Investigator

Organizational Setting

The Office of the Inspector-General (OIG) provides oversight of FAO's programmes and operations through internal audit and investigations. OIG investigates allegations of misconduct involving FAO personnel and allegations of sanctionable actions involving third parties. OIG's investigation mandate covers misconduct such as fraud, corruption, abuse of privileges and immunities; sexual exploitation and abuse; sexual harassment; workplace harassment and abuse of authority; retaliation against whistle-blowers; or any other conduct not in conformity with the Standards of Conduct of the International Civil Service. OIG also prepares reports for the Director-General and Senior Management on lessons learned and proactive integrity reviews and promotes policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO's operations. The position is in OIG's Investigation Branch (OIGI). 

OIGI consists of two units, both headed by a Senior Investigator (Head of Unit): the Investigation Operations Unit and Investigation Analysis and the Professional Practices Unit. OIGI staff would normally rotate between the two units.

The post is located in OIG's Investigation Branch (OIGI) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy

Reporting Lines

The Investigator reports to the Senior Investigator (Head of Unit) or an Investigator (Team Leader).

 Technical Focus

Under the supervision of more senior Investigator, support the intake of, and/or investigations into, allegations of serious misconduct and wrongdoing by FAO personnel and third parties and in line with internal standard operating procedures and relevant rules.

Key Results

The intake of complaints and/or investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment and sexual harassment, and other types of wrongdoing, and the development of recommendations to support management decisions; and improve internal controls over fraud risks and to prevent and timely detect violations of FAO policies.

Key Functions

  Provides support to intake analysis of incoming complaints; this includes reviewing the information received, and when necessary, obtaining additional information from the complainant to determine whether the complaint/allegation falls within the mandate of OIG or whether the matter would be more appropriately handled by another FAO office.

  Supports investigative activities in connection with the planning, organizing and conduct of investigations at headquarters or Decentralized Offices, in accordance with the applicable rules involving a preliminary review of the complaint/allegation, interviews of personnel and third parties, review of documentary and electronic information, analysis of the facts, organization of the evidence, and determines the appropriate presentation of investigative results including the preparation of reports.

  Participates in complex investigation cases.

  Contributes to the preparation of investigative outputs, such as reports, memoranda and other communications.

  Provides support to various policy-related initiatives and other matters under review by the Office.

  Carries out basic research, collects, analyses relevant information, and contributes to the preparation of analytical notes, investigation reports and memoranda presenting facts, circumstances, conclusions and recommendations for management action.

  Participates in outreach activities such as the development of training workshops, seminars/webinars, and presentations on assigned topics/activities.

  Maintains OIG records and updates databases.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or in a subject associated with criminal and/or administrative investigations (candidates holding a first-level university degree in above-mentioned fields may also be considered if possessing two (2) additional years of relevant work experience in fact-finding/investigatory work and a professional qualification to practice law in a national/state jurisdiction).

Three years of relevant experience in fact-finding/investigatory work preferably, but not limited to, misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers and partners organizations, including fraud and other forms of corruption, using investigation techniques and procedures.

Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

Results Focus

Teamwork

Communication

Building effective relationships

Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

Extent and relevance of experience in investigations including employee misconduct, procurement fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment and sexual harassment.

Ability to analyse relevant legal and procedural issues, and documentary and financial evidence.

Knowledge and understanding of relevant investigative theories, concepts and approaches.

Ability and willingness to travel, including hardship duty stations.