Chief of Section, Investigations (Temporary Job Opening)

Organizational Context

This temporary position is within the Operational Standards and Support Section (OSSS) of the Investigations Division (ID) in the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) at the UN Secretariat in New York. OIOS serves as the UN's internal oversight body, providing audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation services to assist the Secretary-General in his oversight responsibilities.

Job Purpose

The Chief of Section, Investigations will lead the Operational Standards and Support Section (OSSS), reporting to the Director of the Investigations Division. This role is responsible for planning, prioritizing, and managing resources to effectively implement responsibilities and initiatives, ensuring alignment with work plan goals and maximum efficiency. The incumbent will provide guidance and direction to team members, fostering professional development and a positive, inclusive, ethical, and results-oriented team culture. A key aspect of the role is to lead the harmonization and continuous improvement of methodologies and workflows for investigative processes, ensuring consistency, analytical rigor, and adherence to professional standards across the Division.

Responsibilities

The Chief of Section, Investigations is responsible for planning and reporting on resource utilization for efficient project implementation. This includes guiding and directing team members to foster professional development and a positive team culture. The role involves leading the improvement of investigative methodologies and workflows, ensuring consistency and adherence to professional standards. Responsibilities also include ensuring organizational adherence to due process, confidentiality, and evidence-handling protocols, identifying systemic risks, and directing corrective measures. The Chief will serve as a focal point for procedural guidance, lead the preparation of official communications, and represent the Division in interdepartmental and inter-agency forums. Oversight of analytical reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for senior management, as well as the formal reporting function for investigation documentation, is critical. The role also entails leading data collection, analysis, and visualization for strategic insights, overseeing improvements to case management systems, and providing strategic oversight of programmatic and budgetary submissions.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in investigatory work is required. This includes knowledge of UN legal and accountability frameworks, internal justice processes, and case management systems. Experience in managing high-volume intake operations, supervising staff, and fostering a culture of professionalism and collaboration is necessary. Skill in data analysis and visualization for reporting is also required.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Performance Management, Investigative methodologies, Data analysis and interpretation, Evidence gathering, Interviewing, Resource management, Strategic planning, Risk identification, Reporting, Case management systems, Knowledge management.

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