Investigation Specialist, P-3, Fixed Term Position, #00111347, Office of Internal Audit & Investigation, Investigation Services, OIAI, New York, USA

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are a passionate organization committed to our mission, offering diverse professional and personal development opportunities in a supportive and inclusive culture. Our work for children is a calling, and we welcome individuals who want to belong and grow with us.

Job Purpose

The Investigations Specialist, reporting to the Chief of the Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit within UNICEF's Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI), is responsible for ensuring the legal quality and sustainability of the Investigations Service's work. This involves ensuring that all investigation processes, findings, and written products are firmly grounded in applicable legal principles and relevant jurisprudence. The role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of investigations into allegations of misconduct by staff, personnel, and third parties, including fraud, corruption, sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, and whistleblower retaliation. The incumbent will provide essential legal guidance and support to investigators, contributing to robust and legally sound outcomes that uphold UNICEF's standards and protect its operations and reputation.

Responsibilities

The Investigations Specialist will review work products of the Investigations Service, including investigation reports, findings, and recommendations for disciplinary action, to assess their legal sufficiency, factual integrity, and consistency with applicable legal standards. They will provide legal guidance to investigators on relevant legal principles, procedural standards, and emerging jurisprudence throughout the investigation process, from planning to reporting. The role involves developing, maintaining, and updating guidance materials, standard operating procedures, and legal reference tools to support investigators in producing legally sustainable work products. Additionally, the incumbent will identify legal and procedural gaps in investigation practice and recommend policy or procedural improvements. They will design and deliver training to investigators on legal standards, evidentiary requirements, and best practices. Monitoring developments in United Nations jurisprudence, General Assembly resolutions, and Executive Board decisions and advising on their operational implications is also key. Conducting legal research, analyzing investigation files, identifying precedents, and drafting legal analysis will be required. The specialist will review policies, procedures, and legal agreements from other UNICEF units for implications on OIAI's work and provide guidance. Liaising with the Administrative Law Unit and other relevant offices on case-related and policy matters, assisting with reporting obligations, and providing advice on UNICEF’s administrative sanctions processes, including reviewing reports for review committees, are also core functions. Preliminary assessments of complaints and drafting related documentation will also be undertaken.

Work Experience

A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in legal affairs, investigations, or a related field is required. Experience within the UN system or a similar international organization is an asset.

Skills

Legal analysis, Investigation procedures, Legal research, Report writing, Policy development, Training delivery, Legal guidance, Risk assessment, Compliance, International law, UN jurisprudence, Fraud investigation

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