Consultancy, Investigation Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and protecting children's rights globally. Established in 1946, UNICEF has been operational for over 70 years and works in 190 countries and territories. The organization is recognized as the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries and focuses on child health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees across more than 145 countries, UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations, and governments, emphasizing its commitment to children's survival, development, and protection.

Job Overview:
The Consultancy, Investigation Officer position is situated within the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) at UNICEF, which operates independently and reports directly to UNICEF’s director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director and the Executive Board. The primary purpose of this role is to support the Investigations Section in addressing reports of misconduct involving UNICEF staff and other personnel. This includes investigating allegations of fraud, corruption, sexual harassment, and other violations of regulations and standards of conduct. The consultant will be responsible for conducting initial assessments and investigations, ensuring that all processes adhere to the established guidelines and standards. The role requires fluency in both French and English, as the consultant will need to conduct assessments and investigations in both languages. The position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of UNICEF's operations and ensuring accountability within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting initial assessments of reported misconduct, which involves gathering relevant information from UNICEF systems and offices, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence to make recommendations regarding case disposition. The consultant will also prepare high-quality written outputs such as notes-for-the-record, referral memoranda, and reports for management review. Additionally, the consultant will support investigations by preparing investigation plans, coordinating with investigation colleagues, obtaining and analyzing evidence, conducting interviews, and drafting investigation and closure reports. The consultant is expected to maintain organized case files and ensure that all documentation is updated and structured according to OIAI processes. Monthly deliverables will include case assessments, investigation reports, and other requested memoranda, all of which must adhere to prescribed formats and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess fluency in both French and English, with a strong ability to summarize and analyze evidence. A minimum of four years of relevant work experience in investigations, whether criminal or administrative, or in a related legal field is required. Strong drafting and writing skills are essential, as the consultant will be responsible for preparing various reports and memoranda. Prior experience working with an international organization is highly desirable. An advanced university degree in law, investigations, or a related field is advantageous, but a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience will also be considered. Knowledge of Spanish or Arabic is a plus, but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have an advanced university degree in law, investigations, or a related field. However, candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent in these fields, combined with two years of additional relevant experience, will also be considered qualified for the position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively conduct investigations and assessments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience in investigations, which can be either criminal or administrative in nature. Experience in adjacent legal fields may also be considered relevant. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting investigations and assessments, as well as familiarity with the processes and standards required in such roles. Prior experience working with international organizations, particularly in oversight or audit functions, is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's suitability for the position.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to conduct assessments and investigations in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages, such as Spanish or Arabic, is considered desirable but not essential. The ability to communicate effectively in both French and English is crucial for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is set to last from November 1, 2025, to October 30, 202

• The consultant will be home/office-based at UNICEF's headquarters in New York. Candidates must complete their profiles in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and upload their academic credentials. A financial proposal detailing costs per deliverable and the total lump-sum for the assignment is required. This proposal should also include travel costs and daily subsistence allowances if applicable. UNICEF will cover any emergent or unforeseen duty travel expenses. Selected candidates must have current health insurance coverage at the time of contract award and will be subject to rigorous reference and background checks. The position is not considered a staff member role, and consultants will not be entitled to benefits provided to staff members. Additionally, selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely.