Investigations Specialist - Office Based (Open to internal and external applicants)

UNDP•Panama City, FL

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) 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 aims to engage suitably skilled and experienced international personnel through the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI's Investigations Section, Unit 1, Regional Investigations HQ and RBLAC, with investigations, covering all aspects of work within OAI’s mandate and related assignments.

Requirements

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Law, Fraud Examination, Accounting Forensics, or related field is required.
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree, or related field.
A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) work experience in the fields listed above, writing and editing investigation reports, preparation of communications material is required.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience of working within an international investigation office is desirable.
Experience in administrative investigations is desired.
Proven track record of sound knowledge of the UN/UNDP’s policies and procedures is desirable.
Experience working with UNDP or the UN System is desirable.
Familiarity with investigative procedures applicable to OAI/UNDP is an advantage.
Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; presentation software applications; and forensic software (such as Intella).
Proven track record of demonstrated strong understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations.
Fluency in any other UN official language is an advantage.

Responsibilities

Ensure the effective assessment and conduct of complex investigations.
Review complaints of misconduct allegations received by the organization against personnel and others (including fraud, corruption, sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and other misconduct allegations).
Undertake analytical or research activity as required to support the assessment and investigation of cases.
Propose action to close cases or to assign cases for investigation where appropriate.
Guide and support in interviewing witnesses, showing appropriate communication skills, accurate recording, and verification of testimony through the use of interpreters as required.
Collect, record, and handle evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
Communicate with complainants, witnesses, and other stakeholders on behalf of OAI.
Guide and support in conducting investigations to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to determine the issues relevant to an investigation factually.
Assist in the interview of interview subjects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (to obtain reliable information, while affording due process).
Contribute to the investigation reporting process.
Drafts reports of a high standard, providing an objective and factual summary of the assessment, with soundly based conclusions and recommendations supported by all evidence obtained in the course of the assessment.
Guide and support in the identification, collection, and analysis of information, using software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues pertinent to investigations.
Guide and support in the collection, recording, and handling of evidence appropriately, ensuring the chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
Draft reports of a high standard, including Investigation Reports, Closure Reports, Closure Notes, and Investigation Plans.
Keeps the Investigation Section’s database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
Propose action to close matters where appropriate.
When required, OAI Investigators in other regions assist with preparing interview plans, participating in witness interviews, recording testimony, and preparing witness statements and subject interviews.
May undertake missions to UNDP offices in all regions, including areas with hazardous working conditions.
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 other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).
Identify, synthesize, and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.