Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP: Leading Integrity and Accountability at UNDP
Job Title: Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Employer: UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Grade: P4 (professional level)
Type: Fixed-term, 2 years (with a possibility for extension)
Main Responsibilities:http://Investigations Specialist Job Posting
As an Investigations Specialist/Team Leader within the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI), you will lead a team dedicated to investigating allegations of misconduct that affect UNDP and its partners. Some of the specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Supervision & Leadership:
- Overseeing a team of investigators and ensuring that all investigation processes are carried out effectively and efficiently.
- Managing caseloads and ensuring resources are used optimally to investigate allegations of misconduct.
- Providing guidance to your team and conducting regular performance reviews of the investigators under your supervision.
- Conducting Investigations:
- Investigating serious allegations such as fraud, theft, discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), and abuse of authority.
- Conducting thorough investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence, such as documents, witness testimonies, and digital evidence.
- Engaging with victims, witnesses, and suspects, conducting interviews, and gathering necessary information to substantiate claims.
- Overseeing and ensuring that all investigative procedures adhere to best practices, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like sexual misconduct or workplace abuse.
- Expertise in Investigations:
- Applying specialized investigative techniques (such as interviewing, evidence handling, digital forensics) to uncover facts and make well-informed conclusions.
- Supervising the analysis of evidence and maintaining the chain of custody for all materials collected during investigations.
- Utilizing tools like open-source software, data analytics, and AI tools to assist in investigations.
- Collaboration and Coordination:
- Coordinating with other UN departments like Legal Services, Ethics Offices, and regional offices to ensure smooth operations.
- Engaging with external agencies, including national law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, to address misconduct involving third parties like vendors or contractors.
- Ensuring the effective exchange of information and promoting collaboration across multiple teams, offices, and international organizations.
- Risk Assessment and Reporting:
- Evaluating potential risks and vulnerabilities within the organization that could lead to misconduct.
- Preparing detailed investigation reports that summarize findings and provide recommendations for corrective actions or sanctions.
- Ensuring all investigations are thoroughly documented and up to the highest standards for legal or disciplinary action.
- Personal Development & Knowledge Sharing:
- Contributing to the development of investigation practices and participating in training programs to enhance your professional skills.
- Sharing knowledge within the team and ensuring continuous learning to stay updated on global investigation standards.
Skills & Competencies:@vacancyspaces.com
- Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Setting and meeting objectives with a lasting impact.
- Think Innovatively: Developing new ideas to tackle complex problems.
- Learn Continuously: Expanding professional horizons and adapting to changing situations.
- Adapt with Agility: Championing change and managing competing demands.
- Act with Determination: Overcoming challenges to achieve significant results.
- Engage and Partner: Navigating political and complex environments to build partnerships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting an inclusive and diverse work environment.
- Technical Competencies:
- Expertise in investigation management, evidence analysis, and interviewing.
- Ability to use investigative software, conduct digital forensics, and understand IT systems in investigations.
- Strong communication skills in writing and verbal discussions.
- Knowledge of business management and decision-making processes in investigation contexts.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Education:
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law, Management, Finance, or a related field, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field with 2 extra years of professional experience (for a total of 9 years of experience).
- Experience:
- At least 7 years (with a Master’s) or 9 years (with a Bachelor’s) of experience in complex investigations (administrative or criminal).
- Experience managing investigations involving misconduct, fraud, sexual harassment, and other serious violations.
- Specialized training in investigation techniques, evidence handling, and report writing is essential.
- Experience with open-source investigative software and digital forensics is highly desirable.
- Experience in an international investigative role is a plus.
- Languages:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.
Additional Information:
- Travel Requirements: Frequent travel to UNDP offices worldwide, including areas with challenging or hazardous working conditions.
- Important Notes: This position requires passing a probationary period, and candidates may be subject to reference and background checks.
