Inspector General

Inspector General

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

November 12, 2025December 27, 2025GenevaSwitzerland
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) About
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195
  • The mission of UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect regardless of their background or circumstances.

Job Overview:
The Inspector General is a senior leadership position within UNHCR, reporting directly to the High Commissioner. This role is pivotal in overseeing the organization's integrity and accountability through independent investigations and inquiries. The Inspector General is responsible for managing the Inspector General's Office (IGO), which includes the Investigation Service and Strategic Oversight. The incumbent will provide strategic vision and leadership to ensure that the objectives and priorities of the IGO are met, as outlined in operational and strategic plans. The position requires a strong commitment to promoting an ethical work environment and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of UNHCR's operations. The Inspector General will also advise senior management on governance, internal controls, and risk management, ensuring that oversight activities are conducted with the highest professional standards and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Inspector General include providing strategic vision and leadership for the IGO, advising the High Commissioner and senior management on risk and oversight matters, conducting research and analysis to identify strategic risks, managing personnel within the IGO, establishing quality assurance programs, delivering reports and presentations to stakeholders, collaborating with internal and external oversight entities, ensuring timely and professional conduct of investigations, leading risk assessments, and integrating risk management principles into decision-making processes. The Inspector General is also responsible for ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and that all parties involved are informed of the process. Additionally, the role involves promoting a culture of risk management and integrity within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 18 years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or 17 years with a graduate degree, or 16 years with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include proven work experience in senior management positions, a strategic vision for oversight reforms, and a high level of integrity and ethics. Candidates should have advanced knowledge of audit processes, internal controls, and governance mechanisms, as well as experience in leading diverse teams and managing complex issues. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to promoting best practices are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in fields such as Auditing, Business Administration, Law, Management, Public Policy, or Risk Management. Relevant certifications in auditing, forensic examination, fraud examination, management, and risk management are also essential for candidates seeking this role.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in senior management roles within national or international organizations, particularly in areas related to auditing, investigation, risk management, and governance. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to innovate and conceptualize complex issues, as well as experience in humanitarian or high-risk operational contexts. Familiarity with UN operations and policies is highly desirable.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For candidates in national professional roles, knowledge of the local language is also required. French is considered a desirable language for this position, enhancing communication capabilities within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Professional Staff Member at the DI2 grade level and is a time-limited, non-renewable term of six years. The Inspector General will not be eligible for further employment within UNHCR after the term ends. The role is full-time and requires candidates to be non-nationals of the country of assignment. The target start date for this position is January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is December 11, 202
  • The position does not require functional clearance.
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