JOB TITLE:                                          Investigations Officer (Homebased Consultant)

TYPE OF CONTRACT:                          Consultancy

UNIT/DIVISION:                                Office of Inspections and Investigations (OIGI)

DUTY STATION (City, Country):        Home-based

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT:           6-11 months

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. WFP is well known for its ability to deliver food assistance rapidly to people in need. In recent years, WFP has experienced a paradigm shift in response to an evolving operating environment that requires the UN agency’s technical expertise not only in the delivery of food assistance, but also in the development of sustainable hunger-smart and nutrition-sensitive solutions that will support progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Two: “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture”.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT:

The Office of Inspections and Investigations is a part of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The mission of OIGI is to conduct inspections and investigations into allegations of wrongdoing and misconduct. The purpose of an investigation is to establish facts and provide sufficient evidence and analysis to determine whether a reported allegation of wrongdoing or misconduct has occurred and, if so, to allow WFP management to take action against the persons or entities responsible. OIGI investigations involve WFP personnel, cooperating partners, vendors and other parties.

OIGI currently has two investigation teams in Rome and Nairobi for which we are recruiting. Investigation support (Forensics, Policy and Quality Assurance, Intake and Analysis Team, and Operations Support) is provided from the Rome office.

Frequent and often at short notice travel to WFP field operations, in over 80 countries, is required. Currently due to COVID travel is severely restricted.

JOB PURPOSE:

As an Investigation Officer Consultant, reporting to the Chief of Investigations (Rome or Nairobi), you will take part in internal reviews and assessments of received complains and allegations, efficiently plan and undertake complex investigations and prepare comprehensive reports. A large emphasis is placed on coordination of the work of investigative teams, development of policies and procedures, provision of advice on best practices with respect to investigations and guidance/training to other staff.

Investigations matters include Fraud and Corruption, Abusive Conduct, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and other policy violation of WFP staff and contracted partners and vendors.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

1. Efficiently plan and undertake office and field-based investigations into allegations of violations of policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable rules and regulations.
2. Manage the workflow of individual investigation cases within the set timeframes.
3. Take part in internal reviews and assessments of received complains and allegations and draw recommendations.
4. Prepare reports and ad hoc briefs pertaining to investigations and based on analysis and findings, make recommendations for corrective actions, improved controls and efficiency of WFP operations.
5. Assess the potential for fraud and corruption in operational activities and contribute to formulation of recommendations to senior management.
6. Provide guidance and advice to WFP employees on matters pertaining to the investigation of wrongdoing and direct staff appointed by field offices to assist in investigations.
7. Regularly appraise progress of investigations and assess probable impact of investigation outcomes relative to strategies and advice colleagues.
8. Coordinate with local officials, governments, and external organizations, and obtain their support such as interpreters or facts providers to facilitate investigative work.
9. Effectively work and coordinate with other control and monitoring functions as appropriate.
10. Contribute to the development or develop policies and procedures and share best practices/lessons learnt from investigative work.
11. Other as required.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:   University degree in Criminology, Investigations, Law, Audit, Accounting or other related fields; or

Formal training and/or certification in various law enforcement methodologies/fraud examination or investigation.

Language:    Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second   official UN language: Arabic, French, and/or Spanish, is an advantage.

Experience:  Five years or more of relevant progressively responsible professional experience in conducting criminal or administrative investigations.

   Knowledge & Skills: - In depth understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations and practical use of investigation techniques.

                                    - Demonstrated skills in investigations planning and implementation.

                                    - Familiarity with the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources and databases.

                                    - Expertise in handling facts/evidence related to investigations.

                                    - Business acumen.

                                    - Excellent oral and written communication skills.

                                    - Time Management skills.

Terms and conditions
The selected candidates will be offered an initial contract for 6 months with possibility for extension. 
We offer an attractive monthly honorarium, medical insurance and 10 national holidays per calendar year. 
All applicants who meet the selection criteria will be contacted for further assessments and to confirm their continued interest and availability.

Deadline for Applications
31 January 2022