Chief of Investigation (Fraud and Financial Misconduct)

Introduction Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move. IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates: • Internal candidates • External female candidates • Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu Second tier candidates include: All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM. Organizational Context and Scope The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is mandated to conduct independent investigations into allegations of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, harassment, abuse of authority, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other violations of organisational rules and regulations. The Chief of Investigation will lead the strategic fraud and financial irregularities portfolio, ensuring integrity and accountability across operations involving IOM staff, vendors, contractors, and implementing partners. Under the overall supervision of the Director OIO and direct supervision of the Deputy Director (Investigations), OIO, the Chief of Investigations (Fraud and Financial Misconduct) will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities 1. Lead and manage strategic and complex investigations into fraud and financial irregularities involving staff, vendors, contractors, and implementing partners with a particular focus on misuse of funds, high-risk procurement fraud, collusion and breach of contract. 2. Design and implement proactive fraud detection methodologies and risk-based investigative strategies. 3. Coordinate, lead and conduct interagency investigations, representing the organisation in multilateral fora and working groups, as requested. 4. Analyze financial transactions and contractual records to uncover patterns suggestive of fraud by vendors, contractors and implementing partners. 5. In consultation with the OIO Directorate, coordinate cross-functionally with internal auditors, compliance, legal, and programme implementation colleagues, as well as with investigative counterparts in international organizations or national authorities, when required. 6. Ensure investigations are conducted in accordance with internal policies, contractual agreements, international standards, and due process. 7. Supervise and mentor a team of investigation personnel conducting investigations into fraud and financial irregularities, ensuring quality control and timely delivery of outputs aligned with the divisional workplan. 8. Prepare and review comprehensive investigation reports and liaise with legal and disciplinary bodies through the OIO Directorate, as required. 9. Contribute to advisory services of OIO that advise IOM senior management and relevant IOM departments on systemic risks and recommend preventive measures control improvements and fraud prevention strategies tailored to partner engagement and contracting activities. 10. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and training related to investigations and fraud prevention. 11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Qualification Required Qualifications and Experience Education • Master’s degree in Law, Criminal Justice, Finance, Forensic Accounting, or a related field, from an accredited academic institution, with ten years of relevant professional experience; or, • University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience • Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative investigations, with a strong focus on fraud and financial irregularities; • Demonstrated and consolidated experience in leading teams that conduct large-scale, complex fraud and financial investigations within the United Nations, international development banks, or other multilateral systems; • Proven track record of experience in proactive fraud detection and interagency coordination; and, • Experience in effectively managing diverse investigation teams and delivering in high-volume, fast-paced environments. Skills • Strong analytical and drafting skills; • Excellent knowledge of investigative techniques, digital forensics, and financial analysis; • Proven ability to use AI, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), or other technological tools to enhance fraud and financial investigations; • Skilled in handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism; and, • Familiarity with whistleblower protection frameworks and ethics standards. Languages All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) or a language relevant to IOM operations and OIO investigations is an advantage. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Required Competencies IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values: • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance. • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3 • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3 • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential. • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential. • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. Notes Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies