Investigator

Investigator (INT/EXT/5434)

The European Patent Office in Munich is seeking an Administrator (investigator) *

in D 0.6.1 - Internal Auditing and Investigations
(two vacancies)

Deadline for applications: 11.3.2013

Directorate 0.6.1 (Internal Auditing and Investigations) is one of three units making up the EPO's Principal Directorate Internal Audit and Oversight (PD 0.6), the others being Directorate 0.6.2 (Quality Audit) and Department 0.6.3 (Other Assurance Services).

The head of PD 0.6 reports direct to the President of the European Patent Office. Directorate 0.6.1 is responsible for providing regular, independent and objective appraisal of all the systems of control in the European Patent Office, as well as investigative services into cases of alleged misconduct.

For this latter purpose, an Investigative Unit (0.6.1.1) is dedicated to establishing the facts relating to allegations of misconduct (e.g. fraud, harassment) and to reporting the results to the President of the Office, and to the Chairman of the Administrative Council if the latter was the subject's appointing authority.

Investigations are administrative in nature and are carried out in accordance with the relevant EPO policies, taking into account the best practice of other intergovernmental organisations, general principles of law and the jurisprudence of the ILOAT.

Main duties

Under the direction of the Director 0.6.1 and under the supervision of the head of the Investigative Unit, the selected candidate(s) will:

1. Prepare and participate in the review and evaluation of allegations received;
2. Formulate plans and strategies for diverse and complex investigations;
3. Carry out investigations into cases of alleged misconduct, in particular by: conducting interviews as appropriate, including credibility determinations; gathering and assessing all relevant evidence (physical, electronic, records and other pertinent information); maintaining an adequate record of the investigative process and of the information collected;
4. Prepare summaries of findings and investigative reports including recommendations for corrective measures, ensuring that findings are factually and legally sound;
5. Co ordinate the work of internal or outside experts involved in investigations, ensuring that the services are delivered according to expected time, budget and quality;
6. Contribute to the implementation and updating of investigation policies and procedures;
7. Conduct training, communication and advisory activities;
8. Perform other tasks as allocated with a view to the efficient organisation and smooth running of Directorate 0.6.1, including internal audit work according to the needs of the service.

The ideal candidate will have

• a university degree in law, accounting or related subjects;
• in-depth knowledge of investigative techniques, principles and procedures relating to internal justice and compliance in an international organisation, including their practical application and the relevant ILOAT case law;
• proven ability and extensive experience in performing difficult and varied investigations into allegations of misconduct, including sexual and other harassment, in either the public or private sector;
• the ability to conduct investigative interviews in all three official languages, and therefore a very good knowledge of them;
• the ability to work in a multi-national and multi-disciplinary team;
• the ability to handle multiple cases simultaneously;
• the ability to analyse and assess complex and voluminous information;
• a high level of professional integrity to be confirmed at least by two referees;
• good communication skills, both orally and in writing, including the ability to communicate and explain sensitive findings in a respectful, fair and firm manner.

Professional qualifications and experience as e.g. a lawyer, police officer, computer forensic scientist or certified fraud examiner would be an asset.

Minimum qualifications

Diploma of completed studies at university level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional experience. Excellent knowledge of one official language** and ability to understand the other two.

The successful candidates will be selected on the basis of qualifications, supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a personality questionnaire.

It is intended to hold the interviews in calendar week 15.

Application until: 11.3.2013

Please apply by sending us your online application

Instructions for online job applications to the European Patent Office 

How to get there: directions for the European Patent Office in Munich 

* Grade A4/A1
** English, French and German