UNDP : Investigations Quality Assurance Specialist – Washington DC
-
Location:
-
Salary:negotiable / YEAR
-
Job type:CONTRACTOR
-
Posted:3 weeks ago
-
Category:Audit and Oversight, Evaluation
-
Deadline:16/12/2024
JOB DESCRIPTION
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Job Purpose and Organizational Context
The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigation services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations.
The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as procurement fraud, corruption and bribery, theft and embezzlement, retaliation on whistleblowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, reckless or grossly negligent disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors and other applicable persons. The Investigations Section is also tasked with investigating allegations against parties external to UNDP of financial irregularities committed to the detriment of UNDP. In addition, OAI undertakes proactive investigations in high-risk areas that are susceptible to wrongdoings, fraud and corruption.
OAI conducts investigations in accordance with the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.
OAI needs to engage a suitably skilled and experienced International Personnel under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI/Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Investigations Quality Assurance Specialist is required to provide expert advisory support to the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit with the review of draft investigation reports, management letters and other documents produced by the Investigations Section to ensure high quality and legal sufficiency of the work-products.
The specific tasks that will be required are:
- Review draft reports and other work products prepared by the Investigations Section for sufficiency of evidence, accuracy, legal conformity, coherence and appropriateness of recommendations and compliance with OAI’s report templates and report writing style;
- Based on the above reviews, identify areas for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products.
- Review evidence gathered during an investigation and ensure that citations to evidence in footnotes of investigation reports and other documents are accurate and complete;
- Provide proofreading and editorial services, including ensuring compliance with the editing standards of the United Nations and relevant templates.
- Develop and update UNDP and OAI policies and guidelines, relating to misconduct, including as example in relation to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
- Provide legal advisory services to investigators and OAI management.
- Liaise with the Legal Office and internal and inter-agency advisory panels on areas of interest to the Investigations Section, such as Sexual Misconduct, as required.
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Deliverables:
- Draft reports and other investigation products in MS Word document format with review comments and edits tracked.
- Inputs and recommendations for improvement in the quality of reports and other work products.
- Provide timely legal advisory and legal/policy research products as required.
Institutional Arrangement
The Specialist will be tasked by or on behalf of the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance, and Special Investigations Unit. The work performed by the Specialist will be submitted to the Investigations Advisor, Head of the Policy, Quality Assurance and Special Investigations Unit.
Competencies
| Core | |
| Achieve Results: | LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact |
| Think Innovatively: | LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems |
| Learn Continuously: | LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences |
| Adapt with Agility: | LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands |
| Act with Determination: | LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results |
| Engage and Partner: | LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion: | LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity |
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic Area | Name | Definition |
| Business Management | Communication | Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. |
| Audit & Investigation – Investigation | Collection and analysis of evidence | Ability to extract and analyse all relevant types of evidence and be able to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions. |
| Audit & Investigation – Investigation | Investigations of sexual misconduct | Ability to discern and handle the intricacies of investigations including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment allegations |
| Legal | Legal analysis skills | The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization’s best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework. |
| Legal | Legal Research | The ability to identify and retrieve information to support legal positions and corporate decision making from all relevant sources. In the UNDP context, this skill includes, amongst other things, proactive seeking of information in anticipation of the different angles that any given issue may present. |
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA
| Min. Academic Education |
|
| Min. years of relevant Work experience | Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in one of the areas listed below is required:
|
| Required skills and competencies |
|
| Desired additional skills and competencies |
|
| Required Language(s) |
|
Travel:
As and when travel for business purposes is required, OAI will notify the consultant and agree upon the reimbursable travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses as per UNDP Policy on IPSA.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements
Related job
