Investigations Specialist - P3 - United Nations Development Programme

United Nations Development Programme

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
 

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

 The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities.

The Investigations Section of OAI conducts assessments and investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, workplace harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority, retaliation on whistleblowers, or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations that involve UNDP staff and other personnel.

OAI also investigates allegations of fraud and other financial irregularities committed by contractors, implementing partners and other third parties, deemed to be detrimental to UNDP.  Where vendors are found to have engaged in proscribed practices (including, for example, corruption, collusion, and unethical conduct), OAI provides all relevant evidence to the UNDP Vendor Review Committee for consideration of sanctions against the vendors involved.

In addition, OAI may undertake proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to fraud, corruption, and other wrongdoings.

OAI has also established a Sexual Misconduct Team (SMT) which is responsible for conducting all investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct reported to OAI, including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.   

OAI has the sole responsibility to conduct of all investigations within UNDP. OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations endorsed by the 10th Conference of International Investigators, with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with the United Nations Standards of Conduct, and with the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI maintains multi-language, toll-free reporting facilities (telephone hotline, web-based reporting facility, email, postal address, and other means as appropriate) that function around the clock to facilitate staff, management, and others to report any instances of fraud, corruption or other wrongdoings. OAI will operate separate mechanisms for the reporting of alleged non-compliance with UNDP's social and environmental policies and procedures. 

The Investigations Specialist functionally reports to the Senior Investigations Specialist, Head of the SMT, on investigation issues, under the overall supervision of the Investigations Manager. 

Position Purpose

The primary role of the Investigations Specialist is to conduct highly sensitive investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct reported to OAI, including Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, in a timely and efficient manner. 

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Investigations Specialist will conduct investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct, applying the victim-centered approach and ensuring that the investigative actions are consistent with the internationally accepted standards.

Investigations Management       

• As a member of the investigations team, the Investigations Specialist plans and conducts investigations in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and the OAI Investigation Guidelines, applying the victim-centered approach.
• Plans investigations to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to factually determine the issues relevant to an investigation. 
• Identifies, collects, and analyses information, using software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigation. 
• Collects, records, and handles evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence. 
• Uses specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, document examination and computer forensics). 
• Interviews complainants, witnesses and subjects/suspects showing appropriate and effective communication skills across cultures, ranges of ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicities, and races, accurate recording, and verification of testimony through the use of interpreters as required. 
• Interviews subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (in order to obtain reliable information, while affording due process). 
• Assists the Information Analysis Team with assessing complaints when needed. 
• Plans and undertakes frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with hazardous working conditions. 
• Keeps the Investigations Section's database and case files up to date on cases under investigation. 
• Proposes action to close matters where appropriate. 
• Drafts investigation reports and other relevant documents of a high standard, providing an objective and factual summary of the investigation, with soundly based conclusions and recommendations supported by all evidence obtained in the course of the investigation. 
• Participates in outreach sessions to train UNDP personnel worldwide as required.

Client Services  

• Liaises with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), the Office of Human Resources (OHR), the Ethics Office, the UNDP Sexual Misconduct Taskforce, and other relevant offices in UNDP. 
• Liaises with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Identify and connect victims and subjects/suspects with available support services.

Other Tasks

• Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI. 
• Participates in the implementation of his/her personal learning and training development plan. 
• Performs other assignments or tasks as determined by the Investigations Manager.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

Competencies

Core:
Achieve Results:

• Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact. 

Think Innovatively:

• Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems. 

Learn Continuously:

• Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.

Adapt with Agility:

• Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands. 

Act with Determination:               

• Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.

Engage and Partner:

• Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration.

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

• Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross-Functional & Technical:
Audit & Investigation – Investigation: Investigation management and investigative techniques 

• The ability to manage an investigation, choose avenues of inquiry and apply different techniques during an investigation, including investigative interviewing; seizure of documentary and electronic evidence; identification, collection, review and analysis of all types of evidence, including project, procurement and commercial business documentation and electronic communications; forensic analysis; verification site visits; open-source research 

Audit & Investigation – Investigation: Collection and analysis of evidence             

• Ability to extract and analyze all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions. 

Audit & Investigation – Investigation: Investigative Interviewing               

• Ability to conduct investigative interviews with all types of investigation participants, including adult and child victims of sexual violence, witnesses, and subjects, using an approach tailored to the interviewee and the investigation.

Audit & Investigation – Investigation: Technology tools and applications for investigations           

• Ability to understand key application and system software, IT infrastructure, IT Control frameworks and the use of forensic investigation software. 

 Business Management - Communication             

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Business Management - Business Acumen           

• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.
• Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the Organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.

Business Direction & Strategy - System Thinking                 

• Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminology, or a related field is required, OR 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. OR
• Formal certification in various law enforcement methodologies from a recognized law enforcement agency, plus at least 2 years additional experience in conducting criminal and/or administrative investigations as an investigator is required. 

 Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with master's degree) or 7 years (with bachelor's degree/certification) of relevant professional experience as an investigator, conducting complex criminal and/or administrative investigations is required. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in investigating matters involving sexual misconduct, including conducting interviews of adult and minor victims is required. 
• Specialized training in investigations of sex crimes, sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment is required.
• Specialized training in advanced interviewing skills is highly desirable.
• Formal professional training in a comprehensive range of investigation-related areas is an advantage.
• At least one year of experience working in an international investigation role is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English is required. 
• Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is desirable.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
 

Disclaimer
 

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders) 
 

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 
 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
 

Applicant information about UNDP rosters.
 

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
 

Non-discrimination.
 

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
 

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
 

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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)