Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) is a vital component of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), dedicated to ensuring accountability and integrity within the organization. Established to oversee FAO's programs and operations, OIG conducts internal audits and investigations into allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and third parties. The organization focuses on various forms of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, abuse of privileges, sexual exploitation, harassment, and retaliation against whistleblowers. OIG plays a crucial role in preparing reports for the Director-General and Senior Management, promoting policies that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations. The OIG operates from FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and consists of two units: the Investigation Operations Unit and the Investigation Analysis and Professional Practices Unit, both led by a Senior Investigator. The organization emphasizes a commitment to ethical standards and integrity in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Investigator position within the Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) is primarily focused on conducting thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing involving FAO personnel and third parties. The role requires a strong emphasis on planning and executing investigations related to various forms of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation, and workplace harassment. The Investigator will be responsible for developing recommendations that support management decisions and improve internal controls over fraud risks. Additionally, the position involves advising on enhancements to integrity policies within the organization. The Investigator will work closely with the Senior Investigator (Head of Unit) to manage the investigative caseload, prioritize cases, and ensure that investigations are conducted in accordance with applicable rules and standards. This role is critical in promoting policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO operations, ensuring adherence to the highest ethical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investigator will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the Senior Investigator in managing the investigative caseload by prioritizing cases and preparing casework assignments; leading complex investigation cases and planning, organizing, and conducting investigations in accordance with applicable rules; conducting preliminary assessments of complaints, interviewing personnel and third parties, reviewing documentary and electronic information, analyzing facts, organizing evidence, and presenting investigative results in the form of detailed reports. The Investigator will also provide supervision and guidance to junior investigators on complex cases, coordinate a portfolio of investigation activities as Team Leader when required, and prepare, revise, and update policies and guidelines governing investigations. Additionally, the Investigator will develop lessons learned, conduct proactive integrity reviews, and make recommendations to prevent violations of FAO policies. The role includes maintaining effective liaison with relevant FAO units and external investigators, contributing to the preparation of statistics and periodic reports on investigation matters, leading awareness and training activities on fraud prevention and detection, and participating in thematic working groups within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related field associated with criminal and/or administrative investigations. Candidates with a first-level university degree in the aforementioned 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. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in fact-finding or investigatory work is required, preferably involving misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partner organizations, including fraud and corruption. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in investigation techniques and procedures, as well as a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) at level B.

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 holding a first-level university degree in these fields may also be considered if they possess two additional years of relevant work experience in fact-finding or investigatory work and hold a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in fact-finding or investigatory work, with a preference for experience 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 of fraud and corruption. Experience in an international setting and work in multiple locations or areas of work, especially in field positions, is desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language, which can include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, at proficiency level B. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters, and candidates should be prepared to adhere to FAO's values of commitment, respect, and integrity. The role may involve travel, including to hardship duty stations, and candidates should be willing to undertake such travel as required. The specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and whether the position is full-time or part-time have not been specified in the job posting.