If you’re interested in leadership roles, complex investigations, and working within an international organization like UNDP, this job could be a great fit! It combines investigative expertise with team management and a broad range of responsibilities.
Certainly! Let’s dive deeper into the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Below, I will provide an expanded and comprehensive explanation of the job responsibilities, required qualifications, skills, and competencies, along with detailed insights into the organizational structure, mission, and the professional profile of the role.
Job Overview and Organizational Context:
The UNDP is a global development network that works in nearly 170 countries and territories, aiming to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, and protect the planet. The UNDP is an organization committed to fostering sustainable development and promoting peace and justice worldwide. In line with its mission, the Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) plays a critical role within the organization, conducting internal audits and investigations into allegations of misconduct within the UNDP, its affiliates, and its third-party collaborators.
OAI reports directly to the Administrator of the UNDP and serves the function of internal accountability, providing audit and investigative services to the organization. Specifically, the Investigations Section (OAI/IS) deals with investigations into misconduct, including financial crimes, abuse of authority, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, fraud, and other unethical or illegal behavior.
The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP position is critical in leading and managing a team of investigators responsible for conducting thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct within the RBAP (Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific) region. This position requires a seasoned professional with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of investigation methodologies, and experience working within an international context.
Table of Contents
Detailed Responsibilities:
As an Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP, your role will encompass a variety of high-level duties related to conducting investigations, managing a team of investigators, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Let’s break down the responsibilities in detail:
1. Team Leadership and Management:
The core of your role will be managing the RBAP Investigations Team, which includes overseeing day-to-day operations, assigning tasks, and ensuring the successful completion of investigations. As the Team Leader, you will be responsible for:
- Supervising and Coordinating the Team:
- You will be responsible for managing the team’s workload, ensuring that investigations are prioritized according to their complexity and urgency. This includes overseeing the work of other Investigations Specialists (P3 level) and consultants.
- You will assign specific tasks to team members, balancing workloads and utilizing the team’s skills and expertise effectively. Your ability to prioritize and delegate tasks will be crucial to ensuring the success of the investigations under your supervision.
- Conducting Performance Reviews:
- As a leader, you will be responsible for evaluating the performance of the Investigations Specialists and consultants in your team. Regular performance appraisals will allow you to assess strengths and identify areas for improvement. This will also involve providing constructive feedback and facilitating professional development opportunities for your team.
- Recruitment and Training:
- Depending on operational needs, you may also be involved in recruiting new personnel to join the RBAP Investigations Team. This includes overseeing the hiring process, reviewing resumes, and selecting candidates who meet the high standards required for investigations at the UNDP.
- Additionally, you will be responsible for organizing ongoing training and professional development activities for the team to ensure they stay current with the latest investigative techniques, technologies, and best practices.
2. Managing Complex Investigations:
A significant portion of your role will involve conducting and overseeing investigations into various forms of misconduct, including fraud, sexual harassment, workplace abuse, corruption, and violations of UNDP’s policies. Your responsibilities will include:
- Supervising the Investigation Process:
- You will be responsible for ensuring that investigations are conducted in line with the UNDP’s internal policies, as well as internationally recognized investigation standards. This includes adhering to the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations, the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with the United Nations Standards of Conduct, and the OAI Investigation Guidelines.
- You will personally supervise investigations into higher-priority or more complex cases. This might include cases involving senior personnel, cross-border allegations, or particularly sensitive issues. Your experience and expertise will guide the investigation process to ensure impartiality, thoroughness, and fairness.
- Collecting and Analyzing Evidence:
- You will oversee the collection, documentation, and analysis of evidence relevant to the investigations. This includes handling various forms of evidence, such as physical documents, digital communications, financial records, and even testimony from witnesses and subjects.
- You must ensure that all evidence is collected in accordance with the chain of custody procedures, ensuring that it remains secure and verifiable for potential use in legal or disciplinary proceedings.
- As an expert in investigative techniques, you will be familiar with open-source research, data analysis, and using forensic tools to assist in gathering evidence that can substantiate or disprove allegations.
