Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Investigator position within UNICEF's Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) focuses on managing allegations of misconduct involving UNICEF staff and other personnel. The role entails conducting initial assessments of reports of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, and harassment. The Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit (SIA) is responsible for managing the hotline for reporting allegations and conducting assessments to determine the need for full investigations. The Investigator will analyze information, gather evidence, and prepare recommendations for case resolutions, ensuring a victim-centered approach in all communications and interviews. This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of UNICEF's operations and ensuring compliance with regulations and standards of conduct.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investigator will be responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting initial assessments of allegations of misconduct. This includes communicating with complainants and witnesses, conducting interviews, and gathering relevant information from various sources. The role requires collecting and securing evidence, analyzing information, and preparing high-quality written outputs such as closure notes and referral memoranda. The Investigator will participate in case portfolio planning conferences, maintain up-to-date case files, and support policy-related initiatives. Additionally, the role may involve assisting with investigations, preparing interview outlines, and participating in field missions as needed. The Investigator will also support intake-related functions and promote cooperation with other departments within UNICEF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Law, International Public Policy, or Criminology. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Audit and Investigation, Policy Initiatives, and Child Safeguarding is required. The role demands strong skills in accountability, analysis, communication, and strategic planning. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity while working collaboratively with others.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in Law, International Public Policy, International Studies, Criminology, or related fields. This educational background is essential for understanding the legal and policy frameworks relevant to the investigations conducted by UNICEF.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience in Audit and Investigation, which includes conducting assessments, managing cases, and ensuring quality assurance in reporting. Experience in child safeguarding and working in development or humanitarian contexts is highly desirable, particularly at the country level.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset. Familiarity with local languages may also be beneficial, depending on the context of the investigations.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from low-income countries and individuals with disabilities. The role is temporary, with a start date before 31 December 2025, and may involve relocation entitlements depending on the staff member's original appointment status. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and ensures reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.