UN Women - Head, Internal Investigation Function, P4 New York, USA (FTA)

Background:

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

Under a hybrid model of investigation services, UN Women’s Internal Investigation Function (IIF) of the Independent Evaluation, Audit, and Investigations Services (IEAIS), and the external investigation service provider will have authority to conduct investigations for UN Women at Headquarters and offices away from headquarters.  When directed, the IIF will undertake preliminary analysis and reviews, conduct investigations into alleged fraud, corruption, harassment, abuse of authority or other misconduct and violations of UN Women regulations, rules and administrative instructions.

The Head, IIF reports to the Director, IEAIS as primary supervisor. The Head, IIF supervises the Investigator (P2) and investigation consultants as needed, and works closely with other IEAIS personnel, Human Resources, Management and Finance, Legal personnel as well as relevant personnel at headquarters, regional and country offices.

Key Functions and Accountabilities:

1. Lead, manage and conduct investigations aligned with UN Women regulations, rules and administrative instructions.

• Conduct out the full range of activities involved in the management and conduct of investigations. 
• Contribute to UN Women’s corporate integrity, good governance and anti-fraud efforts.
• Lead and provide guidance to the unit’s investigations into fraud, corruption, harassment, abuse of authority, sexual harassment and abuse or other misconduct.

 

• For cases assigned, the Head, IIF will be responsible for: 
  • Conducting preliminary assessments, investigations and lessons learned reviews of alleged misconduct or violations of UN Women regulations, rules and administrative instructions;
  • Lead and supervise assignment teams assigned for each case and coordinate the investigative activities of team member(s);
  • Define the parameters, scope and timetable of an investigation for approval of the Director, IEAIS
  • Gather and analyze relevant evidence (documentary, physical, electronic, etc.);
  • Interview witnesses, victims, and subjects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (ensuring confidential and reliable information and according due process);
  • Prepare concise investigation reports which sets forth the findings, supporting evidence, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, as well as recommendations; and
  • Work collaboratively with key stakeholders, both internally (headquarters, regional offices, country offices, Board of Auditors, Advisory Committee on Oversight) and externally (e.g. other UN organizations, donors, suppliers).

2. Provide timely substantive support and advice on investigation activities: 

• Develop and maintain investigation strategy for the unit;
• Lead the preparation of the segment of the annual report to the Executive Board on investigation activities;
• Perform quality assurance and professional development programme, and investigation-related policies, procedures and guidance material, based on applicable best practices and legal developments;
• Perform legal and policy research and analysis of evidentiary material gathered for investigation reports, including analysis of the applicable legal norms governing investigations;
• Contribute to ensuring confidentiality and administration of information systems, files and statistics related to investigations.

3. Provide technical contributions to knowledge management and sharing:

• Provide training and guidance to personnel and partners on integrity and fraud and corruption prevention and detection.
• Provide guidance and advice to business units on investigation-related matters.
• Provide ongoing development of professional practices within the team including the development of investigation standard operating procedures for the effective and efficient conduct of investigations.
• Participates in the implementation of a personal learning and training development plan.

4. Strengthen the investigations capacity within UN Women