The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) provides oversight of FAO's programmes and operations through internal audit and investigations. The Investigations Branch (OIGI) investigates allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and allegations of sanctionable actions involving third parties. OIG's investigation mandate covers misconduct such as fraud, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities; sexual exploitation and abuse; sexual harassment; workplace harassment and abuse of authority; retaliation against whistle blowers; or any other conduct not in conformity with the Standards of Conduct of the International Civil Service. OIG also prepares reports to the Director-General and Senior Management on lessons learned and proactive integrity reviews, and promotes policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations. Key Functions:
Plans and manages the work of specialized or multidisciplinary investigation teams and supervises staff.
Provides critical input into the investigation programme of work and supporting operational framework including, policies, procedures, systems and best practices for the planning, conduct, evidence collection, report writing and follow-up of preliminary and full investigations at headquarters and the Decentralized Offices.
Directs investigation activities in response to allegations of fraud, corruption or misconduct in FAO programmes, projects and operations including third parties such as FAO suppliers and partners, reviews intake assessments, assigns investigations to staff/consultants and provides technical guidance to investigation teams.
Plans and conducts highly complex and/or special investigations and presents findings to the Inspector-General or the Deputy Inspector General, and specific FAO units for action/decision-making.
Ensures adequate quality control of investigation outcomes and products before sign-off by the Inspector-General ensuring that investigation personnel adhere to operating procedures and quality standards of the office.
Directs and/or provides input into the preparation of statistics and periodic reports on investigation matters and analyses on investigation trends.
Develops lessons learned, conducts or supervises proactive integrity reviews, and develops recommendations for actions to prevent violations of FAO policies prohibiting fraud and misconduct with respect to staff members or third parties and promotes policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO operations.
Provides technical advisory services to managers across the Organization such as on sanctioning procedures for vendors/suppliers, development or revision of procurement policies, fraud and other misconduct policies, ethical conduct guidelines, the Whistleblower Protection Policy and various Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
Leads, coordinates, and/or participates in Organization-wide working groups or committees.
Maintains effective liaison with legal and human resource services regarding specific cases and with external and UN investigators on cases/issues of mutual concern.
Plans and leads awareness and training activities on the prevention, detection and reporting of fraud and corruption in FAO and promotes best practices and capacity development with respect to the latest investigative techniques.
Contributes to OIG's quarterly and annual reports and other reporting requirements, including for donor reporting, as relevant to investigation-related activities.
Administers and controls a part of OIG's budget as delegated by the Inspector-General or the Deputy Inspector-General.
Performs other duties as required.
Candidates Will Be Assessed Against The Following:
Minimum Requirements:
Advance university degree in law or in a subject associated with criminal and/or administrative investigations (candidates holding a first-level university degree in above-mentioned fields may also be considered if possessing two (2) additional years of relevant work experience in fact-finding/investigatory work and a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction).
Ten years of relevant experience in fact-finding/investigatory work, including in supervisory capacity, preferably, but not limited to, misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers and partners organizations, including fraud and other forms of corruption, using investigation techniques and procedures.
Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).
Technical/Functional Skills:
Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
Work experience in an international setting is desirable.
Extent and relevance of experience in investigations including employee misconduct, procurement fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment and sexual harassment.
Extent and relevance of managerial experience and demonstrated leadership skills in implementing an investigations programme of work.
Demonstrated ability to analyse relevant legal and procedural issues, as well as large volumes of complex evidence, including documentary and financial evidence.
Demonstrated experience in conducting interviews, delivering presentations, networking, building effective working relationships with stakeholders, and writing/editing complex reports.
Demonstrated ability to mobilize resources.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of relevant investigative theories, concepts and approaches.
A professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction is an advantage for candidates possessing an advanced university degree.