- Conducting Interviews and Gathering Testimony:
- A critical element of any investigation is gathering testimonies from witnesses, victims, and suspects. You will conduct interviews with a variety of individuals involved in the cases, employing effective interviewing techniques that are appropriate to the circumstances (e.g., interviewing vulnerable victims or complex suspects).
- Interviews must be conducted impartially and in a way that ensures reliability and credibility. Depending on the situation, you may need to coordinate the use of interpreters or other assistance to ensure that communication is clear and accurate.
- Specialized Investigation Techniques:
- For cases involving financial misconduct, corruption, or fraud, you will lead investigations that may require financial audits, forensic analysis, or the examination of complex financial documents. This could involve working with experts in digital forensics or document examination.
- For more complex and technical investigations, you may also collaborate with external specialists or leverage tools such as investigative software, AI tools, or digital forensic platforms.
3. Investigation Reporting and Decision-Making:
- Reporting on Findings:
- Once an investigation is complete, you will be responsible for reviewing and finalizing investigation reports. These reports will summarize the investigation process, present key findings, and make recommendations for actions that should be taken, such as disciplinary measures or legal actions.
- As a leader, you will ensure that the investigation reports are of the highest standard, objective, factual, and professionally written. You will work closely with your team to ensure that the conclusions drawn are evidence-based and sound.
- Decision-Making and Follow-Up:
- You will play an important role in recommending actions based on the investigation’s findings. This could involve recommending sanctions against individuals or third parties, providing support for internal legal proceedings, or suggesting changes to policies or procedures to prevent future misconduct.
- You will also be involved in the closure of cases, ensuring that all relevant steps have been taken and that the issue has been resolved satisfactorily, both for the organization and for any individuals involved.
4. Risk Assessment and Preventative Measures:
In addition to investigating allegations of misconduct, you will also contribute to risk management efforts within UNDP:
- Identifying and Assessing Risks:
- As part of your role, you will assess the potential for misconduct in UNDP offices and operations, identifying vulnerabilities that could lead to issues like fraud, corruption, or workplace harassment.
- Based on your assessments, you will collaborate with other departments to develop risk mitigation strategies and implement preventative measures across the organization.
- Contributing to Risk Assessment Planning:
- You will work with the broader UNDP team to develop risk assessments and ensure that the organization is prepared to address any potential misconduct proactively. This includes evaluating existing internal controls and proposing improvements where necessary.
Required Skills and Experience:
1. Educational Background:
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law, Management, Finance, or related field (Required).
- Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 2 years of experience will be considered.
2. Professional Experience:
- 7+ years (with a Master’s) or 9+ years (with a Bachelor’s) of progressively responsible experience in complex investigations related to criminal misconduct or administrative offenses.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing investigations involving sensitive issues like fraud, sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and workplace harassment.
- Specialized experience in investigative techniques, evidence handling, and report writing is essential.
- Experience working in international organizations or conducting investigations across multiple regions is desirable.
3. Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of additional United Nations languages is a plus (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.).
4. Technical and Analytical Skills:
- Proficiency in the use of investigation tools and technologies, including digital forensic software, data analytics tools, and open-source research platforms.
- Familiarity with IT infrastructure and forensic analysis, especially in relation to digital evidence and financial documentation.
Conclusion:
The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP position at the UNDP offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that promotes accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior within a global organization. If you have extensive experience in managing investigations, leading teams, and working in an international context, this position will allow you to play a key role in upholding the integrity and standards of the UNDP across the Asia-Pacific region.
This role is critical to ensuring that UNDP operates in a manner that is consistent with its values of integrity, accountability, and fairness, and that it takes decisive action when misconduct or unethical behavior is identified. If you are someone who thrives in challenging environments, enjoys leadership roles, and has a strong commitment to justice, this could be a fulfilling career opportunity for you.
