Audit/Investigation Technology Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) operates under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to provide oversight of FAO's programs and operations, OIG conducts internal audits and investigations to ensure compliance and integrity within the organization. The OIG is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes across FAO's global operations. The organization adheres to the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and the Code of Ethics set forth by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). OIG's investigations cover a wide range of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, and abuse of authority, ensuring that FAO personnel and third parties are held accountable for their actions. The OIG is a vital component of FAO's mission to eradicate hunger and improve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide, operating in numerous countries and employing a diverse workforce dedicated to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Audit/Investigation Technology Specialist position is designed to support the Internal Audit Branch and Investigation Branch of the OIG by leveraging advanced IT solutions. The specialist will be responsible for developing, deploying, and maintaining technology that enhances the efficiency of audits and investigations. This role requires a strong background in software development, particularly with Python, and familiarity with modern AI technologies such as Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Large Language Models (LLMs). The specialist will work closely with the Head of Units in either branch, contributing to innovation projects that align with FAO policies and objectives. The position may involve both on-site work at the FAO headquarters in Rome and remote assignments, providing flexibility in how the specialist can fulfill their responsibilities. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in ensuring that the audit and investigation processes are supported by cutting-edge technology, ultimately contributing to the integrity and effectiveness of FAO's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will undertake a variety of tasks under the guidance of the Inspector-General and the supervision of a Head of Unit. Key responsibilities include: developing high-quality, maintainable code modules to facilitate the implementation of IT solutions; assisting in the deployment of knowledge management solutions utilizing LLM-based architectures; contributing to containerization and deployment activities, particularly using Docker on Azure Cloud or local servers; supporting the creation of technical documentation for the codebase, deployment procedures, and user manuals or training materials for auditors and investigators; implementing security and scalability measures tailored for sensitive audit and investigation data; and performing any other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of the OIG.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or specific technical specialization in software development, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of one year of experience in software development, computer engineering, or AI solution architecture is required, preferably within an internal audit or investigation context. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, while familiarity with other FAO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is considered an asset. Candidates should also demonstrate core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or a specific technical specialization in relevant fields such as software development, computer engineering, computer science, or information systems. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of IT solutions and their application in audit and investigation processes.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in software development, computer engineering, or AI solution architecture. Candidates with experience in the context of internal audits or investigations will be preferred, as this background will provide valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by the OIG.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge (level B) of other FAO official languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse FAO environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is intended for short-term assignments ranging from three to a maximum of 11 months. The role may be based at the FAO headquarters in Rome or may involve home-based assignments, providing flexibility in work arrangements. The position is full-time, and candidates will be assessed based on their technical skills, experience, and ability to contribute to the OIG's mission of ensuring accountability and integrity within FAO's operations.