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Investigations Specialist - Office Based (Open to Tiers 0, 1 and 2)
Better Than Cash
Panama City, FL, USA
Posted on Mar 11, 2026
Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
Office/Unit/Project Description
The Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) reports to the Administrator and is responsible for internal audit and investigations services to UNDP and its affiliated entities. OAI provides independent, objective assurance on the effectiveness of risk management and the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls. OAI also responds to allegations of misconduct by conducting and reporting on investigations. The Investigations Section of OAI is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct, such as mismanagement, fraud, corruption, retaliation on whistle-blowers, workplace harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, violation or willful disregard of UNDP regulations, rules, and administrative instructions, that involve UNDP staff, contractors, and other applicable persons.
OAI aims to engage suitably skilled and experienced international personnel through the International Personnel Services Agreement (IPSA) to su ppor t OAI ' s Investigations Section, Unit 1, Regional Investigations HQ and RBLAC, with investigations, cov er i ng all aspects of work within OAI’s mandate and related assignments.
Scope of Work
The primary role of the Investigations Specialist is to assi st with conducting assessments and investigations at Unit 1 Regional Investigations HQ and RBLAC, OAI.
1. Ensure the effective assessment and conduct of complex investigations.
- Review complaints of misconduct allegations received by the organization against personnel and others (including fraud, corruption, sexual misconduct, harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and other misconduct allegations);
- Undertake analytical or research activity as required to support the assessment and investigation of cases.
- Propose action to close cases or to assign cases for investigation where appropriate.
- Guide and support in interviewing witnesses, showing appropriate communication skills, accurate recording, and verification of testimony through the use of interpreters as required
- Collect, record, and handle evidence appropriately, ensuring chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
- Communicate with complainants, witnesses, and other stakeholders on behalf of OAI.
- Guide and support in conducting investigations to ensure that all appropriate lines of inquiry are identified, and investigation resources are used effectively and efficiently to determine the issues relevant to an investigation factually.
- Assist in the interview of interview subjects in accordance with generally accepted best practice procedures (to obtain reliable information, while affording due process);
2. Contribute to the investigation reporting process
- Drafts reports of a high standard, providing an objective and factual summary of the assessment, with soundly based conclusions and recommendations supported by all evidence obtained in the course of the assessment
- Guide and support in the identification, collection, and analysis of information, using software, internal data, and open-source information relevant to investigations, demonstrating an understanding of information security and confidentiality issues pertinent to investigations.
- Guide and support in the collection, recording, and handling of evidence appropriately, ensuring the chain of custody and demonstrating knowledge of handling considerations for different types of evidence.
- Draft reports of a high standard, including Investigation Reports, Closure Reports, Closure
- Notes, and Investigation Plans.
- Keeps the Investigation Section’s database and case files up to date on cases under investigation.
- Propose action to close matters where appropriate.
- When required, OAI Investigators in other regions assist with preparing interview plans, participating in witness interviews, recording testimony, and preparing witness statements and subject interviews.
- May undertake missions to UNDP offices in all regions, including areas with hazardous working conditions.
Build strategic partnerships
- Liaise with the Office of Legal Services (OLS), Country Office management, the Vendor Review Committee (VRC), Office of Human Resources (OHR), Ethics Office, and other relevant UNDP business units.
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Liaise with the investigation sections of other international organizations and with national anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
4. Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic area(s).
- Identify, synthesize, and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
- The Investigations Specialist will be primarily tasked by the Investigations Team Lead, HQ and LAC, as well as the Chief, Regional Investigations (HQ and LAC). All work products produced by the Investigations Specialist as a result of this engagement are owned by UNDP and shall be submitted to the OAI Investigations Section (IS).
Competencies
| Core | |
| Achieve Results: | LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact. |
| Think Innovatively: | LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigates potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems. |
| Learn Continuously | LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences. |
| Adapt with Agility | LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, managemultiple competing demands. |
|
Act with Determination | LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results. |
| Engage and Partner | LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter- agency collaboration. |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion |
LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverseworkforce and champion inclusivity. |
Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies
| Audit & Investigation | Investigation management and investigative techniques | The ability to manage an investigation, choose avenues of inquiry and apply different techniques during an investigation, including investigative interviewing; seizure of documentary and electronic evidence; identification, collection, review and analysis of all types of evidence, including project, procurement and commercial business documentation and electronic communications; forensic analysis; verification site visits; open source research |
| Audit & Investigation - Investigation | Collection and analysis of evidence | Collection and analysis of evidence. |
| Audit & Investigation - Investigation | Technology tools and applications for investigations | Ability to understand key application and system software, IT infrastructure, IT Control frameworks and the use of forensic investigation software |
| Business Direction and Strategy | System Thinking | Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system |
| Business Management | Communication | Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels |
| Business Direction & Strategy | Effective Decision Making | Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications. |
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA
Min. Academic Education
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Investigations, Law, Fraud Examination, Accounting Forensics, or related field is required. or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree, or related field
Min. years of relevant Work experience and skills
- A minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) work experience in the fields listed above, writing and editing investigation reports, preparation of communications material is required.
Desired additional skills and competencies
- Prior experience of working within an international investigation office is desirable.
- Experience in administrative investigations is desired.
- Proven track record of sound knowledge of the UN/UNDP’s policies and procedures is desirable.
- Experience working with UNDP or the UN System is desirable.
- Familiarity with investigative procedures applicable to OAI/UNDP is an advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to use the following tools: Microsoft office suite; presentation software applications; and forensic software (such as Intella)
- Proven track record of demonstrated strong understanding of information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations
Required Language(s) (at working level)
- Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
- Fluency in any other UN official language is an advantage.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
Duties and Responsibilities