Consultant - Investigation Office, Division of Internal Oversight Services
Organizational Context
The Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) at UNESCO provides a comprehensive oversight mechanism, including internal audit, evaluation, and investigation. The Investigation Office is tasked with assessing allegations of misconduct and irregularities affecting the Organization, its projects, assets, or personnel. This consultant role supports the Director of IOS in these critical functions.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to support the Investigation Office within UNESCO's Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS). The consultant will evaluate allegations of irregularities, misconduct, fraud, and unsatisfactory conduct, including harassment and abuse of authority. This involves determining if such allegations violate organizational rules, regulations, policies, or criminal law. The role requires preparing draft reports with recommendations for further action, conducting full investigations under authorization, and collaborating on complex cases. The consultant will develop investigation work plans, gather and analyze information, conduct interviews, and document all investigative activities to support management decisions on disciplinary or remedial actions.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct preliminary evaluations of allegations concerning irregularities, misconduct, fraud, and unsatisfactory conduct, including harassment and abuse of authority. A key responsibility is to identify whether these allegations constitute violations of organizational rules, regulations, policies, or criminal law. The consultant will document findings and prepare draft reports, including recommendations for the Director of IOS regarding whether to proceed with a full investigation, refer the case, or close it. Upon authorization, the consultant will conduct full investigations, collaborating with other personnel on complex cases, adhering to professional standards and the office's procedural framework. This includes preparing specific investigation work plans, gathering, reviewing, and analyzing information for relevance and reliability, and conducting necessary interviews. The consultant must document all work, present findings clearly, and propose appropriate recommendations. Draft reports supporting management decisions on disciplinary or remedial actions will be prepared and finalized, with follow-up on recommendation implementation.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience is necessary, specifically in conducting administrative, criminal, or forensic investigations within international organizations or the public/private sector.
Skills
The role requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Essential skills include a strong understanding of legal principles for investigative activities, the capacity to identify key investigation issues, and the ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze complex information. Strong coordination and analytical skills are crucial, alongside excellent interpersonal and communication abilities for diverse cultural environments. Proven report-drafting skills for complex topics and the ability to conduct sensitive interviews are also vital.