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Investigation Officer P-3 - Office of Audit and Oversight

Organizational Context
IFAD is an International Financial Institution and a Specialized Agency of the United Nations whose mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD’s headquarters is in Rome, Italy, and its staff work with poor rural people, their governments, communities and organizations in more than 90 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing rural productivity and incomes.
Division Context
IFAD’s anticorruption policy formally introduced a zero-tolerance stance towards cases of fraud and corruption, both within the institution and under its projects and programmes. As the internal body tasked with the promotion of the anticorruption policy, the Investigation Section of Office of Internal Audit and Oversight (AUO) acts as a focal point in IFAD efforts to prevent, detect, investigate and sanction fraud, corruption and misconduct in its operations and activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general guidance of the Director, AUO, and under the direct supervision of a more senior Investigation Officer, the Investigation Officer will contribute to the work of the Investigation Section through (i) the conduct of investigations; and (ii) any other activities related to the effective implementation of IFAD’s anti-corruption policy in the field, as required. In particular, the incumbent’s responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting investigations

• Participate in conducting case reviews and analyses of allegations for risk assessment and prioritization.
• Prepare and propose for approval investigation plans and conduct investigations in accordance with approved investigation plan into allegations of irregular practices, including fraud, corruption and misconduct, within IFAD and in IFAD-funded projects and programmes, and into allegations of IFAD staff misconduct including harassment, abuse of authority and retaliation.
• Conduct and document interviews with complainants, witnesses and subjects using formal investigation and interview techniques.
• Identify, gather and analyse documentary and other evidence.
• Draft investigation reports setting out investigative details and legally sound findings, according to IFAD applicable law and disciplinary procedures.
• Draft closure reports and management implication reports.

2. Supporting the sanctions process

• Assist in providing secretariat support to the IFAD Sanctions Committee.

3. Promoting the anticorruption agenda

• Assist in referring investigative findings to national authorities in borrower and recipient countries, and coordinate with external oversight entities and national authorities as may be necessary for investigative purposes.
• Participate in the monitoring of the application of anti-corruption and/or investigation-related policies and procedures both by the Fund and by external entities.
• Participate in presentations to IFAD staff and IFAD partners on IFAD policies and procedures on anticorruption.
• Assist in development and implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting anticorruption agenda and supporting the investigation function.

4. Conducting other activities related to investigations and the implementation of the IFAD anticorruption policy, as assigned by the Investigation Officer and the Director, AUO.
Education and Experience
• A university degree in law, forensic science, accounting or related areas. An advanced degree in related areas would be an asset.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in professional investigatory work in an international setting preferably gained with an International Financial Institution or a United Nations organization.
• Knowledge of financial institutions, international organizations, multilateral development banks and their internal justice and disciplinary mechanisms.
• Knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations, desirable. Experience gained in promoting good governance and anti-corruption practices will be particularly relevant.
• Expertise with legal, procedural or policy issues related to the detection, investigation and prevention of fraud and corruption.
• Additional relevant professional qualifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner an asset.
• Working familiarity with investigative or forensic software, e.g. i2 Analyst Notebook or EnCase, is desirable.
Tech/Functional Competencies
• Proven technical knowledge for conducting internal and/or fraud investigations. Knowledge of investigative strategies, methodologies and techniques.
• Excellent drafting, editing, and presentation skills; proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare, present, discuss and defend issues, findings and recommendations and to produce complex and compelling briefs and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of trends and recent developments in the field.
• Analysis and problem solving skills: outstanding ability gathering, analysing and synthesizing information from multiple sources and/or perspectives to make clear, timely and well-reasoned decisions and recommendations, and to provide analysis in qualitative and quantitative form.
• Highest standard of personal integrity, trustworthiness, discretion and maturity in handling complex assignments and situations.
• Effective teamwork and networking.
Communication
• Excellent written and oral skills in English required. Strong working knowledge of French highly desirable. Knowledge of another IFAD language (Spanish or Arabic) an asset.
Other Information
This position requires travel outside of the duty station.

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History
Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in “How to Apply” before you start.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

Investigation Officer P-3 - Office of Audit and Oversight