Contractual Investigator - Asia And The Pacific- Ipsa 11 (Home Based)

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.

Office/Unit/Project Description

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 mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistle-blowers, workplace harassment, abuse of authority, violation or wilful 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 the 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 experienced investigators under the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to support OAI in conducting cases assessment and investigations.

Duties And Responsibilities

The IPSA holder is required to assist the Investigations Section with case assessments and investigations in the Asia and Pacific regions. Tasks include the writing of investigation-related documents such as assessment reports, closure notes, investigation plans, mission plans, vendor sanctions memos, and investigation reports.

The specific tasks that will be required of the IPSA holder are listed below. The IPSA holder:

• Interviews witnesses showing appropriate communications skills, accurate recording, and verification of testimony through the use of interpreters as required.
• Works independently on high-priority investigation cases.
• Interviews subjects/suspects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (in order to obtain reliable information, while affording due process).
• Manages a significant caseload, decides on priorities, and advises OAI management on issues arising and lessons learned in the course of investigations.
• Uses specialist investigation services as and when appropriate (for example, handwriting analysis, document examination, and computer forensics).
• Plans and conducts investigations in the Asia and Pacific region to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to factually determine the issues relevant to an investigation.
• Liaises with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Collects, records, and handles evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
• Proposes action to close matters where appropriate.
• Undertakes frequent, and at times extended, missions to UNDP offices in Asia and the Pacific region, including areas with hazardous working conditions.
• Manages and controls investigations as the lead investigator on high-level, serious and complex cases which may involve UNDP senior managers and/or significant loss and/or reputational risk to the organization.
• Keeps the Investigation Section’s database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
• Liaises with the legal Office (LO), the Ethics Office, the Procurement Support Office, the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit, and other relevant offices in UNDP.
• Identifies, collects and analyses information, using software, internal data, and open source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigation.

Deliverables

• Drafts notes and memoranda as required, including written witness interview statements and investigator’s notes to the file.
• Drafts investigation-related documents, such as investigation reports that incorporate all relevant evidence and which are consistent with all facts obtained in the course of an investigation.
• Drafts summaries of analysis of documentation and evidence in English.

Institutional Arrangement

The Investigations Manager or the Investigations Specialist in charge of case assessments will facilitate access to all records and to all persons as necessary for the consultant to objectively review the case folders and related documents.

The consultant will be tasked by the Investigations Specialist-Team Leader Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific(RBAP). All work product produced by the consultant as a result of this engagement is owned by UNDP and shall be submitted to the Investigations Specialist – Team Leader RBAP.

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 newideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously

LEVEL 3: Createand act on opportunities to

expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt withAgility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, managemultiple competing demands

Act withDetermination: LEVEL 3: Think beyondimmediate task/barriers and take actionto 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

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site - People Management Competencies.pdf (undp.org)

• Show Managerial Courage
• Lead with Humility
• Build Capacity
• Motivate and Direct
• Demonstrate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
• Manage Performance and Ensure Accountability
• Build an Enabling Workplace

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition

Business Management Communication

Ability to communicate in a clear,concise and unambiguous manner both through writtenand verbal communication; to tailor messages

and choose communication methods depending on the audience

Business Direction & Strategy Business Acumen

• Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the Organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
• Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner thatis likely to lead to a good outcome.

Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making Ability to takedecisions in a timely andefficient manner in line withone’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Investigation Investigation management and investigative techniques The ability to manage an investigation, choose avenues of inquiry and apply different techniques during an investigation, including investigative interviewing; seizure of documentary and electronic evidence; identification, collection, review and analysis of all types of evidence, including project, procurement and commercial business documentation and electronic communications; forensic analysis; verification site visits; open-source research.

Investigation Collection and analysis of evidence Ability to extractand analyze all relevant types of evidence and be ableto draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.

Investigation Investigative Interviewing

Ability to conduct investigative interviews with all types of investigation participants, including witnesses and subjects, using

an approach tailored to the interviewee and the investigation.

Investigation Technology tools and applications for investigations Ability to understand key application andsystem software, ITinfrastructure, IT Control frameworks and the use of forensic investigation software.

Required Skills And Experience

Min. Education requirements

• A combination of formal professional training from a national law enforcement or investigations academy or equivalent, and at least 3 years’ additional experience in conducting administrative investigations as an investigator (in addition to the5 years of investigation experience
• Advanced university degree (Masters) in investigations, law, business administration, finance or another directly relevant field, or significant relevant training and experience in the field of investigations in lieu of an advanced university degree

required above)may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Min. Years Of Relevant Workexperience

• At least 7 years’ experience in the fieldof administrative or criminal investigations is essential.

Required Skills

Technical Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; Presentation software applications; Electronic workingpaper software; and Database application.

Demonstrates a strongunderstanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Possesses the psychological ability to discern andhandle the intricacies of workplace and sexual harassment issues
• Experience in the editingand quality controlof documents of an investigative or legal natureis an advantage.
• Investigations fieldexperience is desirable
• Working experience in an international organization in the area of administrative or criminal investigations with International Organizations is desirable.

Required Language(s)

• Fluency in oraland written English is required.
• Working knowledge of French is desirable.

Duty Station

This position is home-based. Candidates located in Asia and the Pacificregion

are highly desirable.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

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