The Office of Audit and Investigation Services (OAIS) at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports to the Executive Director of UNFPA and is responsible for providing internal audit and investigation services to the Organization.

OAIS is mandated to conduct independent investigations into all allegations of wrongdoing, both staff misconduct (including those of harassment, abuse of authority and sexual exploitation and abuse), as well as those committed to the detriment of UNFPA by independent contractors, implementing partners and other third parties. Investigation work is undertaken by the Investigations Branch within OAIS.

The position is located in the UNFPA Headquarters, New York, with travel to field locations when necessary.

Major Activities -

Under the overall guidance of the Director, OAIS, and the direct supervision of the Chief, Investigations Branch, and operating with a high level of autonomy, the incumbent will:

1. Plan, conduct, direct and lead investigations in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

• Perform preliminary assessments of allegations to determine their relevance and credibility and propose next steps to OAIS Management.
• Conduct investigations with due respect for professional standards and UNFPA policies and procedures.
• Prepare investigative reports and other written outputs of the highest quality, presenting facts, conclusions and recommendations to enable UNFPA Management’s decisions regarding disciplinary, administrative or other corrective action.
• Lead and supervise investigation teams; provide direction and guidance to team members; coach them to enable effective team work and investigation results; assess the team members’ performance in line with UNFPA’s policies, and identify, document and share lessons learned.
• Communicate in an effective and timely manner with OAIS Management to keep them apprised of the status of the investigations, issues affecting them, and the steps taken to address such issues.
• Undertake frequent, and at times extended missions, including to areas with hazardous working conditions.
• Follow up on Management action taken on investigation recommendations.

Expected result: Timely, efficient and effective conduct of assignments given, including issuance of high quality investigation products.

B. Contribute to OAIS advisory and communication activities

• Participate and/or undertake other  assignments as determined by OAIS management,  including but not limited to:

• Providing guidance and advice to UNFPA Management and staff on investigation-related matters.
• Providing input to OAIS' periodic reports to the Executive Board, UNFPA Executive Director and Management, the Audit Advisory Committee and other stakeholders.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including the UN Board of Auditors, on investigation-related matters.
• Contributing to OAIS' outreach activities to staff and other stakeholders through information dissemination, presentations and meetings.
• Cooperating with other relevant investigation bodies within or outside of the UN system organization.

Expected result: Support OAIS contribution to integrity and accountability

C. Support to OAIS management and activities

• Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAIS, including exchange of experience with other OAIS team members.
• Participate in the implementation of the Branch’s training and development plan, and take responsibility for his/her own development and training.

Expected result: Improvement of OAIS and UNFPA processes as a whole.

D. Other

• Perform other duties as required by OAIS Management.

Education and Qualifications: 

• Advanced university degree in law or closely related fields;
• A first level university degree with a combination of significant relevant education, professional certification, training and experience in the field of investigations may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Knowledge and Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible, relevant professional experience in complex criminal and/or administrative investigations, with a proven track record in planning and executing investigations, including as a case lead investigator.
• Proven ability to conduct and lead complex investigations and quickly and accurately analyze, assess and summarize investigation findings, observations and recommendations.
• Demonstrated advanced experience in conducting investigations involving wrongdoing, including staff misconduct and third-party fraud and corruption.
• Good knowledge of UN policies, procedures and jurisprudence relevant to administrative investigations highly desirable.
• Experience in an International Organization (UN system or multilateral context) highly desirable.
• Experience in conducting investigations in developing countries highly desirable

Languages:

• Fluency in English required, with proven ability to express well verbally and in writing.
• Good knowledge of other UN official languages (French, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian) desirable.