Unicef
Job title:
Investigations Specialist, P-3, Office of Internal Audit and Investigations, New York # 127223 [Temp Appointment]
Company
Unicef
Job description
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
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 Section manages and conducts assessments and investigations of allegations of misconduct involving UNICEF staff and other personnel, including fraud, theft, corruption, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, abuse of authority, workplace harassment, whistleblower retaliation, and other failures to observe prescribed regulations, rules, relevant administrative issuances and standards of conduct. OIAI also investigates alleged wrongdoing including fraud and other financial irregularities, as well as sexual exploitation and abuse, committed by third parties including institutional contractors and implementing partners.
Within the Investigations Section, New York and Budapest-based Investigations units handle investigations and certain complex assessments. 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. The incumbent will be supervised by, and report to, the New York Chief of OIAl’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 Managers 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 Chief of Investigations, 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 New York 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:
- 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.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it.
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
- Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (Level 2) Works Collaboratively with others (Level 2)
- Builds and Maintains Partnerships (Level 2) Innovates and Embraces Change (Level 2)
- Thinks and Acts Strategically (Level 2)
- Drive to achieve impactful results (Level 2)
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (Level 2)
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our and its different levels.
Remarks:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
This position has the option for a fully remote work modality. This will be determined based on organizational needs, candidate’s location, and availability to relocate. In the event a remote work modality is selected and approved, no installation to the duty station will be applicable for the duration of the appointment and relevant entitlements will be adjusted. The applicable post adjustment rate will be based on lower of the two between the remote work location and the recognized duty station.
Advertised: 28 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Deadline: 19 Jan 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Expected salary
Location
USA
Job date
Sat, 30 Dec 2023 03:56:00 GMT
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