Inspector General

Inspector General

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Inspector General reports directly to the High Commissioner and submits an annual report to UNHCR’s Executive Committee. The incumbent is the highest authority in UNHCR on oversight matters and is solely responsible for conducting investigations and inquiries. S/he exercises independent managerial control over the work of the Inspector General's Office (IGO) and assures cohesion of the Organization's oversight activities. The IGO consists of the Investigation Service, Strategic Oversight and the front office.

The Office structure comprises Headquarters, Geneva and other locations.

The Inspector General interacts with, and provides assurance and advice to, the High Commissioner and executive and senior management on matters of governance, internal controls, and risk and oversight in general. In relation to the provision of internal audit services, s/he also works on a day-to-day basis with the Chief of the UNHCR Audit Service of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

S/he provides advice to all members of UNHCR’s workforce aimed at promoting an ethical work environment and improving integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of UNHCR’s operations.

The Inspector General maintains strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders who are important collaborators in the Organization’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability. S/he liaises and coordinates the activities of the Office with all heads of business units as required and is UNHCR's interface with interlocutors in other oversight bodies and stakeholders (including donor governments, NGOs, UN and non-UN agencies as well as independent experts) as pertains to oversight matters.

To ensure independence, the Inspector General's tenure will be for a time limited non-renewable term of six years, and without the possibility of employment in UNHCR at the end of the term.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UNStaff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

• Provide strategic vision and leadership in establishing and meeting the objectives and priorities of the IGO as approved in the operational and strategic plans and budgets.
• Provide advice to the High Commissioner, members of the Senior Executive Team, and senior management on risk and oversight matters.
• Perform research and analysis to identify and report to the High Commissioner and senior management on matters of important strategic and/or reputational risks.
• Assist management and other UNHCR personnel in enhancing governance and oversight by promoting a culture of risk management and integrity in accordance with regulations, rules and policies.
• Manage the personnel of the IGO and those assigned to it, promote best practices in oversight and provide technical guidance to ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the highest professional standards.
• Establish and maintain a quality assurance program, including independent reviews by experts where required, to verify that work performed by the IGO adheres to established policies and procedures, meets established standards of performance, and is carried out economically, efficiently and effectively.
• Deliver reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders on the results of the work of the IGO including investigations, inquiries, and analyses of risks, with recommendations and lessons learned. Follow up on the implementation of recommended actions.
• Collect and analyze information on planned oversight activities and inform executive management of significant gaps in high-risk areas.
• Collabora…