Investigations Specialist (Open to all applicants).

UNDP•Panama City, FL

About The Position

The Investigations Specialist conducts investigations into alleged misconduct and other wrongdoing within the mandate of UNDP’s Office of Audit and Investigations, with a focus on matters relating to Latin America. The role is part of the Investigations Section, which conducts misconduct investigations and compliance reviews and is UNDP’s sole authority for investigations. The position functionally reports to the Investigations Team Lead, Headquarters, Latin America and the Caribbean (P4), under the overall supervision of the Chief, Investigations, Unit 1. The Specialist plans and conducts investigations in accordance with UNDP policies, procedures, and OAI investigation guidelines. The work includes assessing allegations, identifying lines of inquiry, collecting and analyzing information and evidence, interviewing witnesses and subjects, using investigative technologies and specialist services, and preparing objective reports and recommendations. Field work and mission travel are mandatory, including frequent and sometimes extended travel to UNDP offices worldwide and potentially hazardous locations. The role also involves liaison with UNDP offices and external investigation and law-enforcement counterparts, contributing to professional practices and risk assessment, and supporting knowledge management. The incumbent may perform other duties within their functional profile as needed. There are no supervisory or managerial responsibilities.

Requirements

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Management, Finance, Law, or a related field; alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in complex criminal and/or administrative investigations with a Master’s degree, or at least 7 years with a bachelor’s degree.
Fluency in English.
Ability to manage investigations, select lines of inquiry, and apply investigative techniques, including interviewing, evidence seizure and analysis, forensic analysis, verification site visits, and open-source research.
Ability to extract and analyze relevant evidence and draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.
Ability to conduct investigative interviews with witnesses and subjects using an approach tailored to the interviewee and investigation.
Clear, concise, and audience-appropriate written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to make timely and efficient decisions within one’s authority, expertise, and resources while considering wider implications.

Nice To Haves

Formal professional training across a comprehensive range of investigation-related areas.
Formal professional training in advanced interview techniques.
Formal professional training in conducting fraud investigations.
Experience applying AI tools to investigations.
At least one year of experience working in an international investigation role.
Fluency in Spanish.
Knowledge of another UN official language.
Knowledge of system thinking, portfolio management principles, and project, programme, and portfolio management.

Responsibilities

Conduct case assessments and investigations into allegations in accordance with UNDP policies, procedures, and OAI investigation guidelines.
Plan investigations, identify appropriate lines of inquiry, and use investigation resources effectively.
Identify, collect, and analyze information while observing information security and confidentiality requirements.
Collect, record, and handle evidence appropriately, maintaining chain of custody and applying suitable evidence-handling practices.
Use specialist investigation services, such as handwriting analysis, document examination, and computer forensics, when appropriate.
Use investigative technologies, including case-management systems, analytical software, open-source intelligence tools, and AI-enabled solutions.
Interview witnesses, accurately record and verify testimony, and use interpreters as required.
Interview subjects and suspects in line with accepted best practices and due-process requirements.
Undertake frequent and sometimes extended missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including locations with hazardous working conditions.
Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date case records, databases, and documentation.
Formulate and recommend case-closure decisions, including assessments of evidentiary sufficiency and proportionality, for Team Lead review and approval.
Propose closure of matters where appropriate.
Draft high-standard investigation reports with objective factual summaries, well-supported conclusions, and recommendations.
Liaise, under the Team Lead’s direction, with UNDP’s Office of Legal Services, Ethics Office, Procurement Support Office, Social and Environmental Compliance Unit, and other relevant offices.
Liaise, under the Team Lead’s direction, with investigation sections of international organizations and national anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies, as appropriate.
Contribute to the ongoing development of professional practices within OAI.
Assess potential fraud and corruption risks in UNDP offices and operations, and contribute to risk-assessment planning.
Participate in implementation of the incumbent’s personal learning and training development plan.
Keep abreast of jurisprudence of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal and United Nations Appeals Tribunal.
Perform other assignments or tasks as determined by the Deputy Director and/or the Chief, Investigations, Unit 3, and other duties needed for the efficient functioning of the Office and Organization.