CHIEF OF SECTION, INVESTIGATIONS

This position is located in the United Nations’ Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The incumbent will lead the Investigation Unit and is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to investigate category 2 cases and any category 1 cases referred to SIU by competent investigative bodies. The Investigator will report to the Principal Security Advisor.

Within delegated authority, the Chief of the Investigation Unit would be responsible for the following duties:

•Directs the day to day operations of the Security Investigation Unit.
•Plans, organizes, conducts and/or supervises the investigation of all incidents / accidents involving the security and safety of UN personnel, equipment, loss or damage of valuable UN assets and cases of fraud in the mission area.
•Leads, directs and supervises teams of investigators and coordinates investigative activities of team members; develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned investigations;
•Defines the parameters and timetable of investigations; decides on the investigative tools and resources to be employed; ensures that investigations are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinated within the work of the Section and with other stakeholders such as OIOS and CDT as appropriate and that established procedures and policies are complied with;
•Provides policy advice in relation to investigation strategy and develops or contributes to the development of investigation policy;
•Creates and maintains a case activity list of active and open investigations for priority setting and overall case management. Conducts interviews and obtain statements; analyzes information;
•Ensures the preparation of complete and concise investigation reports and other written contribution, together with findings and recommendations as well as evidence and materials to support such actions; reviews reports and written submissions of his/her subordinates;
•Prepares and / or reviews investigation reports and submissions for approval by the PSA and transmissions to other units and offices as appropriate. Responds to requests for information, assistance and advice from offices and division, outside the Section; provides advice and expertise on investigatory matters;
•Oversees the management of data on reported allegations, liaises with other sections as necessary; Creates and maintains a database and ensures that cases are recorded and uploaded in an orderly manner for statistical purposes.
•Works collaboratively and in coordination with colleagues to achieve organizational goals in accordance with standard operating procedures and in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
•Manages the resources and logistics of the unit, or section.
•Performs other duties as required.

•Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations and investigation management. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Proficiency in software applications used in investigations. Ability to identify and analyze problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Proven ability to gather evidence and interview subjects and witnesses. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities for self and others. Ability to gather and analyze electronic evidence. Ability to draft/edit, a variety of written reports especially with respect to the preparation of complex reports of investigation. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations including good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in areas where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping missions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

•Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

•Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

•Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

•Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, international law, criminal investigation, police studies or related fields. A first-level university degree in law, police studies or related fields together with formal qualifications and/or certifications in investigations (military, police, federal/national intelligence agencies) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Formal qualifications and/or certifications in Investigations (pursuant to a course of study, training and examinations of a state/national law enforcement institution, a national military academy or a federal/national intelligence service training institution, supplemented with professional development courses and/or certifications involving study, training and examinations in investigatory work) in combination with four additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the first-level university degree.

A minimum of ten years (12 for holders of a first-level university degree) of full-time progressively responsible experience in investigatory work is required.
Experience in investigation management and administration together with supervisory functions is required.
Experience with international investigation activities is required.
Experience with an international or multilateral public institution is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Personal History Profile (PHP) and cover letter.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.