Investigations Quality Assurance Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, established to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. UNRWA was founded in 1949 and has since grown to employ over 30,000 staff across five areas of operation: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza. The agency's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while also providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social services. UNRWA operates in a challenging environment and is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees, ensuring their access to basic services and advocating for their needs on the international stage.

Job Overview:
The Investigations Quality Assurance Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and quality of investigative processes within UNRWA. This position involves reviewing and providing guidance on draft investigation reports and other investigative products to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards. The manager will analyze facts, findings, conclusions, and evidence to ensure accuracy and adherence to due process and legal requirements. Additionally, the role includes providing mentorship and capacity building to investigators, enhancing the quality and clarity of their written reports and outputs. The manager will also lead the development and review of investigation policies and guidelines, ensuring alignment with best practices and compliance with internal standards. This position is home-based and is expected to last for six months, contributing to the overall effectiveness of UNRWA's investigative functions and supporting the organization's mission to assist vulnerable communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investigations Quality Assurance Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: 1) Reviewing and providing guidance on draft investigation reports and other investigative products to ensure conformity with relevant regulations, rules, policies, and standards for the conduct of investigations. This includes analyzing facts, findings, conclusions, and evidence to ensure accuracy and sufficiency, as well as considering due process and substantive legal issues. 2) Providing ongoing support and mentorship to investigators to enhance the quality of their written reports and other outputs. 3) Leading the development and review of policies governing the investigation function to ensure compliance with best practices for the conduct of investigations. 4) Developing, reviewing, and updating guidelines and standard operating procedures for investigation processes, integrating lessons learned from UNRWA Dispute Tribunal and UN Appeals Tribunal jurisprudence. 5) Providing policy advice and training to investigators as required, ensuring investigations conform with best practices and participating in the development and implementation of the investigation learning and training development plan. 6) Overseeing and supporting investigators and intake personnel in assigned projects, ensuring efficient workflow and guidance. 7) Overseeing statistical tracking and reporting of activities and achievements related to EU project-funded positions, contributing to transparent monitoring and accountability. 8) Participating in the design and implementation of the investigation learning and training development plan, ensuring investigators are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools for effective investigative practice.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in law, investigations, quality assessment, or a related discipline. Candidates must have at least seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in conducting or managing administrative investigations and policy development related to investigations. Additionally, at least two years of work experience in conducting quality assurance reviews and assessments in the field of investigations is required. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, investigations, quality assessment, or a related discipline from an accredited educational institution. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks, investigative processes, and quality assurance methodologies relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in conducting or managing administrative investigations and policy development related to investigations. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years of experience specifically in conducting quality assurance reviews and assessments in the field of investigations. This level of experience is crucial to ensure that the candidate can effectively oversee and enhance the quality of investigative outputs and processes within UNRWA.

Languages:
An excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is essential for reviewing and providing guidance on investigation reports, as well as for effective communication with investigators and other stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the communities served by UNRWA.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is at a level equivalent to P-4 within the UN system. The role requires adherence to the UN Core Values of Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity, as well as the Core Competencies of Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results. The position may also require default managerial competencies such as Analyzing, Delivering Results, Applying Technical Expertise, Creating and Maintaining Impact and Partnership, Planning and Organizing, Deciding and Initiating Action, and Relating and Networking. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.