Investigation Specialist

With over 70 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith.

Come join our 33,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories!

Employee Contract Type

Local – Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term)

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Investigation Specialist reports to the Regional Finance Director and is responsible for supporting Regional and Field Office management in conducting accurate and high-quality investigations in a timely manner to enable WV to achieve it’s objectives. This position will be expected to conduct high level investigations on an as needed basis at the discretion of the SDO and Regional Oversight Committee. In addition to occasionally conducting investigations, this position will be expected to support and advise the Regional Oversight Committee to ensure the following processes and functions are operating in line with organisational guidance: Triage and assessment of incoming complaints, assignment of investigations to FO staff, designated staff are staying current on investigations training, and to maintain a ‘case tracker’ of open and active cases within the region which should be regularly reported on to the SDO.

The Investigation Specialist will be expected to plan, organize and manage workstreams as required in respect of all investigations assigned to them. Usually these will be high risk investigations implicating senior leaders and will require the successful candidate to possess a high degree of discretion and sensitivity in dealing with peers and leaders in the organisation. This role will also facilitate coordination between functions that conduct investigations to help avoid conflicts or duplication in various investigations that may occur in the region. The specialist will also be expected to maintain good working relationships with the functions that conduct investigations within WV including: Employee Relations/P&C, Field Finance, Fleet Management, Safeguarding, and the Global Internal Investigations Unit, and the ERM Team. This role will be expected to maintain a working knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, case management protocols, and complaint handling systems used by each of the above functions.

Key Responsabilities

Conducting Investigations

At the direction of the Regional Finance Director and/or Regional Oversight Committee, execute professional investigations into sensitive, complex, and other high risk workplace allegations in line with relevant functional protocols and in collaboration with other departments/SMEs (e.g. Safeguarding) Produce a high-quality investigation report that reports facts and provides management with actionable recommendations for managing risks that aligns with existing departmental requirements. Act as a trusted advisor to Senior Leadership in communicating recommendations and advice for allegation handling for a wide variety of matters that may arise. Maintains appropriate case records for assigned investigations and for investigations overseen by the Regional Oversight Committee. Professional management and careful judgement in the handling of sensitive information sources (whistle-blower/reporter information), and the handling and documenting of evidence and investigative materials with a sophisticated understanding of confidentiality and privacy concerns.

Mentoring And Training Other Professionals

Provide oversight, advice, and mentoring to other members of regional management and within field offices who are required to conduct investigations on an ongoing basis, ensuring consistency and a high-degree of quality. Regularly monitor investigations that are being overseen by the Regional Oversight Committee for quality and professionalism, providing coaching and correction as needed. Monitor and support the Roster of investigators within the region to ensure designated investigators are up to date on required trainings to ensure a consistent degree of skill and reliability.

Advise and Coordinate the Regional Oversight Committee

Provide support and technical expertise to the Regional Oversight Committee of senior level regional staff tasked with assessing incoming complaints, prioritising resources, assigning investigations, and evaluating investigation reports across several functional areas. Support effective communication amongst committee members to ensure confidentiality of sensitive information is maintained, while identifying and flagging any investigations that may be related and/or likely to result in conflicts. Carry out tasks or decisions as determined by the committee.

Analysis & Reporting

Identifies and tracks trends, lessons learned from investigations to inform learning, adaptation and improvement of policies, procedures and strategies. Provide the Regional Oversight Committee and Regional leadership with a holistic view of all investigations occurring within the region. Identify and flag any root cause or systematic issues within a given office or functional area that may require further risk management.

Monitor Case Management Practices

Regularly monitor ongoing incident reports and investigations within the organisational case management systems to ensure that regional and field office staff are capturing key data needed for long-term analysis. Ensure cases are being closed in a timely manner, and escalate any potential issues or risks to the SDO for attention as needed. Liase with GC functional units regularly to ensure good coordination amongst departments at the regional office and within field offices.

Required Professional Experience

4-5 years’ experience as a workplace investigator

Strong investigation, research and analytical skills

Experience and proficiency in delivering training and instruction to other professionals in a clear and concise manner

Proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong interpersonal and working relationships in a dispersed virtual, international context

Strong writing and verbal communication skills in both French and English

A track record in providing strategic and tactical advice and direction to investigations being conducted by others

Experience with translating data into information and analysis that communicates an easily understood concept or message

Experience engaging and working with a wide-range of senior leadership level stakeholders with sensitivity and good judgement.

Required Education, training, license, registration, and certification

Certified Investigator (any internationally recognised certification is acceptable).

Bachelors Degree

Excellent English & French language skills (oral and written).

Preferred Knowledge And Qualifications

Experience conducting and managing investigations within a humanitarian, foundation, or INGO an asset

Ability to speak more than one language

Knowledge of the WVI business, operations, systems and policies will be viewed as an asset

Cross cultural experience working in sensitive and challenging environments where difficult conversations will be necessary

Travel And/or Work Environment Requirement

The position requires ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% percent of the time.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit at a desk and work for prolonged periods. Ability to occasionally travel internationally.

Applicant Types Accepted

Local and International Applicants (IA’s) Accepted