Consultant Investigations Officer

Overview

This consultancy role supports the Office of the Inspector General (OIGI) through intake and case development activities related to allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing involving staff, contractors, and other persons or entities with a contractual relationship to the organization.

The Consultant reports to the Director, OIGI, or their delegate, and works independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Job title: Investigations Officer (Consultant)
• Contract type: When Actually Employed Consultancy
• Duty station: Rome, Italy (REMOTE WORKING FROM PPR)
• Duration: 11 months

Responsibilities

Under the supervision and direction of the Director, OIGI, or their delegate, the Consultant will generally:

• Assess allegations and recommend the most appropriate response, including opening an investigation, referring the matter to another entity or function, or closing the matter without further action.
• Prepare clear, concise briefings for management and high-quality communications for stakeholders, including whistleblowers and affected persons.
• Liaise with focal points in Country Offices, Regional Bureaux, and Headquarters to obtain information and advise employees on the OIGI process.
• Plan, conduct, and document fact-finding activities, including witness interviews or document reviews, to develop allegations received up to the point where an investigation can be opened or other action taken.
• Plan, conduct, and document digital forensic or open-source searches and leverage technology, as required.
• Recommend improvements to the controls, effectiveness, or efficiency of operations, including through liaison with the audit team.
• Regularly review the progress of preliminary assessments, evaluate the likely impact of investigation outcomes on strategy, and advise colleagues accordingly.
• Liaise with local authorities, governments, other UN organizations, and external organizations, as required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Deliverables

• Preliminary assessments completed as per OIGI standard practice.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Education

• A university degree in law, finance, criminology, or another relevant field.
• Training from a police academy or another law enforcement agency, with extensive investigations experience, can be considered in lieu of a university degree.

Experience

• At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience related to intake assessments or investigations, with a proven track record in planning, leading, and executing intake assessments or investigations, with a focus on fraud and/or sexual misconduct.
• Previous experience conducting investigations and/or preliminary assessments with a UN organization or an international financing institution, including work in developing countries, is an asset.
• Thorough knowledge of UN staff rules and procedures is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Full and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of investigation work, especially in an international environment.
• Good understanding of linkages between policy and operational practices.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Mature judgment; strong technical, analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of investigations, including identifying key investigation issues and providing in-depth analysis with well-formulated recommendations.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity, and ability to work independently.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with officials at all levels.

Languages

• Written and oral proficiency in English is required.
• Fluency in Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese is a strong advantage.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous investigations and/or preliminary assessment experience with a UN organization or international financing institution.
• Thorough knowledge of UN staff rules and procedures.

Compensation & Benefits

• An attractive compensation package is offered. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement.

Location

• Rome, Italy (REMOTE WORKING FROM PPR)

Application Deadline

• 14 November 2026 – 23:59 GMT+01:00 (Central European Time) (Rome)

Equal Employment Opportunity

The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status, or disability.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

No Fee Disclaimer

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee related to the recruitment process. If any fee is requested, applicants should disregard it.

Important Application Reminders

• Applications must be submitted exclusively through the organization’s online recruiting system; submissions by email or other channels are not considered.
• Required documents at the application stage: CV and Cover Letter.
• Additional documents (e.g., passport, certificates, recommendation letters) may be requested later.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Selected candidates are subject to reference and background checks.

Ineligibility Note

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of:

• UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ)
• International Civil Service Commission (ICSC)
• FAO Finance Committee
• WFP External Auditor
• WFP Audit Committee
• Joint Inspection Unit (JIU)
• Other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over the employer

This restriction applies both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.