Investigations Specialist (P-3), Office of Internal Audit & Investigations at UNICEF

For every child, results

• The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is an independent office reporting to UNICEF's Executive Director and the Executive Board. The Investigations Service investigates reports of possible violations of rules or regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of violations. Under the supervision of the Investigations Manager, the incumbent will report to the Chief Field Operations Section of OIAI's Investigations Service.

How can you make a difference?

• Positions at the P3 level are considered as experienced professionals responsible for supporting the section Chief and Investigations Manager on assigned investigations cases. Such responsibility is expected to be carried out with substantial independence, with the primary focus of the managerial oversight on the position being to ensure that results are delivered in accordance with the vision set forward by the leadership of the Section and Investigations Service.
• Under the general guidance of the Investigations Manager, the incumbent assists and supports the supervisor in planning and conducting investigations of allegations of fraud, abuse of authority, mismanagement, harassment, and/or retaliatory actions in or affecting UNICEF. The Investigations Specialist will also be responsible for providing support to the day to day operational and specialized activities related to the investigation function, to enhance the smooth running of the supervisor's day-to day actions, as well as his/her section.

NOTE: This post is based in Nairobi with travel to UNICEF locations, often in difficult duty stations.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:  

• Plan, organize and conduct office and field-based investigations into allegations including fraud, corruption, conflict of interest, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment and sexual harassment; 
• Conduct interviews, obtain testimony, and prepare written statements;
• Obtain, record and preserve evidence, including in electronic format, ensuring that all necessary evidence chains are established and maintained;
• Critically analyze evidence obtained and determine relevance to an investigation;
• Conduct research on assigned issues to verify facts, identify citations and precedents, and draft statements of findings and respondent replies;
• Draft clear, complete and concise investigation reports for related disciplinary and/or jurisdictional actions;
• Conduct preliminary assessments of allegations received and make recommendations as to the appropriate course of action.
• Contemporaneously manage the workflow of numerous investigation cases within the set timeframes.
• Plan and participate in field missions, including hardship locations, for the purpose of conducting investigations.
• Participate in briefing and planning conferences with investigation staff;
• Implement and maintain established procedures to ensure professional competency and best practice throughout the investigation process;
• Contribute to the development and improvement of processes to meet investigation needs, including sharing lessons learnt from investigative work.
• Perform other duties as required. 

To qualify as an advocate for every child, you will have…

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal investigation, or related field is required. *
• *A first-level degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in the specified fields with seven years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in undertaking investigations or related legal activities and/or investigation related functions is required.
• Demonstrated skills in drafting complex reports and other written outputs.
• Demonstrated skills in critically analyzing information and drawing supported conclusions
• Demonstrated experience in conducting interviews and other evidence-gathering techniques
• Familiarity with the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic tools and databases.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Solid organizational skills. 
• Experience with international organizations is an advantage.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic is a strong advantage. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset.