UNICEF is the world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, supporting child health and nutrition, water and sanitation, quality basic education, and protection from violence and exploitation.
Role Overview
The Investigation Manager (P-4) within the Office of Internal Audit & Investigation (OIAI) is responsible for conducting preliminary assessments, leading complex investigations, and managing the Sexual Misconduct Portfolio. The role ensures that all complaints, including those of a sexual nature, are assessed, prioritized, assigned, investigated, and reported in compliance with UNICEF policies, due process requirements, and victim-centred, trauma-informed principles.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
Undertaking Preliminary Assessments and Planning Investigations
- Conduct informal discussions with victims, perform preliminary assessments, and formulate investigation plans to ensure lines of inquiry are identified and resources are used efficiently.
- Identify appropriate investigative strategies, methodologies, confidentiality requirements, and resource needs for each matter.
- Coordinate investigative inputs from staff, consultants, or specialist personnel operating under matrix management arrangements.
Leading Investigations
- Plan and direct investigations in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures.
- Personally conduct complex administrative investigations, ensuring timeliness, quality, and compliance with OIAI procedures.
Managing the Sexual Misconduct Portfolio
- Manage, guide, and provide technical oversight to investigators attached to the Sexual Misconduct Portfolio responsible for initial handling of complaints regarding sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other sexual misconduct.
- Ensure complaints are handled with due process, confidentiality, and a victim-centred, trauma-informed approach.
- Provide day-to-day supervision, performance feedback, mentoring, and quality assurance to team members.
- Coordinate case allocation, monitor caseloads and timelines, and ensure consistency and sensitivity in investigative practice.
- Escalate complex, high-risk, or sensitive matters to the Chief or Head of Investigations as appropriate.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders (Administrative Law Unit, Ethics Office, Division of People and Culture, Child Safeguarding, PSEA focal points) while preserving OIAI's independence and confidentiality.
Reporting Investigation Findings and Data Management
- Prepare comprehensive investigation reports for review by the Chief of Investigations and Quality Assurance Team prior to approval by the Head of OIAI.
- Prepare closure memos for cases not meeting full investigation thresholds.
- Ensure case details are accurately updated in the investigations database on a timely basis.
Training and Awareness-Raising
- Prepare information and training materials on preventing, detecting, and reporting fraud and misconduct.
- Deliver awareness presentations to staff across UNICEF offices.
Requirements and Desirables
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Law, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, or related fields. A first-level degree (Bachelor's) with 2 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 8 years (at least 3 at the international level) of progressively responsible experience planning, leading, and conducting complex investigations in government, non-profit, or private sector.
- Demonstrated experience investigating sexual misconduct and applying victim-centred, trauma-informed approaches.
- Proven expertise in modern investigation techniques and technology-enabled methods.
- Strong supervisory experience managing investigators or multidisciplinary teams.
- Language: English proficiency is required. Knowledge of another UN language (French or Arabic) is highly desirable.
