Head Investigation

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) is a critical component of the World Health Organization (WHO), reporting directly to the Director-General. Established to ensure accountability and integrity within WHO, IOS is responsible for conducting internal audits, evaluations, and investigations. The office plays a vital role in maintaining the ethical standards of the organization and operates in multiple countries, reflecting WHO's global presence. The mission of IOS is to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that WHO and its affiliated entities adhere to the highest standards of conduct. The office is staffed by a team of professionals dedicated to upholding these values and operates under a framework that aligns with international standards for investigations.

Job Overview:
The Head Investigation position is a senior role within the IOS, tasked with formulating and implementing policies and procedures for managing investigations into allegations of misconduct. This includes a focus on serious issues such as fraud, embezzlement, and abuse of authority. The Head Investigation will oversee the investigation function, ensuring that it meets the needs of the organization and the expectations of stakeholders. This role requires strategic planning, as the Head will prepare multi-year strategies and annual work plans, develop proactive investigation concepts, and manage systems for receiving complaints. The position also involves liaising with various entities within and outside WHO, ensuring that investigations are conducted in accordance with established standards and that reports are of high quality and issued in a timely manner. The Head Investigation will also be responsible for managing and training IOS Investigation staff, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective communication across organizational boundaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head Investigation will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Formulating and implementing policies for managing investigations into allegations of wrongdoing, focusing on fraud, embezzlement, and other misconduct.
• Contributing to the development of policies promoting ethical conduct and accountability.
• Managing the investigation function to meet organizational needs and stakeholder expectations.
• Preparing multi-year strategies and annual work plans for investigations.
• Planning and directing investigations in accordance with established standards.
• Managing and training IOS Investigation staff and external consultants.
• Liaising with internal and external entities on investigation matters.
• Monitoring and reporting on the IOS multi-year strategy and annual work plans.
• Establishing effective communication systems for receiving complaints. 1
• Preparing periodic reports on investigation status and results for senior management and relevant committees. 1
• Identifying systemic weaknesses in investigations and making recommendations for improvement. 1
• Keeping abreast of investigation standards in other organizations and representing IOS at relevant conferences.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, accounting, audit, business administration, or a directly relevant field. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in investigations, prosecutions, or related oversight functions, with at least five years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in investigating complex cases involving fraud and workplace misconduct is required, along with a minimum of five years of managerial experience overseeing investigation-related work. Desirable qualifications include field experience in complex environments and familiarity with the United Nations system or comparable international organizations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced level university degree (Master's or equivalent) in a relevant field such as law, accounting, audit, or business administration. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of investigations and the legal frameworks involved.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 15 years in progressively responsible roles related to investigations or oversight functions. Candidates should have at least five years of experience at the international level, demonstrating their capability to handle complex cases and lead teams effectively. Experience in managing investigations and prosecuting cases involving fraud and misconduct is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is essential for this position. Additionally, intermediate knowledge of French is desirable, as well as familiarity with other WHO languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of WHO's operations.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive remuneration package, with an annual base salary starting at USD 117,953, subject to deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The role includes a variable post adjustment reflecting the cost of living in Geneva, currently amounting to USD 8,227 per month. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates should be aware that WHO has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.