Investigation Specialist, P3, Pretoria At UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The ultimate aim of the IGO is to support the effective, efficient and accountable management of UNHCR operations and to play a positive role in upholding an environment of integrity in UNHCR by contributing to the maintenance of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct by UNHCR personnel, and all entities with contractual links to UNHCR.

The Investigation Service, working under the authority of the Inspector General, has responsibility for carrying out investigations into possible misconduct within UNHCR in a timely and appropriate manner and that findings are transmitted to the Inspector General.

The Investigation Specialist reports to the Head of Unit (Investigation) works independently or as part of a team on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Head of Unit. The Investigation Specialist has contact with staff within UNHCR, as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and UNHCR beneficiaries.

An important aspect of the position is to expand the IGO’s investigation capacity, efficiency and strategic reach. The post will serve to enhance the IGO’s focus and response to investigations, notably in the Region.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

• Reports received by the IGO on possible misconduct are efficiently and properly assessed to identify the appropriate investigative approach to establish the facts relevant to the case.
• Design and monitor quality standards and procedures for all steps in the investigation process.
• Act as a focal point for specific areas of expertise or typology of investigation as may be required and/or delegated by the Head of Service.
• Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned, in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with the Investigation Guidelines and UN/UNHCR policies, undertaking field missions when required. This may involve gathering evidence from available sources, including electronic and e-mail records, interviewing witnesses as well as interaction at all levels with external actors (other UN agencies/embassies/missions/implementing partners etc.) as well as UNHCR personnel.
• Conduct investigation interviews (complainants, witnesses, subject matter experts and subjects) in accordance with Investigation Guidelines, UN Administrative Instructions and the framework of Administration of Justice within the UN.
• Gather and analyse physical evidence, including forensic evidence, to establish facts.
• Prepare reports based on the available evidence and the investigation findings, such as: Investigation Reports in cases of misconduct; Closure Reports where no misconduct has been established; and Management Implication Reports on systemic issues (e.g. procedural or management issues) identified during the investigation.
• Liaise with different units within UNHCR; e.g. DHR, Ethics Office, DIST etc. in relation to the investigation function
• Provide advice and guidance to staff members on how to report misconduct and, as may be required, how to assist in conducting preliminary assessments / investigations.
• Undertake training activities on investigations for UNHCR and partner agency staff and develop and deliver training as may be required.
• Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of Unit, (Investigation), Head of Investigation Service or the Inspector General.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3 – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Criminal Justice; Criminology; Law, Public Administration;
Military, Police Studies, Law Enforcement
or other relevant field.
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses
Certified Fraud Examiner;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential
Minimum 6 years of experience in the field of investigations and application of law. Of these 6 years, at least 5 years in an international environment preferably within the UN Common System or other international organizations. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports. Working knowledge of UN administrative disciplinary rules and regulations. Honesty and integrity in the highest degree. Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and judgment.

Desirable
Familiarity with UN justice system and knowledge of the law of the international civil service as related to investigations, and staff misconduct. Field experience in developing countries with direct responsibility for performing investigations into misconduct such as sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, fraud, corruption. Experience in digital forensic investigations and evidence handling. Experience in the design, organisation and delivering of internal and external training related administrative investigations.