United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) plays a critical role in providing management services for life saving, peace building, humanitarian and development operators UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations System meet the world’s needs for building, peace, recovering from disaster and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. Supported by the African Regional Office based in Johannesburg, South Africa
UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.
We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.
Position Title: Pool of Investigations Consultants - Retainers
Vacancy code: VA/2013/B0046/4411
Level: ICS-10
Department/office: Internal Audit and Investigations Group
Duration 1 year on retainer basis
Background Information - Job-specific
The United Nations Office for Project Services is currently seeking consultants with experience as Investigators for inclusion on its roster.
The Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNOPS and its affiliated entities. IAIG provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. IAIG also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations.
IAIG 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 wilful disregard of UNOPS regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNOPS personnel, contractors and other applicable persons. In addition, IAIG undertakes proactive investigations in high risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption.
IAIG conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Guidelines for Investigations, the UNOPS Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct dated May 2008, and the IAIG Investigation Guidelines.
Under the overall supervision of the Lead Investigator, the Consultant is required to assist with various initial reviews, preliminary assessments and/or investigations in IAIG
Functional Responsibilities
For cases assigned to him or her, the consultant will:
- Plan, conduct, and manage initial reviews, preliminary assessments and/or investigations of alleged misconduct, mismanagement, fraud, corruption, waste of resources or violation of the Organization's policies and procedures.
- Prepare proposed work plans for review and approval by IAIG;
- Gather, seize and analyze all relevant evidence (documentary, physical, electronic, etc.), documenting the process in accordance with IAIG’s chain of custody and other requirements. Organize complex and voluminous records and documents.
- Conduct interviews of witnesses and subjects, draft records of conversation, which shall be reviewed and signed by the interviewee. Subject and other relevant interviews shall be electronically recorded.
- At the completion of the assignment, prepare a detailed report in accordance with IAIG’s Investigation Guidelines. The report comprises the complete administrative record and includes references in footnotes to all supporting information and evidence (documentary and testimonial). The report sets forth the findings, supporting evidence, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, as well as recommendations for next steps.
- Where needed, provide post-report support and conduct legal and public sources research.
- International travel to UNOPS' offices, including field missions, may be required depending on the case. Such travel could include missions to hardship duty stations. Authorized travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with UNOPS official travel policy (AI/CSG/2010/03). Consultant to submit proof of travel to IAIG.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
Competencies required for the function:
- Ability to analyse
- Decision Making
- Organising and Quality Orientation
- Assertiveness
- Communications skill
- Teamwork skills
Competencies required for the function:
- Proven ability to gather and analyze evidence, including electronic evidence, and interview suspects and witnesses;
- Ability to organize voluminous amounts of documents, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
- Proven ability to quickly and accurately analyze, assess and summarize investigation findings, observations and recommendations.
- Excellent writing and communications skills are required; proven ability to communicate complex concepts in writing, including investigation reports in English.
- Expert knowledge, understanding and experience in the field of corruption, fraud, and investigations
- Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations, desirable
- Applicants must be willing to travel internationally
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
- Master's degree in Law, Accounting or related area required. Candidates with a first level university degree and two additional years of experience may be also considered.
- Candidates with ad Diploma in Criminal Investigation from a national law enforcement agency or police academy are considered if having a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience.
Experience:
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in professional investigatory work, law enforcement, criminal investigations or related fields. Experience at the international level desirable. Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations would be an asset, though not compulsory.
Language:
- For the post advertised, fluency in English both oral and written is required.
- Knowledge of other official United Nations language, particularly French or Spanish, is an advantage.
Additional Considerations
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
Application Closing Date
31st January, 2014
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online