Investigations Officer P4 - Rome & Nairobi 1

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WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, physical or mental disability.

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes.  Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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”.

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, and an Intake Team) is provided from the Rome office.

We are seeking to fill 1 Investigations Officer (P4) position in Rome, Italy at the Office of Inspections and Investigations in Headquarters (HQ) and 2 Investigations Officer (P4) positions Nairobi, Kenya. The positions will be reporting to the Chief Investigation Officer Rome or Nairobi. 

Frequent and often at short notice travel to WFP field operations, in over 80 countries, is required.
 

JOB PURPOSE

As an Investigation Officer, 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)

1.    Efficiently coordinate and undertake office and field-based complex investigations into allegations of violations of policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable rules and regulations.
2.    Coordinate preparation and/or prepare comprehensive reports and ad hoc briefs pertaining to complex investigations and based on analysis and findings, make solid recommendations for corrective actions, improved controls and efficiency of WFP operations.
3.    Monitor, support and coordinate the work of investigative teams to ensure that outputs meet the quality standards and are delivered according to the established schedules.
4.    Effectively manage the workflow of individual cases.
5.    Take part in internal review and assessment of received complains and allegations, and formulate comprehensive investigation plans for complex investigations.
6.    Assess the potential for fraud and corruption in operational activities and formulate solid recommendations for senior management decisions.
7.    Provide guidance and advice to WFP staff on matters pertaining to the investigation of wrongdoing, and direct staff appointed by field offices to assist in investigations.
8.    Regularly appraise progress of investigations, assess probable impact of investigation outcomes relative to strategies, and advice colleagues.
9.    Coordinate with local officials, governments, and external organizations and obtain their support such as interpreters or facts providers to facilitate investigative work.
10.    Effectively work, collaborate and coordinate with other control and monitoring functions as 
appropriate.
11.    Provide advice on and promote best practices with respect to investigations.
12.    Provide support in the preparation of work plans and the establishment of priorities in the investigation function.
13.    Assist in the development and implementation of investigators’ trainings.
14.    Develop policies and procedures and share best practices/lessons learnt from investigative work.
15.    Take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives in all areas of work, to ensure equal participation of women and men.
16.    Relieving in the role of Chief Investigations Officer as required.
 

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

University degree in Criminology, Investigations, Law, Audit, Accounting or other related fields. Formal training and/or certification in various law enforcement methodologies/fraud examination or investigation.

Experience:

Eight years or more (of which three international) of relevant progressively  responsible professional experience in planning, leading and executing complex criminal or administrative investigations.

Knowledge & Skills:

•    Demonstrated expertise in theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations and practical use of investigation techniques.
•    Skills in coordination of multiple investigations and delivery of planned outputs.
•    Familiarity with the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources and databases.
•    Ability to coach staff in collection and handling facts and evidence.
•    Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
•    Strong coordination, planning and leadership skills including ability to influence Senior Managers by consistent and clear communication.
•    Solid communication skills and setting priorities.

Language:

Fluency (level C) in English language. Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or, Portuguese (WFP’s working language).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

•    The positions are open to all nationalities. 
•    While WFP does support flexible working arrangements, the positions are based in Rome and Nairobi and would require the selected candidate to relocate.
•    The selected candidate will be employed on a renewable fixed-term contract (up to 8 years) with a probationary period of one year. 
•    WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days’ annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, pension plan and medical insurance. For more details, please visit icsc.un.org
•    Mobility is and continues to be a core contractual requirement in WFP. These positions are however classified as “non-rotational” which means the incumbent shall not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified as rotational.
 

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

January 31st, 2022.

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All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.