Investigations Quality Assurance Specialist- IPSA 11 (Home Based)

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.   UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Office/Unit/Project Description 

The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations. 

The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations against parties external to UNDP of financial irregularities committed to the detriment of UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption. 

OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines. 

OAI needs to engage a suitably skilled and experienced International Personnel under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI/Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The IPSA holder is required to provide expert advisory support to the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit with the review of draft investigation reports, management letters and other documents produced by the Investigations Section to ensure high quality and legal sufficiency of the work-products.

The specific tasks that will be required are: 

1. Review draft reports and other work products prepared by the Investigations Section for sufficiency of evidence, accuracy, legal conformity, coherence and appropriateness of recommendations and compliance with OAI’s report templates and report writing style. 
2. Based on the above reviews, identify areas for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products. 
3. Review evidence gathered during an investigation and ensured that citations to evidence in footnotes of investigation reports and other documents are accurate and complete; 
4. Provide proofreading and editorial services, including ensuring compliance with the editing standards of the United Nations and relevant templates. 
5. Develop and update UNDP and OAI policies and guidelines, relating to misconduct, including as example in relation to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
6. Provide legal advisory services to investigators and OAI management.
7. Liaise with the Legal Office and internal and inter-agency advisory panels on areas of interest to the Investigations Section, such as Sexual Misconduct, as required.
8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Deliverables:

• Draft reports and other investigation products in MS Word document format with review comments and edits tracked. 
• Inputs and recommendations for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products.
• Provide timely legal advisory and legal/policy research products as required.

Institutional Arrangement

The IPSA holder will be tasked by or on behalf of the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance, and Special Investigations Unit. The work performed by the IPSA holder will be submitted to the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special I