Investigations Consultant - Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (Working Remotely)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

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, Health.

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNICEF. OIAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls.

The investigation service of OIAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as gross mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation against whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNICEF regulations, rules and administrative instructions that involve UNICEF staff and relevant non–staff personnel. The investigation service is also tasked with investigating all allegations of financial irregularities committed to the detriment of UNICEF, including those implicating implementing partners and suppliers. In addition, OIAI undertakes proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption.

OIAI conducts investigations in accordance with the International Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations adopted at the 10th Conference of International Investigators and the OIAI Investigations Manual.

How can you make a difference?

OIAI is seeking an experienced consultant to conduct complex administrative investigations and assist in managing OIAI’s backlog of ageing cases.

The consultant will assist with investigations by the Investigations Section, OIAI, working remotely from his or her home country. The consultant may be asked to undertake investigations missions, such missions may include travel to hardship duty stations.

The consultant’s responsibilities will include conducting investigations and drafting investigation reports in relation to a portfolio of cases assigned to him/her. The consultant’s primary focus will be on, but not limited to, the handling of complex cases.

For cases assigned to him/her, the consultant will:

• Review and analyze information and evidence on file and formulate an investigation plan.
• Discuss, plan and coordinate the investigation with the Chief of Investigations and/or the Deputy Director for Investigations.
• Obtain and analyze relevant documentary and electronic evidence.
• Identify, locate and interview relevant witnesses.
• Conduct subject interviews where appropriate.
• Conduct investigations field mission, where appropriate.
• Draft investigation and closure reports.
• Perform other investigative activities as required by the cases being handled.

Investigations will involve conducting interviews of witnesses and subjects, obtaining documentary and other evidence and examining and analyzing documents.

The consultant will be tasked either directly or indirectly by the Deputy Director of Investigations and all work products produced by the consultant as a result of his engagement with UNICEF remains the property of UNICEF and shall be submitted to the OIAI, Deputy Director of Investigation.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree in investigations, law, business administration, finance or another directly relevant field, or significant, relevant training and experience in the field of investigations
• At least 8 years of progressive professional experience conducting administrative or criminal investigations
• Proven ability to conduct complex investigations and quickly and accurately analyze, assess and summarize investigation findings, observations and recommendations
• Working experience in an International Organization is desirable
• Field experience is an advantage
• Strong writing skills
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. Proficiency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic is desirable.

Duration

The assignment is for 6 months, with the possibility of an extension of up to 11.5 months.

Quotation requirements:

The Consultant is required to submit a quotation in USD.

Location: This is a remote consultant assignment.

Travel: If the consultant is required to travel the contract holder is responsible for travel arrangements and must ensure they are made in line with UNICEF policy on entitlements for consultant travel. Travel booked directly by the consultant cannot be reviewed by UNICEF Travel Administrators / Travel Focal Points for reasonableness pre or post-booking. The consultant must travel on UNICEF approved airlines. Travel paid for by UNICEF shall be based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel, subject to exceptional approval of business class travel by the Approving Authority. (Such approval may be granted normally for certified medical reasons.)

Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA): Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals shall not exceed applicable DSA rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC). Consultant will receive full DSA for any duty station travelled to on official UNICEF business.

Payment Terms: The consultancy fee will be paid per working days on a monthly basis. Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice, specifying the number of days worked and completed tasks.

To apply, kindly include the following:

• A cover letter that notes your understanding of the Terms of Reference and your relevant experience in a maximum of one page along with expected fees.
• Attach most recent CV.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.