Position Title: Chief of Investigations, Regional Investigations Center

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 01 July 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Fiji; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO), inter alia, undertakes investigations into alleged violations of IOM’s regulations, rules and relevant administrative instructions, such as, but not limited to, fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, abuse of privileges and immunities or of authority, harassment, whistle-blower retaliation or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations of IOM personnel. OIO is seeking applicants with experience in conducting and leading such investigations of an administrative nature. The position requires international travel on an ad-hoc basis and of regular frequency.

Under the overall supervision of the Director OIO and the direct supervision of the Deputy Director OIO, the Chief of Investigations will be responsible for the following duties at the Nairobi Regional Investigations Center:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Head the Nairobi Regional Investigations Center, provide guidance and supervision to its two investigation teams and ensure their work is in compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Manage operations at the Nairobi Regional Investigations Center for office- and field-based investigations into allegations of violations of IOM’s policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable regulations and rules, in a timely and effective manner, in line with Standard Operating Procedures. Conduct high-priority, complex and/or sensitive investigations as necessary.
3. Review and assess complaints and allegations, formulate and review investigation plans. Maintain a system for allocating, prioritizing and tracking investigation assignments.
4. Plan, conduct and record interviews of staff and other involved parties, obtain, analyze and file potential documentary, electronic and forensic evidence and conduct investigative research.
5. Prepare high quality investigation and closure reports to present investigative results, prepare ad-hoc briefs and notes. Ensure the quality of investigation reports produced by supervisees including with quality assurance of OIO output. Draft official communications for OIO.
6. Based on the output of the Nairobi Regional Investigations Center, identify systemic weaknesses in IOM activities and bring them to the attention of the OIO Directorate.
7. Collaborate with other Investigators and staff members to achieve Organizational goals, in accordance with OIO Standard Operating Procedures and in compliance with Organizational Regulations and Rules. Regularly appraise progress of investigations and assess probable impact of investigation outcome relative to strategies.
8. Design and conduct outreach, training and awareness initiatives.
9. Contribute to policy development and strategic planning, and coordination, as requested by the OIO Directorate.
10. Provide support with the administration of OIO, as requested by the OIO Directorate.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, Criminology, Human Rights, Forensic Accounting, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience in investigatory work; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience in investigatory work.

Experience

• At least ten years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience related to administrative or criminal investigations, including supervisory functions;
• Experience in managing investigation teams with an international organization or NGO, multilateral financial institution or similar, is required;
• Experience in reviewing investigation output and ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures is required;
• Experience in applying and promoting a victim-centred approach to investigations is required;
• Previous experience in conducting high-priority, complex and/or sensitive investigations of an administrative nature with an international organization or NGO, multilateral financial institution or similar, is a distinct advantage; and,
• Previous experience in investigating gender based violence and/or sexual exploitation and abuse and/or sexual harassment and/or complex fraud is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of investigative procedures, including in applying legal due process;
• Ability to conduct investigations with a victim-centred approach;
• Capacity to analyze complex fact patterns;
• Excellent writing and communication skills;
• Familiarity with basic concepts of electronic evidence and internet searches; and,
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or a language relevant to IOM operations and OIO investigations is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.