INVESTIGATOR (Protection against Retaliation), P4

• Organisation: OIOS - Office of Internal Oversight Services
• Location: New York
• Contract: R
• Deadline: 14 December 2026

Org. Setting and Reporting

OIOS is the internal oversight body of the United Nations and assists the Secretary-General in fulfilling his oversight responsibilities in respect of the resources and staff of the Organization through the provision of audit, investigation, and inspection and evaluation services. ID/OIOS investigates reports of possible violations of rules, regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources and abuse of authority. This position is located in the Operational Standards and Support Section (OSSS) at the Investigations Division (ID) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in New York, and reports to the Chief of OSSS in New York. The Investigator will be required to travel to remote locations, at times for extended periods, to manage and conduct investigations.

Responsibilities

With delegated authority, the Investigator will be responsible for the following duties: • Plan, organize, and conduct investigations into alleged violations of the UN’s Protection against Retaliation (PaR) policy, following referrals from the United Nations Ethics Office. • Define investigation scope, parameters, and timelines, ensuring investigations are conducted promptly, impartially, and in accordance with OIOS/ID Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), investigation standards, and applicable legal frameworks. • Collect and examine testimonial, documentary, electronic, and other forms of evidence to establish relevant facts and support determinations by the United Nations Ethics Office on whether retaliation occurred and whether a causal link exists between the protected activity and the alleged retaliatory act. • Prepare clear, comprehensive, and objective investigation reports presenting the facts, analysis, and findings based on the evidence gathered. • Identify potential related misconduct or systemic issues and proposes referrals to the appropriate entity, as necessary. • Lead and supervise a team or teams of investigators and coordinates the investigative activities of team members; define the parameters and timetable of an investigation. • Decide on the investigative tools to be employed; gather evidence; prepare testimony for tribunals; obtain and review pertinent documentation. • Conduct interviews and take statements; analyze facts, determine findings, and formulate recommended corrective measures and related disciplinary and jurisdictional actions; draft investigation reports and communications. • Collaborate with other investigators and staff members to achieve Organizational goals, in accordance with ID/OIOS standard operating procedures and in compliance with Organizational Regulations and Rules; manage financial resources and logistics of the unit. • Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. • Perform other functional related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal and administrative investigations. Knowledge of the UN’s Protection against Retaliation (PaR) framework, including ST/SGB/2017/2/Rev.1, protection mechanisms, and relevant administrative and legal standards. Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to identify and analyze problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Proven ability to gather evidence and interview suspects and witnesses. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve Organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise. Is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvements. Does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. • MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish tasks and matches tasks to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in law or a field related to investigations is required. A first-level university degree in law or a field related to investigations in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in conducting administrative and criminal investigations, together with supervisory functions, is required. Experience in interviewing subjects and witnesses in the furtherance of investigations is required. Experience working on international investigation activities is required. Experience working in an international or multilateral public institution is required. Experience in investigating retaliation cases is desirable. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

English UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking

French UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• This post is financed by the regular budget of the United Nations. The appointment, or assignment, and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. • Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the Young Professionals Programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

United Nations Considerations