Investigations Consultant – Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (Working Remotely)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.  Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Background

The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) is a key component of UNICEF’s independent internal oversight system. It has two sections: The Internal Audit Section and the Investigations Section. The former helps UNICEF fulfill its mission by providing independent and objective assurance and advisory services designed to designed to add value and improve the adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of UNICEF’s operations. OIAI reports to the Executive Director and independently to the Executive Board on the results of its work. 

Duration of the Consultancy: 6 months (Working Remotely)

Estimated start date: 15 March 2021

Purpose and objectives of the consultancy/contract

Terms of Reference

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief of Investigations, the Investigation Consultant carries out investigations into allegations of fraud, abuse of authority, mismanagement, harassment, sexual harassment and/or retaliatory actions in or affecting UNICEF and makes recommendations for corrective action and improved controls. Specific duties include:

1. Undertaking preliminary assessments: As a lead member of the investigations team, formulate investigation plans to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to factually determine the issues relevant to an investigation;

2. Identifies, collects and analyses information, using software internal data and open source information relevant to investigations (forensic accounting/ investigation) demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigation; Collects, records and handles evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence;

3. Managing investigations: Plan and direct investigations in UNICEF in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures. Direct and supervise UNICEF staff and/or consultants to carry out investigative tasks as required. When necessary, personally conduct complex or sensitive investigations in field locations or headquarters. Maintain a quality assurance function to ensure that investigations are timely and of required quality in compliance with established procedures.

4. Reporting Investigation Findings: Identify the results of the investigations prepare reports on investigation findings that are submitted to the Chief of Investigations for final review before submission to the Director of OIAI for approval. Prepare closure memos for cases that did not need to be investigated, or where misconduct could not be proven, for approval by the Director, OIAI.

5. Other Tasks: Undertake any research or other tasks as assigned by the Chief of Section, in support of policy development or advice to other UNICEF offices. Provide input in the development of investigation’ related policies and procedures in OIAI and in UNICEF. Participate in development activities within OIAI including the development of investigation methodologies and materials.

Duty Station: New York Headquarters – In view of the Covid19 Global Pandemic this consultant assignment will start remotely.  The need to work from UNICEF New York Headquarters will be reviewed based on evolving working modalities for Office of Internal Audit and Investigations.

Recruitment Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in one or more of the following disciplines: Economics, Social Sciences, Law, Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration/Management, or other relevant technical field. 

Experience:  At least minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in planning, leading and undertaking complex and sensitive investigations in government, non-profit organizations, and/or private sector.   Knowledge of the United Nations system and UNICEF is generally desirable.

Payment Terms: The consultancy fee will be paid per working days on a monthly basis.  Payment will be made upon submission of an invoice, specifying the number of days worked and completed tasks.

To apply, kindly include the Following:

• A cover letter which notes your understanding of the Terms of Reference and your relevant experience in a maximum of one page along with expected fees.
• Attach most recent CV.

Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.  

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates to apply to become a part of the organization, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.