Job Description

UNICEF works in some of the world\'s toughest places, to reach the world\'s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, advocate

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is an independent office reporting to UNICEF\'s Executive Director and the Executive Board. The Investigations Section manages and conducts assessments and investigations of allegations of misconduct involving UNICEF staff and other personnel, including fraud, theft, corruption, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, abuse of authority, workplace harassment, whistleblower retaliation, and other failures to observe prescribed regulations, rules, relevant administrative issuances and standards of conduct. OIAI also investigates alleged wrongdoing including fraud and other financial irregularities, as well as sexual exploitation and abuse, committed by third parties including institutional contractors and implementing partners.

Within the Investigations Section, New York and Budapest-based Investigations units handle investigations and certain complex assessments. The Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (SIA) is responsible for the overall management of the hotline for reporting allegations and for conducting initial assessments of reports of misconduct and wrongdoing. As part of the assessment, SIA analyzes the information received and may collect additional information to determine whether to initiate a full investigation, close the matter, or refer it to another office or entity. SIA is also responsible for certain policy and strategic initiatives; quality assurance of investigation and other reports; and internal and external reporting of certain investigations-related data.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director of Investigations and the direct supervision of the Chief of SIA, and as part of a dedicated team, the Investigations Specialist will assist the intake and assessment function by supporting management of the hotline for reports of misconduct and maintenance of the electronic case management system and case file repository. The Investigations Specialist may also be asked to assist with other tasks, including reporting-related initiatives and conducting initial assessments.

To this end, the Investigations Specialist will be responsible, inter alia, for the following activities:

• Review, screen and respond to incoming reports of misconduct received on the hotline and other reporting channels, including by:

• Assessing whether reports potentially fall within OIAI\'s mandate;

• Providing guidance to UNICEF personnel regarding the investigation process and availability of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, as appropriate;

• Communicating in a timely and professional manner with complainants/reporters and other potential witnesses, as well as with relevant UNICEF offices and external entities, as appropriate; and
• Escalating sensitive matters promptly to the attention of management;

• Assist with the initiation of new matters in the Office\'s case management system and creation of investigation case files in Sharepoint;

• Extract relevant information from UNICEF database and systems and external sources, and file and store information in a structured manner;

• Assist with reporting-related activities, including by compiling statistical data on investigations activities on a periodic and ad hoc basis, including through use of web-based reporting platform;

• Contribute to the development of and assist with the implementation of templates, workflows, procedures and policies to ensure that incoming reports are responded to in a timely and appropriate manner;
• Upon request, conduct initial assessments of reports of misconduct and wrongdoing and prepare related written outputs, including referral memorandums and notes for the record;

• Perform other duties as required.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have\xe2\x80\xa6

Education and Experience

• Advanced university degree (Master\'s degree or equivalent) in law, criminal investigation, or related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor\'s or equivalent) in the specified fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in legal activities and/or investigation-related functions is required.
• Prior experience supporting or managing a hotline is a strong advantage.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to ensuring integrity of investigations-related data.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment to achieve common goals.
• Fluency in English is required, with ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Working knowledge of French, Spanish or Arabic is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF\'s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter:

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are\xe2\x80\xa6

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (Level 1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (Level 1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (Level 1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (Level 1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (Level 1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (Level 1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (Level 1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: .

UNICEF is here to serve the world\'s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. , irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a , including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and . UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: 04 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Deadline: 11 Dec 2023 Eastern Standard Time

Unicef