Senior Investigation Specialist, P4

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR

Closing date: 31 Mar 2011
Location: Switzerland - Geneva

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Investigation Specialist is part of the Investigation Section of the Inspector General’s Office (IGO).

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.

The Investigation Section, 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 ensuring that findings are transmitted to the Inspector General.

All Senior Investigation Specialist posts report to the Chief of the Investigation Section. Each officer works independently on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Chief of Section. Senior Investigation Specialist has extensive contacts with all levels of staff within UNHCR, as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and with UNHCR beneficiaries.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

The Senior Investigation Specialist is assigned cases involving a wide range of UNHCR activities. The incumbent of the post must be able to operate to the highest standards of impartiality and integrity as investigation cases may lead to the imposition of disciplinary measures by Division of Human Resource Management (DHRM) on individual staff members. The incumbent will need to have a proven experience in carrying out investigations at a professional level, with knowledge of IT and other forensics an advantage.

Specifically, he/she will:

- Provide advice and guidance on how to report misconduct
- Assess initial reports of possible misconduct
- Screen audit, evaluation and inspection reports and other sources of information to identify recurring problem areas, and/or areas for potential investigation
- Carry out investigation of the cases 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 interaction at all levels with external actors (other UN agencies/embassies/missions/implementing partners etc) as well as UNHCR staff and UNVs.
- Ensure accuracy of evidence gathered and impartiality in conclusions reached
- Coordinate due process compliance for investigations
- Prepare investigation reports
- Prepare management implication reports on procedural or organisational problems encountered during an investigation
- Train and coach Investigation Section and other UNHCR staff in carrying out professional investigations/forensics.
- Design and monitor quality standards and procedures for all steps in the investigation process
- Participate as required in ad hoc inquiries
- Participate in working groups on matters of interest to the IGO as a whole and to the Investigation Section in particular
- May be assigned to act as Focal Point within the IGO/Investigation Section on specific areas
- May be assigned to represent the IGO/Investigation Section in Inter-Agency or external fora
- Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Chief of the Investigation Section or the Inspector General

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Advanced university degree in Law, Criminology, Public Administration or related subject bearing on the conduct of investigations in administrative law contexts.
- Formal professional qualification in investigation work.
- Working knowledge of UN administrative disciplinary rules and regulations.
- Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations, of which at least 7 years in an international environment and 5 years within the UN/UNHCR.
- Familiarity with IT and other forensic procedures.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.
- Ability to work effectively in English essential and French desirable; ability to work effectively in both languages would be an asset.
- Honesty and integrity in the highest degree
- Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and judgment
- Familiarity with UN justice system
- Ability in other UN official languages an advantage

How to apply

UNHCR aims for workforce diversity. Women are encouraged to apply for positions

A full curriculum vitae, including nationality and references, should be sent to: UNHCR, Vacancy Management Unit (quoting ref.10001228), case postale 2500, 1211 Geneva 2 Dépôt, Switzerland, or by fax (+41 22) 739 7322, or preferably, by e-mail: hqpe14@unhcr.org

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31 March 2011

To apply

Applications and updated CV should be submitted to hqpe14unhcr.org