Investigator

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) is a vital part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which provides oversight of FAO's programs and operations through internal audits and investigations. The OIG was established to ensure accountability and integrity within the organization, focusing on misconduct involving FAO personnel and third parties. The OIG investigates various allegations, including fraud, corruption, abuse of privileges, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment, and retaliation against whistle-blowers. The organization aims to promote policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations and prepares reports for senior management on lessons learned and proactive integrity reviews. The OIG consists of two units, both led by a Senior Investigator, and staff typically rotate between these units. The OIG operates from FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and plays a crucial role in maintaining the organization's ethical standards and operational integrity.

Job Overview:
The Investigator position within the Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) is critical for the intake and investigation of serious allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing by FAO personnel and third parties. The role involves assessing incoming complaints, conducting thorough investigations, and developing recommendations to support management decisions. The Investigator will work closely with senior investigators and participate in planning and organizing investigations, which may include interviews, document reviews, and evidence analysis. The position requires a strong focus on improving internal controls over fraud risks and ensuring compliance with FAO policies. The Investigator will also contribute to proactive integrity reviews and the development of policies aimed at preventing misconduct. This role is essential for maintaining the integrity of FAO's operations and ensuring accountability within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Investigator will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct the intake and assessment of incoming complaints and allegations, reviewing information received and obtaining additional details from complainants as necessary.
• Participate in planning, organizing, and conducting investigations at FAO headquarters or Decentralized Offices, which includes preliminary reviews of complaints, interviews, document analysis, and evidence organization.
• Collaborate with senior investigators on complex investigation cases, contributing to the investigative process and outcomes.
• Prepare and edit written outputs that present clear and logical findings from investigations, including reports, referral documents, and investigative plans.
• Contribute to the development of lessons learned and proactive integrity reviews, making recommendations to prevent violations of FAO policies.
• Maintain effective communication with relevant FAO Divisions, Offices, and Centres regarding specific cases and liaise with external and UN investigators on mutual concerns.
• Assist in updating policies, procedures, and best practices related to investigations and evidence collection.
• Provide input for statistics and periodic reports on investigation matters and trends.
• Participate in training and awareness activities focused on preventing and reporting misconduct within FAO. 1
• Perform other duties as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• 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 also be considered if they possess 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 five years of relevant experience in fact-finding or investigatory work, preferably involving misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partner organizations, including fraud and corruption.
• Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (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 related field associated with criminal and/or administrative investigations. Candidates with a first-level university degree in these areas may also be considered if they have additional relevant work experience and a professional qualification to practice law.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in fact-finding or investigatory work. This experience should preferably include investigations into misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partner organizations, including fraud and corruption. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with investigation techniques and procedures, as well as the ability to analyze legal and procedural issues.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge of English (proficiency - level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) (intermediate proficiency - level B). Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. Candidates should be prepared to adhere to FAO values, including commitment to the organization, respect for all individuals, and integrity and transparency in their work. The role may involve travel, including to hardship duty stations, and candidates should be willing to undertake such travel as required. The position is full-time, and candidates will be assessed based on their qualifications and experience relevant to the duties outlined.