Investigation Specialist

Investigation Specialist

Background

**Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a 'leave no one behind' approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and **inspiring stories.

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities.

The Investigations Section of OAI conducts assessments and investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, workplace harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority, retaliation on whistleblowers, or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations that involve UNDP staff and other personnel.

OAI also investigates allegations of fraud and other financial irregularities committed by contractors, implementing partners and other third parties, deemed to be detrimental to UNDP. Where vendors are found to have engaged in proscribed practices (including, for example, corruption, collusion, and unethical conduct) OAI provides all relevant evidence to the UNDP Vendor Review Committee for consideration of sanctions against the vendors involved.

In addition, OAI may undertake proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to fraud, corruption, and other wrongdoings.

OAI has the sole responsibility for the conduct of all investigations within UNDP. OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for

Investigations endorsed by the 10th Conference of International Investigators, with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with the United Nations Standards of Conduct, and with the OAI Investigation Guidelines.

The Investigations Specialist functionally reports to the Team Lead Asia and the Pacific, Investigations Specialist, on investigation issues, under the overall supervision of the Investigations Manager.

Position Purpose:
The primary role of the Investigations Specialist is to conduct investigations into allegations of wrongdoing falling within OAI jurisdiction.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

**Responsibilities**:
Ensure effective management of investigations
- As a member of the investigations team, the Investigations Specialist plans and conducts investigations to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to factually determine the issues relevant to an investigation.
- Identifies, collects, and analyses information, using software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigation.
- Collects, records, and handles evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
- Uses specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, document examination and computer forensics).
- Interviews witnesses showing appropriate communication skills, accurate recording, and verification of testimony through the use of interpreters as required.
- Undertakes frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with hazardous working conditions.
- Keeps the Investigations Section's database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
- Proposes action to close matters where appropriate.
- Drafts investigation reports of a high standard, providing an objective and factual summary of the investigation, with soundly based conclusions and recommendations supported by all evidence obtained in the course of the investigation.

Ensure efficient Client Services
- Liaises with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), the Ethics Office, the UNDP Sexual Misconduct Taskforce, and other relevant offices in UNDP.
- Liaises with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Facilitate knowledge Management and other tasks
- Contributes to the ongoing development of profes