Legal Jobs at UN; Investigation Assistant

Job Title:        Investigation Assistant
Job Ref:    14-SEC-OIOS-34019-R-ENTEBBE (M)
Grade:         FS4
Job Location:   Entebbe, Uganda
Employer:     United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS)
Report to:     Chief of the Investigations Unit, OIOS Entebbe Regional Office

About  OIOS:
The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is an independent office in the United Nations Secretariat whose mandate is to "assist the Secretary-General in fulfilling his internal oversight responsibilities in respect of the resources and staff of the Organization."Specifically, activities include internal audit, investigation, monitoring, evaluation, inspection, reporting and support services to the United Nations Secretariat. Its intended and mandated function is similar to many national government audit organisations, like the Government Accountability Office in the United States. It reports not only to the General Assembly, but also to the Secretary-General.

Job Requirements:

•     High-school diploma or equivalent.
•     Possess formal qualifications and/or certifications in investigations obtained through service with military, police, other governmental or intergovernmental agencies and organizations or private enterprise investigative firms is desirable.
•     At least six years’ experience in progressively responsible experience in investigative work or related area.

Languages Proficiency:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the functions advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is highly desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
          
Personal Competencies
Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to investigations; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; Ability to manage investigations cases;  Ability to draft/edit complex investigations reports; Knowledge of United Nations policies, procedures and operations including good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in areas where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping missions. 
• Proven ability to gather evidence and interview subjects and witnesses; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in the area of investigations; 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 personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. 
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

   
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 the 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 decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.


Job Duties:
Within limits of delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Section, the Investigation Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

•     Supports in carrying out interviews and research of documentary evidence;
•     Performs basic research on assigned issues using investigation files and alternative sources to verify facts, identify citations, precedents and draft statements of findings and respondent replies to appeals;
•     Enlists the continued cooperation of witnesses;
•     Rigorously prepares and maintains the body of investigation reference files including management of individual case files;
•     Actively participates in initiatives to enhance systems for investigatory records management and retrieval.
•     Supports investigators with matters under investigation including the preparation of flow charts and chronologies;
•     Intuitively reviews, verifies and processes  investigation instruments;
•     Extracts key data and updates the database, monitors requisite follow-up actions and approvals;
•     Processes verbal and written inquiries providing detailed information on processes and procedures related to a range of investigation activities, instruments and issues; process, draft, edit, proofread and finalize for signature/approval a variety of correspondence and other communications;
•     Draft schedules and services meetings/appointments including assisting in the preparation of pre-in and post session documents;
•     Coordinates with the relevant units; prepares and updates the programme of work, delegation and documents lists; tracks the status of meetings and follow up actions;
•     Assists in the maintenance and operates the system for safeguarding the identity of persons who have submitted information to OIOS; and maintains statistical records of investigations.
•     Offers technical guidance and training to junior staff.
•     Performs any other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section.

Deadline Date: 10/05/2014

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