Senior Investigation Officer

Organizational context

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and hunger. It does so by investing in rural people. IFAD finances programmes and projects that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and  advocates at the local, national and international level for policies that contribute to rural transformation.

Post's organizational accountability

IFAD's anticorruption policy formally introduced a zero-tolerance stance towards cases of fraud and corruption, both within the institution and under its projects and programmes. As the internal body tasked with the promotion of the anticorruption policy, the Investigation Section of Office of Internal Audit and Oversight (AUO) acts as a focal point in IFAD efforts to prevent, detect, investigate and sanction fraud, corruption and misconduct in its operations and activities.

Under the general strategic guidance of the Director, AUO, and under the direct supervision of the AUO Investigation Manager, the  incumbent, as a senior member of AUO, promotes IFAD's anticorruption efforts in its activities and operations, and leads broad and comprehensive investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption and/or misconduct, often leading a team of investigators and investigative consultants.

Key results expected / Major functional activities

Investigation: Lead, supervise and/or perform thorough and comprehensive investigations into IFAD project related allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion and coercion, and/or into allegations of IFAD staff misconduct including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority and retaliation, using formal investigation and interview techniques. Develop investigation plans and methodologies to gather evidence and establish facts, and lead professional analysis of gathered evidence, draw legally sound and logical conclusion from investigative activities, ensure the concise drafting of investigative results and timely delivery of investigative results are expected. Contribute substantially to the development of investigation policy and/or strategy.

Promoting anticorruption policy: Contribute substantially to the implementation of the IFAD anticorruption policy, through close coordination with other IFAD colleagues and external entities, and making recommendations to supervisors and senior management.

Managerial Functions: The Senior Investigation Officer often serves as an investigation team leader with accountability for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This includes People Management through performance management of staff and consultants while leading investigations. When leading an investigation team, s/he supervises, coordinates investigative activities of team members, and evaluates staff members' work and performance and provide appraisal to the AUO Investigation Manager and Director as required. Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring (1) knowledge content within functional area is continuously updated and available to colleagues and clients (2) best practices are continuously identified, documented and distributed and (3) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available to the supervisors, Fund's managers, and staff.

Impact of Key results / Key performance indicators

The work of the Senior Investigation Officer consists of conducting and leading IFAD project related and IFAD staff misconduct investigations with sensitivity ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of evidence gathered as per AUO's applicable investigative guidelines, which require analysis of a broad range of subjects and capability to timely deliver comprehensive, succinct, and legally sound reports and impartiality of conclusions reached, and advising the Investigation Manager and Director AUO on institutional risks and appropriate risk mitigating measures identified in the course of these investigations.

Representation / Work relationships

The work relationships of Senior Investigation Officer involve the provision of authoritative technical advice. Representational functions of the Senior Investigation Officer are typically focused on positioning of the AUO as authoritatively competent to internal as well as external clients and partners. When assigned, s/he expands and develops new client relationships and establishes the foundation for collaboration with counterparts both within the Fund and externally. S/He advises IFAD staff and partners on IFAD policies and procedures on anticorruption, and organizes awareness and training activities on the prevention, detection and reporting of fraud and corruption in IFAD activities and operations.

Competencies

Organizational

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change (Level 2)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture (Level 2)
• Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused culture (Level 2)
• Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact (Level 2)
• Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources (Level 2)
• Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment (Level 2)
• Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills (Level 2)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally (Level 2)
• Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively (Level 1)

Technical/Functional

• Authoritative knowledge required for conducting misconduct and/or fraud investigations.    Knowledge of investigative strategies, methodologies and techniques
• Proven ability in organizing and prioritizing work tasks to meet tight delivery deadlines, while operating with minimal supervision.
• Excellent drafting, editing, and presentation skills; proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare, present, discuss and defend issues, findings and recommendations and to produce complex and compelling briefs and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of trends and recent developments in the field.
• Analysis and problem solving skills: outstanding ability gathering, analysing and synthesizing information from multiple sources and/or perspectives to make clear, timely and well-reasoned decisions and recommendations, and to provide analysis in qualitative and quantitative form.
• Highest standard of personal integrity, trustworthiness, discretion and maturity in handling complex assignments and situations.
• Communication skills to lead a team, conduct sensitive, complex investigations, establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and provide authoritative advice at all levels of the Fund and its governing structure.
• Ability to identify and seize opportunities to introduce innovations.

Minimum recruitment qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree from an accredited university in law, forensic science, accounting or other job related field.

Experience:

• At least eight (8) years of experience in professional investigatory work in an international setting preferably gained with an International Financial Institution or a United Nations organization. 

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential) and in French (highly desirable). Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, or Spanish) is desirable.

Other information

Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.