Investigations Specialist
UNOPS · EMEA
- Hybrid
- Internship
- $90,000 / year
- EMEA
Job highlights
- Conduct complex investigations of alleged misconduct.
- Gather and analyze evidence thoroughly.
- Interview witnesses and subjects effectively.
- Prepare detailed investigation reports.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
About the role
Investigations Specialist
Job Highlight
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the integrity and accountability of UNOPS by conducting thorough and impartial investigations. The position offers exposure to a wide range of misconduct cases, collaboration with key stakeholders, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's operations and reputation.
About the Group
The Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG) provides independent assurance and oversight to strengthen UNOPS’ governance, risk management, and internal controls, while ensuring accountability through impartial investigations of misconduct. Our internal audit function delivers assurance engagements across field offices and HQ units, advisory reviews of functions, processes, and cross-cutting themes, and targeted project audits - both financial and operational. We also offer ad hoc advisory services to management on strategic matters. Our investigation mandate covers credible allegations involving UNOPS personnel, including fraud, corruption, mismanagement, abuse of authority, sexual or workplace harassment, retaliation against whistleblowers, and violations of UNOPS regulations, rules, or administrative instructions. Through these core functions, IAIG helps safeguard organizational integrity, promote ethical conduct, and enhance operational effectiveness—ensuring that UNOPS delivers its mandate with transparency, fairness, and accountability.
Role Purpose
The Investigations Specialist will participate in complex investigations of alleged misconduct, including procurement fraud, corruption, embezzlement, collusion, bribery schemes, harassment, conflicts of interest, and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). The Investigator will be responsible for planning and conducting investigations, gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and preparing detailed reports with findings and recommendations.
Functions / Key Results Expected
- Investigation Planning and Execution Plan and conduct initial reviews and investigations of alleged misconduct. Lead the preparation of proposed work plans for review and approval by IAIG. Decide on the investigative tools to be employed.
- Evidence Gathering and Analysis Gather, seize, and analyze relevant evidence (documentary, physical, electronic, etc.).
- Witness Interviews Interview witnesses, victims, and subjects, using interpreters as required, in accordance with accepted best practices (ensuring reliable information and according due process).
- Report Preparation At the completion of the assignment, prepare a detailed report setting forth the findings, supporting evidence, analysis and evaluation of the evidence, as well as recommendations for next steps.
- Stakeholder Collaboration Work collaboratively with key stakeholders, both internally (other units) and externally (donors, etc.).
- Policy and procedural development Contributes to the updating of policies, procedures, systems and best practices to support the planning, conduct, evidence collection, report writing and follow-up of initial reviews and full investigations.
- Training Participates in awareness and training activities on the prevention, detection and reporting of fraud and corruption in UNOPS.
Travel
International travel to UNOPS' offices, including field missions, may be required depending on the case. Such travel could include missions to hardship duty stations.
To facilitate close collaboration with HQ team, the successful candidate is required to be available for at least 3 hours per day during working hours (Copenhagen time).
Requirements
Education Requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, accounting, or a related area.
- First-level university degree in combination with additional two years’ experience in conducting criminal and/or administrative investigations as an investigator (in addition to the five years of investigation experience required below).
Experience Requirements
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in professional investigatory work, law enforcement/criminal investigations, or related fields with a Masters degree. An additional two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- Desired: Experience with UN policies, procedures, and operations.
Key skills/competency
- Investigations
- Fraud Investigation
- Corruption Investigation
- Misconduct Allegations
- Evidence Analysis
- Interviewing Techniques
- Report Writing
- Policy Development
- Risk Management
- Accountability
Skills & topics
- Investigations Specialist
- UNOPS
- Investigations
- Fraud
- Corruption
- Misconduct
- Audit
- Compliance
- Law
- Accounting
- Investigation Specialist
- Internal Audit
- UN Jobs
- Public Sector
- International Organization
- Evidence Analysis
- Report Writing
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Policy Development
- Travel
- Master's Degree
- Law Enforcement
- Criminal Investigations
- Copenhagen
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your investigative experience, focusing on fraud, corruption, and misconduct cases relevant to UNOPS.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your understanding of UNOPS' mission and how your skills align with the Investigations Specialist role.
- Showcase relevant experience: Emphasize your experience with UN policies, procedures, and operations, if applicable, in your application.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Anticipate questions about ethical dilemmas, handling sensitive information, and your investigative process.
- Demonstrate analytical skills: Be ready to discuss your approach to evidence gathering, analysis, and report writing during the interview.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Investigations Specialist role at UNOPS?
- The Investigations Specialist at UNOPS will primarily focus on planning and conducting complex investigations into alleged misconduct, including fraud, corruption, embezzlement, harassment, and other violations of UNOPS regulations. This involves evidence gathering, witness interviews, and report preparation.
- What educational background is required for the Investigations Specialist position?
- An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, accounting, or a related field is typically required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with an additional two years of experience in criminal or administrative investigations may be accepted.
- How much experience is needed to be considered for the Investigations Specialist role?
- A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional investigatory work, law enforcement, or criminal investigations is required with a Master's degree. An additional two years of experience can substitute for a Master's degree with a Bachelor's degree.
- Does the Investigations Specialist role involve international travel?
- Yes, international travel to UNOPS offices, including field missions, may be required for the Investigations Specialist role, depending on the case. This could include travel to hardship duty stations.
- What is the significance of the availability requirement for Copenhagen time for this role?
- The requirement to be available for at least 3 hours per day during Copenhagen working hours is to facilitate close collaboration with the HQ team. This ensures effective communication and coordination with colleagues based at the headquarters.
- What kind of misconduct allegations does the IAIG investigate at UNOPS?
- The IAIG investigates a wide range of misconduct allegations involving UNOPS personnel. This includes fraud, corruption, mismanagement, abuse of authority, sexual or workplace harassment, retaliation against whistleblowers, and violations of UNOPS regulations and rules.
- How does the Investigations Specialist contribute to policy development?
- The Investigations Specialist contributes to updating policies, procedures, systems, and best practices that support the planning, conduct, evidence collection, report writing, and follow-up of investigations. This ensures continuous improvement in investigative processes.
- What is the role of an Investigations Specialist in evidence gathering?
- The Investigations Specialist is responsible for gathering, seizing, and analyzing relevant evidence, which can include documentary, physical, and electronic evidence. This forms the basis for substantiating findings during investigations.