Investigation Specialist

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.
• Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
• 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.
• 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.

Language Requirements

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
• For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Source: https://unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/Pretoria-Gl-P-South-Africa/Investigation-Specialist_JR2444251-2