Investigation Officer

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 mobilizes resources through Member States’ and other sovereign and private sector contributions and borrowing and manages and uses such resources to finance programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes.  IFAD also advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation. 

Corporate Services Support Group (CSSG) comprises of:  (i) Office of the President and the Vice-Presidents (OPV) (ii) Office of the General Counsel (LEG), (iii) Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO); (iv) Office of Strategic Budgeting (OSB), (v)  Quality Assurance Group (QAG), (vi) Change, Delivery and Innovation Unit (CDI); (vii) Office of Enterprise Risk Management (RMO) and (viii) Ethics Office (ETH), a stand-alone unit.

The Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO) enhances and protects organizational value by providing independent and objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the operations of IFAD. It helps IFAD accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. 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.  
AUO is organized in two sections (the internal audit and investigation sections) and a front office.  The Director AUO is responsible for the overall management of AUO and reports to the IFAD President and functionally also to the Audit Committee.

The Investigation Officer reports to the Investigation Manager, AUO.

The Investigation Officer performs investigations into IFAD project and/or staff misconduct related allegations, as per AUO's standards applicable to investigations. 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.

1. INVESTIGATION: The Investigation Officer conducts and/or assists thorough and comprehensive investigations into IFAD project related allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion and coercion, and/or into allegations of IFAD staff misconduct including harassment, abuse of authority and retaliation, using formal investigation and interview techniques. Professional analysis of gathered evidence, drawing legally sound and logical conclusion from investigative activities and timely delivery of investigative results are expected. S/He (a) efficiently plans and undertakes office and field-based investigations into allegations of violations of policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable rules and regulations; (b) conducts interviews of witnesses and Subjects of investigation and gather and analyse facts and evidence; (c) Manages the work-flow of individual investigations within the set timeframes.

2. PROMOTING ANTICORUPTION POLICY: The Investigation Officer contributes to IFAD’s efforts in the implementation and maintenance of the IFAD anticorruption policy, through close coordination with other IFAD colleagues and external entities. S/he  (a) takes part in internal reviews and assessments of received complaints and allegations and make recommendations (b) prepares reports and ad hoc briefs pertaining to investigations and, based on analysis and findings, make recommendations for corrective actions, improved controls and efficiency of IFAD operations; (c) assess the potential for fraud and corruption in operational activities and contribute to the formulation of recommendations to senior management; (d) contribute to the development or develop policies and procedures and share best practices/lessons learnt from investigative work.

3. PARTNERSHIP BUILDING AND COMMUNICATION: The Investigation Officer provides guidance and advices to IFAD employees on matters pertaining to the investigation of wrongdoing. S/he regularly appraises management on the progress of investigations and assess and advise management on probable impact of investigation outcomes. Coordinates with local officials, governments, and external organizations to facilitate investigative work. Effectively works and coordinates with other control and monitoring functions as appropriate.

4. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: Accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of assigned IFAD resources, including IT equipment and supplies. Supervising interns and contractors when assigned.

The work of the Investigation Officer consists of conducting IFAD project related investigations and IFAD staff misconduct as per AUO's applicable investigative standards, which require analysis of a broad range of subjects and capability to timely deliver comprehensive, succinct, and legally sound reports, and advising the Investigation Manager on institutional risks and appropriate risk mitigating measures identified in the course of these investigations.

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

Organizational Competencies:

Level 1:

• Building relationships and partnerships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships
• Communicating and negotiating - Communicates effectively; creates understanding between self and others
• Demonstrating leadership - Personal leadership and attitude to change
• Focusing on clients - Focuses on clients
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating - Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge & innovates
• Managing performance and developing staff -
• Managing time, resources and information - Manages own time, information and resources effectively
• Problem-solving and decision-making - Demonstrates sound problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Strategic thinking and organizational development - Personal influence
• Team working - Contributes effectively to the team

Education:

• Level - Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in a job related field
• Areas - relevant field of law such as international, administrative, commercial, economics or other related legal field
• Degree must be from an accredited institution listed on https://www.whed.net/home.php or accredited by a national ministry of education or an equivalent national entity.

Experience:

• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in professional investigatory work in an international setting preferably gained with an International Financial Institution or a United Nations organization
• Two (2) years in a multi-cultural organization or national organization providing support on a global scope.

Languages:

• English (4 - Excellent)
• Desirable: French, Spanish, or Arabic (3 – Good) 

Skills:

• IFAD governance & mandate: In depth knowledge of IFAD`s governance structure, mandate, strategic priorities and technical work
• Advanced data analytics: Statistical & econometrics research, forensic and advanced data analytics / data mining
• Risk management (e.g. reputational): Identification and assessment of potential liabilities and risks in IFAD's activities, particularly vis-à-vis third parties; ability to handle risks via contingency and mitigation strategies
• Time management: Adherence to deadlines under time constraints and pressure (e.g. to deliver governing body documents on time); ability to coordinate and manage complex workflows and in-house and external teams
• Basic ICT & digital fluency: Expertise relevant to the specific role (e.g. in-depth, computer information systems, including micro-computer operating systems software, hardware and applications software and other office technology equipment), end-user computing configuration management
• Investigation: Know-how in investigative strategies to conduct internal and/or fraud investigations.
• Legal drafting: Know-how in drafting legal instruments including financing agreements, policy frameworks (including principles and guidelines), internal rules and regulations and other materials governing the activities of IFAD; drafting of briefs and other documents for submission to international standard-setting entities, internal appeals bodies and external judicial bodies.
• Topical expertise - Investigation: Investigation expertise specific to the role, e.g. full professional and updated familiarity with investigation standards and practices, including concepts as commonly applied in the UN and IFI environments; good understanding of legal concepts and precedents as applicable to the conduct of investigations.
• Change management: Role modelling, anticipation of key risks & conflicts and formulation of contingency plans/solutions, action-oriented
• Client orientation: Strong critical thinking combined with communication skills to liaise between the business and technologies to understand business problems and needs, document requirements and identify solutions
• Confidentiality & Discretion: Establishes self and division as trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by maintaining high level of discretion and confidentiality in assignments; demonstrates sound judgement when dealing with sensitive and/or confidential matters; drives good governance and is a "Culture Carrier" demonstrating IFAD institutional conscience through his/her work.
• Integrity and ethics: Strong emphasis on acting with honesty, not tolerating unethical behaviour, demonstrating equity, impartiality and sensitivity in exercising authority and interacting with staff, and other  stakeholders. Conduct must be guided by IFAD core values, the Code of conduct and a high sense of ethics.
• Programme/Project development, management: Know-how in Programme/Project development, implementation, management

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD. In accordance with IFAD's Human Resources Policy, the President can decide to assign them to any of the activities of the Fund. All International Professional staff members are required to be geographically mobile and positions in the professional category are subject to changes in location at any time in line with strategic priorities and reform initiatives in 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