UNHCR Job Vacancy in Kenya : Senior Investigation Specialist

Closing date: Sunday, 11 January 2015

Job Title: Snr Investigation Specialist

Job ID: 10218

Location: Nairobi, RSH, Kenya

APA Location: Nairobi, RSH, Kenya

Salary Grade: Hardship Level: B

Family Type Location: Family

Eligibility Information

Operational Context

Current Situation

This is a position in the newly-created IGO Unit, composed of 3 professional and 1 general service positions in Nairobi;

The line manager is the Head of the IGO Unit in Nairobi (P.5), but s/he will also report directly to the Head of the Investigation Service at Headquarters

Desirable Attributes

Excellent knowledge of internationally-recognized investigative practices and standards, and a good knowledge of UN Staff Rules and Regulations;

Wide-ranging investigation experience in the UN environment, particularly in areas such as financial fraud, workplace harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse;

Proven analytical skills;

Excellent drafting skills in English as investigation reports are often submitted to the UN internal Tribunals in the context of disciplinary proceedings;

Possess the skills and knowledge to coordinate and delivery of advanced trainings on investigations for UNHCR staff and partners in the region;

Knowledge of the P.E.A.C.E model of investigative interviewing;

Proficiency in French an asset.

Working and Living Conditions

This is a position based in Nairobi. The incumbent of this position will be required to travel frequently to hardship duty stations, both in Africa and worldwide.

Security Considerations

Good security awareness needed as duty station has frequent security and safety threats;

Although a B category duty station and APA for countries in the region, there is a considerable level of criminality and banditry in Nairobi;

Additional Factors

It is mandatory that the incumbent possesses all the essential minimum qualifications and professional experience set out in the Job Description;

In view of the sensitive and confidential contacts s/he will have with senior managers, this position cannot be under filled, and a candidate who is already at the P.4 level is essential;

Ability to operate with minimal supervision.

Duties and Qualifications

Senior Investigation Specialist

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Investigation Specialist is a newly created out-posted position located in the IGO’s Oversight Unit in Nairobi, Kenya. This Unit will initially be composed of 4 professional positions and 1 General Service position. The incumbent will report to the Head of the IGO Unit in Nairobi.

The ultimate aim of the IGO is to support the effective, efficient and accountable management of UNHCR operations and to play a positive role in upholding an environment of integrity in UNHCR by contributing to the maintenance of the highest standards of personal and professional conduct by UNHCR personnel, and all entities with contractual links to UNHCR.

The Investigation Service, working under the authority of the Inspector General, has responsibility for carrying out investigations into possible misconduct within UNHCR in a timely and appropriate manner and that findings are transmitted to the Inspector General.

The Senior Investigation Specialist reports to the Head of the IGO Unit and works independently or as part of a team on investigation cases assigned to him or her by the Head of Unit. The Senior Investigation Specialist has extensive contacts with all levels of staff within UNHCR, as well as with staff from other organisations, governments, NGOs and with UNHCR beneficiaries.

An important aspect of the position is to expand the IGO’s investigation capacity, efficiency and strategic reach. The post will serve to enhance the IGO’s focus and response to investigations, notably in the African region.

In addition to conducting investigations, the Senior Investigation Specialist will support the IGO’s strategic objectives to strengthen the investigation capacity of partner agencies in the region, as well as coordinate and deliver advanced training on investigations as may be required.

The Senior Investigation Specialist investigates cases of alleged misconduct by establishing facts based on evidence gathered from available sources. The incumbent of the post must be able to operate independently and to the highest standards of impartiality and integrity as investigation cases may lead to the imposition of disciplinary measures by DHRM on individual staff members.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

Reports received by the IGO on possible misconduct within UNHCR, and in specific cases affiliated staff members working under the supervision and management of UNHCR, are efficiently and properly assessed to identify the appropriate investigative approach / plan to establish the facts relevant to the case.

Investigations of possible misconduct are carried out in a timely and appropriate manner (e.g. in accordance with the Administration of Justice in the UN requirements) and findings are reported without delay to the Inspector General.

Responsibility

Design and monitor quality standards and procedures for all steps in the investigation process.

Act as a focal point for specific areas of expertise / typology of investigation as may be required and/or delegated by the Head of Service.

Train and coach Investigation Service staff, other UNHCR staff and partner agency staff, in carrying out professional investigations.

Conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct as assigned, in a timely and effective manner and in accordance with the Investigation Guidelines and UN/UNHCR policies, undertaking field missions when required. This may involve gathering evidence from available sources, including electronic and e-mail records, interviewing witnesses as well as interaction at all levels with external actors (other UN agencies/embassies/missions/implementing partners etc) as well as UNHCR staff and UNVs.

Assess allegations of misconduct with a view to determining the most effective investigative approach, cognizant of risks to staff and operations, and develop investigation plans and methodologies to gather evidence and establish facts.

In coordination and compliance with due process requirements, conduct investigations with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered and impartiality of conclusions reached.

Conduct investigation interviews (witnesses and subjects) in accordance with Investigation Guidelines, UN Administrative Instructions and the framework of Administration of Justice within the UN.

Gather and analyse physical evidence, including forensic evidence, to establish facts.

Prepare reports based on the available evidence and the investigation findings, such as: Investigation Reports (IR) in cases of misconduct; Closure Reports where no misconduct has been established; and Management Implication Reports on systemic issues (e.g. procedural or management issues) identified during the investigation.

Liaise with different units within UNHCR; e.g. DHRM, Ethics Office, DIST etc, in relation to the investigation function.

Provide advice and guidance to staff members on how to report misconduct and, as may be required, how to assist in conducting preliminary assessments / investigations.

Undertake training activities on investigations for UNHCR and partner agency staff and develop and deliver training as may be required.

Assess initial reports of possible misconduct and enter data into I-Sight database, as required.

Perform any other tasks in the interest of UNHCR as requested by the Head of the IGO Unit or the Inspector General (e.g. participate in inquires, ad hoc inspections or investigations in support of other UN agencies).

Authority

Decide on interviews to be conducted during the course of investigations.

Have access to any UNHCR document, site and property related to ongoing investigations.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Advanced University Degree, in Law, Criminology, Public Administration or related subject bearing on the conduct of investigations in administrative law contexts.

Certification as a fraud examiner.

Formal professional qualification in investigation work.

Working knowledge of UN administrative disciplinary rules and regulations.

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of investigations, including proven experience in the field of forensic audit and/or fraud examination. Of these 10 years, at least 7 years in an international environment and 5 years within the UN/UNHCR.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the preparation of clear and concise reports.

Honesty and integrity in the highest degree.

Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and judgment.

Ability to work effectively in English and French is essential.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Familiarity with UN justice system.

Ability to work in other UN official languages, notably Arabic.

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