Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Investigations Division (ID) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in Vienna. The Investigation Assistant will report to the Chief of Section or to an Investigator in Vienna. OIOS is the internal oversight body of the United Nations and assists the Secretary-General in fulfilling his oversight responsibilities in respect of the resources and staff of the Organization through the provision of audit, investigation, inspection, and evaluation services. ID/OIOS investigates reports of possible violations of rules and regulations, as well as mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources, and abuse of authority.

Responsibilities

The Investigation Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Assists in the planning, organization, and conduct of investigations of alleged violations of UN Rules, Regulations, and pertinent administrative issuances, specifically related to intake; • Assists in fact-finding investigations to identify information, establish facts, and collect evidence. Based on fact-finding, produces and submits investigation reports to appropriate authorities and conducts post-investigation tasks; • Coordinates, collaborates, and consults with United Nations and other relevant authorities throughout the investigation process, as required; • Assists with the preparation of reports and documentation, including statistical and investigative findings, drafting annual and semi-annual reports, and responding to requests from intergovernmental bodies within the United Nations system. Coordinates meetings to review investigations and related subjects; • Assists in the preparation of flow charts and chronologies; • Initiates new matters in the case management system; conducts research and background checks using appropriate databases; • Drafts interview or case summaries and other documents as required; • Conducts investigation-related activities, including monitoring the OIOS hotline and recording incoming calls and complaints according to investigation standards; assisting with tasks pertaining to transcription services, including monitoring incoming requests for transcription, responding to transcription-related queries, providing information to investigators, and liaising with vendors as required by established procedures; • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning, and decision-making; • Prepares correspondence and documents related to investigative processes; monitors and tracks the implementation of OIOS recommendations issued to departments; and responds to requests from intergovernmental bodies within the United Nations system; • Provides comprehensive administrative and office support, including maintaining organizational charts, staffing tables, and statistical records; scheduling meetings; supporting the preparation and review of financial and HR proposals and reports; monitoring expenditures, vendor invoices, payments, and Service Level Agreements for common services, IT services, and the case management system; handling procurement and logistics, including raising UMOJA acquisition documents and processing requests for office supplies, services, and office space; processing required UN forms and staff access permissions; and performing other related administrative duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to investigations; strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills; ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments; ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities; good management skills. Strong drafting skills are required, especially with respect to the preparation of complex investigation reports. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery in 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. Able to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and shows interest in 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; builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administrative support of investigations is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, such as SAP or similar, is desirable. Experience working as part of an investigation team is desirable. Experience using analytical or investigative software is desirable. A minimum of one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is financed by the Regular Budget. The appointments, or assignments, and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.