Head of Unit (Investigation) at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The Head of Unit (Investigation), Nairobi, Kenya is responsible for the overall management of the Unit, under the supervision of the Head of Service (Investigation), Geneva.  The incumbent of this post will also carry out investigations as assigned to him/her, and will report to the latter on all matters.  

The incumbent will also liaise with the staff of the operations in the region in the implementation of his/her functions.   

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability 

• Cases of suspected misconduct involving UNHCR personnel, partners and other parties with whom UNHCR has a contractual arrangement (including affiliate workforce, such as an individual contractor, consultant, UN volunteer and intern, as well as personnel seconded or on loan with UNHCR from a government service or an international organization) are assessed and investigated in a timely manner.
• Effective management of the Unit, Investigations in Nairobi, including maintaining a harmonious work environment is ensured.
• Head of the Head of the Investigation Service is provided with regular status reports on the functioning of the Unit.
• The resources made available to the Unit are managed and utilized effectively.
• Implementation of systems, administrative and operational procedures as well as working arrangements are established for the efficient and timely processing and completion of investigations in the region.

Responsibility 

• Assess allegations of misconduct with a view to determining the most effective investigative approach cognizant of risks to staff and operations, and develop investigation plans and methodologies to gather evidence and establish facts. Enter data into I-Sight database as required.
• Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned in accordance with the Investigation guidelines and UN/UNHCR policies, undertaking field missions when required.  This may involve gathering evidence from available sources including electronic and e-mail records, interviewing witnesses and subjects as well as interaction at all levels with external actors.
• In coordination and compliance with due process requirements, conduct investigations with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered and impartiality of conclusions reached.
• Gather and analyse physical evidence, including forensic evidence and establish facts.
• Prepare reports based on the available evidence and the investigation findings such as Investigation Reports in cases of misconduct; Closure Reports where no misconduct has been established; and Management Implication reports on systemic issues identified during the investigation.
• Liaise with different units within UNHCR; e.g. DHR, Ethics Office, Staff Welfare, DIST, FSS etc., in relation to the intake assessment function.
• Provide advice and guidance to staff members on how to report misconduct and, as may be required, how to assist in conducting preliminary assessments/ investigations.
• Review audit, evaluation and inspection reports and other sources of information as may be required to understand the operational context and the potential investigation environment.
• Act as focal point for specific areas of expertise / typology of investigation as may be delegated by Head of Service (Investigation).
• Provide advice and guidance to the team in Nairobi on all investigation issues.
• Manage and oversee the effective utilization of the resources made available to the Unit.
• Establish and oversee the implementation of systems, administrative and operational procedures and working arrangements for the efficient and timely processing and completion of investigations in the region in line with established procedures within the Investigation Service.
• Assist the Head of the Investigation Service in the overall management of oversight assignments in the region, making sure that they are carried out in support of the Organization¿s enterprise risk management.
• Ensure that effective follow-up of recommendations takes place, through established systems and procedures for compliance monitoring and reporting, and dealing with cases of non-compliance.
• Assess the training needs of Investigation staff based in Nairobi and make, as appropriate, proposals to the Head of Service.
• Mentor, advise and manage Investigation personnel based in Nairobi through regular performance appraisals and coaching.
• Play an active role in ensuring that appropriate security measures and evacuation plans are in place to protect Investigation staff based in Nairobi; and that security guidelines and procedures as outlined by the Designated Official and UNDSS are complied with.
• Liaise with the Regional Service Center in Nairobi and other regional entities in the region, as well as with field offices, as required for the proper conduct of investigations and other oversight exercises.
• Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of the Investigation Service or the Inspector General (e.g. participate in inquires, ad hoc inspections or investigations).

Authority 

• Decide on interviews and other investigative steps to be conducted during the course of investigations.
• Decide on the appropriate, forensically and legally sound use of investigation tools, techniques and methods to be applied during the course of investigations.
• Have access to any UNHCR document, site and property related to ongoing investigations.
• Decide to refer cases where the allegations are founded, to the Head of the Investigation Service.
• Approve administrative and operational procedures, SOPs and other working arrangements that will facilitate and improve the work of the IGO Unit.
• Represent the Investigation Service in relevant fora in the region, as requested by the Head of the Investigation Service.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master's) in Law, Criminology, Public Administration, or related subject bearing on the conduct of investigations in administrative law contexts plus minimum 11 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations,   including proven experience in the field of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Sexual Harassment and forensic audit and/or fraud examination.  Of these 11 years, at least 8 years in an international environment and 5 years within the UN/UNHCR. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 12 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 10 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted. 
• Formal professional qualification in investigation work
• Solid knowledge of the UN internal justice system. Proven experience in the conduct of administrative investigations in an international setting.
• Good knowledge in using modern forensic tools.  Good working knowledge of UNHCR¿s structure, organization and modus operandi, in particular as these relate to operations and human resource management.  Proven ability to work under pressure, produce rapid results and exercise tact, discretion and sensitivity in communications and interaction with staff at all levels and from all cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated mastery of management practices, standards and processes. 
• Proven ability in analytical and creative thinking and in devising rapid solutions to problems of management and policy development. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with staff and other interlocutors of different cultural and educational backgrounds. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.
• Demonstrated high ethical and professional standards. 
• Demonstrated skills as a team builder and team player. 
• Excellent knowledge of English (written/oral/comprehension).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Field experience with UNHCR or a similar field-oriented organization.
• Experience from investigation functions in the UN system.
• Experience of conducting investigations in the Africa region.
• Working knowledge of French.