Head of Investigation Office

OVERVIEW
**Post Number**: IOS 009
**Grade**: P-5
**Parent Sector**: Internal Oversight Service (IOS)
**Duty Station**: Paris
**Job Family**: Management/Audit/Oversight
**Type of contract**: Fixed Term
**Duration of contract**: 2 years, renewable
**Application Deadline (Midnight Paris Time)**: 03-APR-2025
**UNESCO Core Values**: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST
The Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) provides an independent consolidated oversight mechanism that covers internal audit, evaluation, investigation and other management support. The Investigation Office examines and determines the veracity of allegations about misconduct or other irregularities affecting the Organization, its projects, assets or personnel.
Under the authority and the direct supervision of the Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services, the incumbent will lead and supervise the investigation function, conduct most serious and complex investigations, will provide authoritative expertise for fraud risk management, deterrence and response to sexual harassment and abuse in UNESCO.
**More specifically, the Investigator will**:
Lead, direct and plan the investigative activities of the Section by:
Developing investigation plans; deciding on investigative tools and methodologies;
Conducting complex and/or sensitive investigations;
Assessing risks associated with investigative activities for the investigators and all investigation participants; and ensuring appropriate mitigating or preventing measures;
Assigning cases and tasks to investigative team; providing technical and methodological guidance and performance feedback to investigative team; ensuring that due process is respected in the IOS investigative processes by conforming to requirements of the Human Resources Manual and to UNESCO's Staff Rules & Regulations; preparing and/or assuring quality of IOS investigative reports in accordance with applicable professional standards and UNESCO requirements; and maintaining investigative records in accordance with IOS procedures.
Long Description
Supervise and perform screening of allegations of misconduct, in accordance with established criteria, presented to IOS from all sources, including hotline reporting, the Bureau of Human Resources Management, the Ethics Office, other UNESCO personnel and external parties. Determine whether the allegations received fall in the mandate of IOS. Based on assessment of the facts presented in the allegations, recommend the next steps in their resolution (e.g., formal investigation, further fact-finding, referral). Ensure reliability of IOS records of the timeframe and disposition of all allegations received.
Define, update and implement investigative procedures and processes. Draft or contribute to policy revisions, ensuring international investigation standards are met and ILOAT jurisprudence is taken into account.
Advise management of sectors and support services on fraud prevention measures and response to incidents (contractual clauses, interim measures, mitigation and recovery, including initiating or participating in civil and criminal proceedings when appropriate and approved).
Respond to request for information, assistance or advice from organizational entities outside IOS, including requests for information from sister agencies and national authorities with due respect to privileges and immunities of UNESCO.
Identify issues requiring management attention and make recommendations on preventive or corrective measures derived from investigative findings.
In collaboration with programme sectors, support services and assurance providers, coordinate the identification, assessment and monitoring of fraud risks of the Organization by:
Identifying principal fraud risks and the factors that influence them;
Mapping assurance on the effectiveness and efficiency of existing internal controls with regard to the identified fraud risks;
Identifying areas requiring proactive investigations;
Preparing periodic reports on the results of the fraud risk assessments including recommendations to address gaps and risk exposure to the Organization.
Promote fraud awareness throughout the Organization through briefings, trainings and information material.
Develop visibility of and trust in IOS as the central intake mechanism for reporting fraud and corrupt practices.
Long Description
Manage the staff and budget of the section; determine priorities and allocate resources for the completion and timely and quality delivery of work products; identify needs and ensure appropriate selection procedures of contractors, specifically in the area of FORENSIC support; prepare budget proposals for the Section and ensure objectives are met; ensure staff development through appropriate training and mentoring, including in handling SHA and SEA cases.
Mobilize internal and external resources to finance or provide relevant support to