Certainly! Let’s expand even further on the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP position at UNDP. Below is a more in-depth examination of the core aspects of the role, including broader context, the job’s strategic importance, a more detailed look at leadership responsibilities, team dynamics, interaction with stakeholders, as well as the technical expertise required for the position. This expanded analysis will further elaborate on what the job entails and what makes it so significant to the United Nations Development Programme.
Job Context and Significance in the UNDP:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prestigious global organization that plays a pivotal role in international development, promoting human rights, fostering inclusive governance, tackling climate change, and working to reduce inequalities globally. The RBAP (Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific) is one of the most vital regions for the UNDP due to its diversity, the vast socio-political dynamics across nations, and the region’s rapid economic development paired with significant challenges such as environmental sustainability, poverty reduction, and human rights protection.
The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) serves as the backbone of internal oversight, ensuring that all UNDP operations, policies, and projects are compliant with standards of governance, transparency, and integrity. The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP holds an especially important role within the OAI/Investigations Section. The position is strategically important in ensuring that allegations of misconduct within the Asia-Pacific region, ranging from minor ethical breaches to significant acts of fraud or corruption, are thoroughly investigated. Your work ensures the smooth functioning of operations across the region by maintaining accountability, reinforcing ethical practices, and protecting the integrity of the UNDP.
Strategic Importance of the Investigations Role in RBAP:
Accountability in a Complex Global Context:
As the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP, you will oversee and lead investigations into misconduct across a vast and varied region. The Asia-Pacific region alone encompasses a multitude of political systems, economies, legal structures, and cultural practices, each of which presents unique challenges in terms of managing ethics and accountability. From emerging democracies to well-established political systems, each country presents its own set of risks and opportunities in terms of ethical conduct.
Your role is to navigate these complexities and ensure that the UNDP’s work in the region is not only effective but also adheres to the highest standards of accountability. By investigating misconduct—whether financial fraud, abuse of power, corruption, or human rights violations—you are fundamentally safeguarding the credibility and sustainability of UNDP operations across multiple countries.
Leadership and Team Dynamics:
Leadership at the Forefront of Investigations:
At the heart of this role lies the responsibility to lead and manage a team of skilled investigators. Your leadership will have a direct impact on the effectiveness and outcomes of the investigations you supervise. As the Team Leader, you will be entrusted with setting clear investigative goals, managing competing priorities, and ensuring a collaborative working environment where your team can thrive.
One of the key aspects of your leadership will be ensuring that your team functions as a cohesive unit, despite the complexities and challenges that may arise. The RBAP Investigations Team will be made up of professionals with varying levels of experience, and it will be your responsibility to help guide and mentor them while ensuring that they work together efficiently. You will be the final authority on decisions regarding the approach to investigations, the techniques to be employed, and the appropriate methodologies to handle sensitive cases.
The leadership responsibility extends beyond operational tasks to also include motivating and inspiring your team. You will need to foster a culture of transparency, integrity, and professionalism within your team. The effective management of such a team requires you to develop an inclusive leadership style that emphasizes clear communication, mutual respect, and the value of diverse perspectives. Ensuring that all team members feel valued and that their professional development is prioritized will be key to achieving successful outcomes in investigations.
Training, Development, and Capacity Building:
As a leader, part of your role will be to assess the skill gaps within your team and take steps to address them. Professional development will be a continuous component of your leadership strategy. You will ensure that your team members are equipped with the latest investigative techniques, including those related to digital forensics, data analytics, and evolving investigative standards and methodologies.
This can involve organizing or recommending training sessions, workshops, and conferences that enhance the team’s knowledge and abilities. By providing these opportunities, you ensure that your team remains not only technically proficient but also resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated misconduct cases.
Additionally, providing mentorship and guiding junior team members will help them grow into more senior roles within the organization. You will play a critical role in building the next generation of investigators within the UNDP.
Collaboration with Internal and External Stakeholders:
As Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP, your role requires significant interaction with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the UNDP.
