Head Investigation

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) reports to the Director-General and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to WHO and affiliated entities. As the sole office in WHO mandated to conduct investigations, IOS conducts independent investigations into allegations of misconduct involving WHO staff, contractors and other applicable persons. IOS conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations endorsed by the 10th Conference of International Investigators, with the WHO legal framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with the United Nations Standards of Conduct, and with the IOS Investigation Guidelines, as relevant.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the guidance of the Director IOS, the Head Investigation is responsible for:

1. Formulating and implementing policies and procedures for the management of investigations into allegations of wrongdoing, with a particular emphasis on fraud, embezzlement, theft, corruption, but also other misconducts such as abuse of authority, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, retaliation on whistleblowers, theft, gross negligence or any other type of misconduct involving WHO staff, contractors and other applicable persons, as defined in the relevant policies.
2. Contributing to the formulation of policies and procedures for the promotion of ethical conduct, improving accountability, as well as proper management of resources and the prevention of wrongdoing.
3. Managing the Investigation function efficiently in order to meet the needs of the Organization as well as the expectations of all stakeholders. This includes the preparation of a multi-year strategy and annual plans of work, the development of concepts for proactive investigations in high risk areas, and the management of proper systems for the receipt of complaints from staff, Management and others.
4. Planning and directing the conduct of investigations in WHO in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures, ensuring that the resulting reports are of a high quality and issued in a timely manner.
5. Managing, guiding, and training IOS Investigation staff (and external investigation consultants) and fostering teamwork and communication among staff across organizational boundaries.
6. Strategic: Contribute to the continuous improvement of WHO’s legal framework for addressing non-compliance with the WHO Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the International Civil Service Standards of Conduct and other frameworks and standards relevant for the Investigation function.
7. Formulate, monitor and report on IOS’ multi-year strategy for investigations.
8. Formulate, monitor and report on an annual plan of work.
9. Formulate policies and procedures for proactive investigation in high risk areas in order to minimize the risk of fraud and misuse of resources.
10. Establish internal policies and procedures in accordance standards for investigations in international organizations.
11. Ensure that there is an effective communication system (Hotline, email systems, postal mail and personal reporting) that is operational 24/7 for the receipt of complaints from staff, Management and others.
12. Oversee reporting on the status and results of investigations for the information of senior management, and, the Independent Expert Oversight Advisory Committee (IEOAC) and the World Health Assembly (WHA).
13. Formulate and implement a strategy for communicating the Investigation function to staff and external stakeholders.
14. Design and maintain an intake system for categorizing and prioritizing all complaints in terms of risk and complexity and allocate cases to individual investigators to ensure timely completion of investigations.
15. Manage a case management system for the effective tracking, management of and reporting on cases at all stages of investigations.
16. Establish and maintain a forensic investigations function to ensure investigations are supported by efficient and effective forensic tools and capabilities, incompliance with established procedures and quality standards.
17. Supervise and provide guidance to investigators, experts and consultants to ensure that their work conforms to established standards and procedures and is completed in a timely manner.
18. Ensure that investigations are completed and reports issued in a timely manner.
19. Manage the relationship and communication between IOS, Legal Counsel (LEG), Ethics Office (CRE), Department of Human Resources and Talent(HRT) in HQ and the regions, and other stakeholders concerned by the investigation process or the investigation results.
20. Ensure resources are allocated for the Investigation function and are properly applied by performing the following: Monitor, review and ensure that all resources allocated to the Investigation function are properly used in accordance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures and propose for the Director IOS’ consideration an appropriate strategy for the management of these resources. Ensure that personnel within the Investigation function continue to maintain their professional competence through appropriate training and development programmes.
21. Perform all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced level university degree (Master or equivalent) in law, accounting, audit, business administration or another directly relevant field.
Desirable:-

Experience

Essential:

• A minimum of 15 years progressively responsible professional work experience, of which at least 5 years at the international level, in investigating or prosecuting complex cases of fraud and workplace misconduct, including carrying out and proactive fraud or forensic accounting investigations.
• Several years of managerial experience (including team leadership)are required, preferably in an international environment.
  

Desirable:

• Field experience in complex and challenging operating environments is desirable.
• Also desirable, experience in the UN system or Bretton Woods system institutions.

Skills

• Management and Leadership: Mature judgment and initiative, energy and tact.
• Excellent networking, team-building, organizational, communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Outstanding strategic planning and action management skills to produce results.
• Excellent management and technical leadership skills.
• Strong sense of impartiality, objectivity and confidentiality.
• Ability to establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the Organization.
• Provides effective support to the Director IOS.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with forensic tools and analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of inter-governmental governing processes.
• Strong knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures is highly desirable.
• Development and Operational Effectiveness: Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting to achieve impact.
• Ability to lead in the formulation and implementation of polices relating to investigations.
• Comprehensive knowledge in the proper application of the following organizations policies and procedures in undertaking investigations: resource and financial management; human resources management and related organizational values; procurement, contract and asset management; information and communication technology management; and general administration.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Producing results
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.
• Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.
• Intermediate knowledge of any other official UN languages (Chinese, Russian, Spanish).

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 106,023 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 8544 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This selection may be subject to special selection procedures
• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to [email protected]

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at [email protected].

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• In case the website does not display properly, please retry by: (i) checking that you have the latest version of the browser installed (Chrome, Edge or Firefox); (ii) clearing your browser history and opening the site in a new browser (not a new tab within the same browser); or (iii) retry accessing the website using Mozilla Firefox browser or using another device. Click this link for detailed guidance on completing job applications: Instructions for candidates