Investigations Specialist; Home-Based; Tier 1 and 2

Position: Investigations Specialist (Home-Based) (Open to Tier 1 and 2)
Job Description

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you hold the applicable contract as defined below.

• Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as "internal" candidates)

• Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers

Background

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. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations.

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistle-blowers, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors and other applicable persons.

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

OAI seeks to engage a French-speaking Investigations Specialist under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support the Central and West Africa (CWA) team of Unit 2 - Regional Investigations (Africa) and Sexual Misconduct Team.

Scope of Work

The Investigations Specialist is required to conduct highly complex investigations into allegations of fraud, abuse and misconduct in a timely and efficient manner, and ensure that the investigative actions are consistent with UNDP Rules and Regulations and internationally accepted standards.

The specific tasks that will be required are:

1. Ensure the effective planning and conduct of complex investigations

• Ensure planning and conducting investigations in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.
• Plan 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.
• Lead in identifying, collecting and analyzing information software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to an investigation.
• Collect, record, and handle evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
• Use specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, document examination and computer forensics).
• Conduct interviews with complainants, witnesses, subjects and suspects showing effective communication across diverse backgrounds and ensure precise recording and verification of testimony as needed.
• Interview subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (in order to obtain reliable information, while affording due process).
• Assist the Intelligence, Analysis and Research Team by assessing complaints when needed.
• Plan and undertake frequent, and at times, extended missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with hazardous working conditions.

2. Ensure all investigation reports are updated.

• Keep the Investigations Section's database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
• Prepare high-quality investigation reports and documents that objectively summarize findings, with evidence-based conclusions and recommendations.

3. Build strategic partnerships

• Liaise with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), Country Office management, the Vendor Review Committee (VRC), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Ethics Office, and other relevant UNDP business units.
• Liaise with the investigation sections of…