/Functional              

• Demonstrates professional competence and knowledge of data analytics and IT forensic principles, standards and practices and data visualization techniques.
• Ability to clearly and concisely document, present, discuss and defend findings.
• Excellent Excel skills and proficiency in use of data mining/analysis tools, such as SQL, Python, ACL, IDEA, Oracle Business Intelligence, Power BI, MS SharePoint MS Dynamics 365
• Understanding of IT general and security controls.
• Keeps abreast of innovations and best practices in the fields of data analytics, IT forensic science and related tools.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education:

• An advanced degree from an accredited university in forensic science, data science, computers science, mathematics, statistics or other job related field.  An advanced degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience. A relevant professional qualification would be an advantage. 

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in data analytics.  Work experience in business process analysis, in risk/fraud identification and/or in a multi-cultural organizationwould be an advantage.

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is highly desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.