Internal Collaboration:
- Senior Management and Key Officials: You will be required to regularly report to senior UNDP officials about ongoing investigations. This includes presenting findings, making recommendations for action, and advising on the potential organizational impact of the issues under investigation. Your ability to articulate complex findings in a way that is accessible and actionable will be critical in facilitating informed decision-making.
- Legal, Human Resources, and Compliance Teams: Effective investigations often require collaboration with the legal team, particularly when dealing with cases that may lead to legal or disciplinary actions. You will work closely with UNDP’s legal advisors, particularly when compiling evidence for potential sanctions, court cases, or other legal procedures. Additionally, the Human Resources and Compliance Teams will often be involved in ensuring that personnel and organizational policies are aligned with the outcomes of the investigations.
- Field Offices and Program Staff: Since the UNDP operates globally, you will collaborate with country offices across Asia-Pacific, ensuring that investigations are conducted in compliance with local regulations and cultural norms. However, you will also need to ensure that such investigations are consistent with the UNDP’s global guidelines and ethical standards.
External Partnerships and Stakeholders:
- Law Enforcement Agencies: In cases where the alleged misconduct is criminal or requires external law enforcement action, you will need to coordinate with local and international law enforcement agencies. This can involve sharing information, collaborating on evidence collection, or assisting in criminal prosecutions where appropriate.
- External Auditors and Investigators: In some cases, investigations will require specialized expertise that goes beyond the capacity of your internal team. You may need to bring in external auditors, forensic accountants, or technical specialists to assist with evidence analysis, particularly in cases involving fraud or complex financial mismanagement.
- Donors and Partners: As UNDP works with various international donors, organizations, and government partners, your role will sometimes involve managing their expectations and communicating the outcomes of investigations that may affect the overall partnership or funding. Maintaining trust and ensuring transparency in these interactions is crucial.
Technical Skills and Expertise:
Given the complexity of misconduct investigations, the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP must possess a broad array of technical skills and investigative expertise. These skills include, but are not limited to:
1. Investigative Methodologies and Techniques:
The role demands an in-depth understanding of modern investigative techniques. This includes knowledge of:
- Forensic Investigations: Understanding how to perform forensic audits and investigations into financial records, contracts, and project expenditures.
- Digital Forensics and Data Analysis: Proficiency in the use of specialized software to analyze digital data, including emails, financial transactions, and social media activity. Cybersecurity knowledge, especially when dealing with data breaches or the manipulation of digital records, is increasingly important.
- Witness and Suspect Interviews: Experience in conducting interviews in a culturally sensitive and legally sound manner, ensuring that testimonies are admissible and credible.
- Evidence Handling and Chain of Custody: Deep knowledge of how to properly handle evidence, ensuring it is not compromised or lost. This includes securing digital and physical evidence from initial discovery to final disposition.
2. Legal Framework and Compliance Knowledge:
You must possess a strong understanding of the legal frameworks that govern investigations within UNDP, including international law, human rights standards, and UNDP-specific policies. Additionally, familiarity with anti-corruption legislation, whistleblower protection policies, and compliance standards will be essential.
3. Risk Management and Prevention Strategies:
In addition to conducting investigations, the Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP will be instrumental in developing strategies to prevent misconduct. This includes the use of risk assessment tools, data analytics, and the promotion of an organizational culture that discourages unethical behavior. By identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to mitigate risks, you can help minimize the occurrence of misconduct in the future.
Final Thoughts:
The Investigations Specialist/Team Leader RBAP role is a prestigious and impactful position that combines leadership, investigative expertise, and strategic thinking. Your contributions will directly affect the integrity and reputation of UNDP’s operations across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The ability to lead complex investigations, manage a diverse team, and collaborate with various stakeholders will make you a key figure in promoting the values of transparency, justice, and ethical behavior within the UN system. This role is ideal for an experienced professional committed to tackling corruption and misconduct on a global scale, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
