Apply now »

Title:  Investigations Consultant (Roster)

​​Requisition ID: 6368 
Grade: ISA-P3 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: International Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 6-12 months (with possibility of extension)
Application Deadline: 06-Oct-2025, 11:59 PM (Vienna, Austria time)

 

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

 

The Office of Evaluation and Internal Oversight (EIO) is responsible for providing the Director General, the Industrial Development Board, and management with independent and objective assurance, and advice, through internal audits, investigations, and evaluations. It adds value to and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of UNIDO’s operations, the internal control framework, risk management, results-based management, and governance processes of the Organization. The functions of the Office are governed by the EIO Charter (as approved by the Industrial Development Board in decision IDB.48/Dec.10 on 25 November 2020) and its three supplementary functional policies, namely the Evaluation Policy, the Internal Audit Policy and the Investigation Policy.

 

PROJECT CONTEXT

 

The position is located under EIO, the office responsible for the independent, objective assurance, advice and internal oversight services designed to add value to and improve UNIDO’s operations as well as emphasize transparency, through carrying out investigative fact-findings related services. EIO is governed by the EIO Charter. 

 

The investigation function in EIO includes conducting investigative activities in relation to specific allegations of misconduct which may have a high reputational and operational risk at the strategic and organizational level, with a view to safeguarding the Organization’s interests and ensuring accountability. The investigation function contributes to promoting an ethical work environment, free of harassment, fraud, and other wrongdoing. Investigations are conducted in accordance with the EIO Charter, Investigation Policy and Investigation Guidelines.  

 

The Investigations Consultant is a specialist in law, criminology, and/or any other investigation-related field, and a key contributor to the EIO investigation function.  In accordance with applicable professional standards, the Investigations Consultant is expected to: (a) deliver work that contains in-depth analyses contributing to results achieved by EIO; (b) create an enabling environment for teamwork which is catalytic to achieving results; (c) build relationships which contributes to partnerships resulting in strategic collaborations and (d) in achieve results within a professional team.

 

The aim is to establish a two-year roster of qualified consultants who may be involved in the investigations related cases. The consultant roster serves as a pre-qualified pool of experts who can be engaged: (a) for full-time from 6 to 12 months, with possibility of extension, with Vienna as duty station; or (b) for part-time short-term home-based assignments with occasional travel to Vienna.  

 

The Investigations Consultant performs under the supervision of the Senior Investigator and overall guidance of the Director, EIO, and in collaboration with the investigations team.

 

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Under the supervision of the Senior Investigator, the Investigations Consultant is responsible for the following key functions:

  • Conduct investigative activities, including reviewing documentary evidence, collecting open-source intelligence, conducting interviews.
  • Conduct complex and/or sensitive preliminary review of allegations of misconduct, fraud and unsatisfactory conduct, including harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority;
  • Identify if the allegations are violations of organizational rules, regulations, and policies and/or criminal law; and make a recommendation to the Director EIO whether to proceed with a full investigation, refer or close a case;
  • Prepare Preliminary Evaluation Reports (PER) for approval of the Director, EIO.
  • Upon authorization of the Director, EIO, conduct full-fledged investigations in accordance with professional standards, the EIO Charter, Investigation Policy, and Investigation Guidelines;
  • Prepare work plans noting tools and methodologies to be used and purpose for action; plan investigation work; gather, review, and analyse information to determine its relevance and reliability; conduct and/or participate in interviews, as necessary; write records of interview; conduct any other investigative research activities as required by the matter at hand; document all work undertaken for review by the Senior Investigator; present investigative facts, circumstances and conclusions in a concise, clear and logical manner; propose recommendations as appropriate; prepare draft reports to support management decisions regarding any disciplinary and/or remedial action; finalize reports; follow up on implementation of recommendations.
  • Participate in assessing the potential for fraud and corruption in operational activities; assist in fraud and corruption awareness activities.
  • Contribute to revisions and update, as necessary, of the Investigation Policy, Investigation Guidelines, and SOPs; introduce new techniques, identify best practices and lessons learned; contribute to the knowledge base of EIO; contribute to the review of UNIDO agreements from an investigation perspective; take initiatives in identifying and proposing techniques, resource material, and forensic tools.
  • Perform other investigation-related tasks as may be assigned by the Senior Investigator, EIO/IOU.

 

 

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

 

Education: Advanced university degree (masters or equivalent) in a discipline associated with investigations, such as law, criminal investigation, finance, or related field is required.

 

Alternatively, a first level university degree in combination with a professional certification from a recognized specialized professional institute may be acceptable provided it is combined with additional five years of professional hands-on experience that is directly relevant to the expertise required by the specific assignment. 

 

Technical and Functional Experience

  • A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in investigatory work, is required.
  • Experience with strong emphasis on investigating harassment, sexual harassment, and staff misconduct in an international setting is required.
  • Experience in interviewing subjects and witnesses in the furtherance of investigations is required.
  • Experience in analysis of evidence and preparation of files of evidence is required.
  • Familiarity and experience in the use of various investigation research methodologies, sources, and forensic tools, and knowledge of the United Nations system operations and environment are desirable.
  • Experience working with forensic analysis tools is also desirable.
  • Experience with SAP or similar ERP software is desirable.

 

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

 

 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

 

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

 

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.


This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.


Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level. 

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org

Apply now »