Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) is a critical component of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), dedicated to ensuring the integrity and accountability of FAO's operations. Established to provide oversight through internal audits and investigations, OIG plays a vital role in addressing allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and third parties. The organization focuses on various forms of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, and abuse of privileges, and aims to promote policies that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations. OIG operates with a team of skilled investigators and is committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct within the international civil service.

Job Overview:
The Investigator position within the OIG's Investigation Branch (OIGI) is designed to support the intake and investigation of serious allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing by FAO personnel and third parties. The role involves working under the supervision of a Senior Investigator and entails a variety of investigative functions. The Investigator will be responsible for analyzing incoming complaints, conducting investigations, and developing recommendations to improve internal controls and prevent violations of FAO policies. This position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of FAO's operations and ensuring accountability for misconduct. The Investigator will also participate in outreach activities and contribute to the development of training workshops and seminars, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the OIG.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investigator's duties include providing support for the analysis of incoming complaints, which involves reviewing information and obtaining additional details from complainants to assess whether the allegations fall within OIG's mandate. The Investigator will assist in planning and conducting investigations at FAO headquarters or decentralized offices, which includes preliminary reviews of complaints, interviewing personnel and third parties, and analyzing documentary and electronic evidence. The role also requires participation in complex investigation cases and contributing to the preparation of investigative outputs such as reports and memoranda. Additionally, the Investigator will carry out basic research, collect and analyze relevant information, and maintain OIG records and databases. The position also involves participating in outreach activities and developing training materials related to investigative topics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related field associated with criminal or administrative investigations. Those with a first-level university degree in the relevant fields may also be considered if they have two additional years of relevant work experience in fact-finding or investigatory work, along with a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction. Furthermore, candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience in fact-finding or investigatory work, particularly in relation to misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partner organizations, including fraud and corruption. A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a subject related to criminal and/or administrative investigations. Candidates with a first-level university degree in these fields may be considered if they possess two additional years of relevant work experience in investigatory work and hold a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of legal and procedural issues that arise in investigations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in fact-finding and investigatory work, preferably related to misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partner organizations. This experience should include the use of investigation techniques and procedures, particularly in cases involving fraud and corruption. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's ability to navigate diverse investigative environments and challenges.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at proficiency level C is mandatory for this position, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and documentation during investigations and interactions with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel, including to hardship duty stations, as part of their investigative responsibilities. The role is full-time and involves a commitment to maintaining the integrity and accountability of FAO's operations. The organization values results focus, teamwork, communication, and building effective relationships, which are essential competencies for success in this role.