Senior Investigator

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information – Job-specific

The purpose of the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) is to provide independent and impartial assurance and advice to improve UNOPS operations. The group reports on the use of resources administered by UNOPS and the effectiveness of internal control systems; and enhances the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes. Furthermore, IAIG investigations into alleged fraud, corruption, sexual misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual abuse and exploitation), waste of resources, abuse of authority or other misconduct and violations of UNOPS regulations, rules and administrative instructions.

Visit the IAIG website for more information (https://www.unops.org/about/governance/accountability/iaig). IAIG is an innovative and vital part of UNOPS and this is an exciting time to join our growing team!

Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Investigation Officer is an expert with responsibility for the full range of activities involved in the management of investigations, requiring expert knowledge of investigation methodologies and tools. S/he contributes to UNOPS’ anticorruption efforts in its activities and operations, and ethical culture and leads broad and comprehensive investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption, and/or misconduct, often leading a team of investigators and investigative consultants. The Senior Investigator will lead the serious and complex investigations of alleged misconduct including procurement fraud, corruption, embezzlement, collusion, bribery schemes, sexual misconduct (seual exploitation and abuse as well as sexual harassment), harassment/abuse of authority, and other violations of UNOPS rules and regulations. These responsibilities include:

• Lead and supervise the team of investigators assigned for each case and coordinate the investigative activities of team members. In collaboration with the Investigations Manager, define the parameters and timetable of an investigation • Provides policy advice in relation to investigation strategy and develops or contributes to the development of investigation policy. • Interviews witnesses, victims, and subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (ensuring reliable information and according due process). • Prepares a detailed report which sets forth the findings, supporting evidence, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, as well as recommendations for next steps. • Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve UNOPS Organizational goals in accordance with organizational regulations and rules. • Expands and develops collaborative networks with counterparts both within the UNOPS and externally, such as other UN agencies, donors, etc, including representing IAIG at stakeholder and partner meetings.

Impact of results:

The work of the Senior Investigation Officer consists of conducting and leading investigations with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered as per IAIG’s applicable investigative guidelines, which require analysis of a broad range of subjects and capability to timely deliver comprehensive, succinct, and legally sound reports and impartiality of conclusions reached, and advising the Investigation Manager and Director IAIG on institutional risks and appropriate risk mitigating measures identified in the course of these investigations.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, accounting or a related area.
• A first-level university degree in combination with 2 years’ experience in conducting criminal and/or administrative investigations as an investigator (in addition to the 7 years of investigation experience required below) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A Diploma in Criminal Investigation from a national law enforcement agency or police academy and significant relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the above academic qualifications.

Experience:

• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in professional investigatory work, law enforcement/criminal investigations or related fields.
• Experience with managing investigations and with international investigations required.
• Experience with UN policies, procedures and operations also desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required;
• Working knowledge of other official United Nation language, particularly French or Spanish, is an advantage.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Staff
2. Contract level: P4
3. Contract duration: Fixed-term staff contracts – ‘One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability’

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link*:* https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.