Oversight Specialist – Investigations and Inspections

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

Job Category:

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members ( link ) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill the position of Oversight Specialist – Investigations and Inspections in the Office of Internal Oversight.

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is a functionally and operationally independent division responsible for providing professional and objective oversight functions designed to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, to reinforce a culture of accountability and to strengthen the ethical climate of the WTO. The OIO is mandated to assist the Director-General in fulfilling her oversight responsibilities in respect of management, staff, and resources of the WTO by conducting investigations, internal audits, inspections, evaluations and other forms of assessment. The OIO helps to hold the WTO Secretariat accountable to the Members by reporting through the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration. 

General Functions

Reporting to the Head of Office, the Oversight Specialist - Investigations and Inspections will conduct administrative investigations and inspections, and assist with other forms of assessment, in fulfillment of the WTO's strategic objectives, with a focus on detecting and responding to allegations and suspicions of misconduct and misuse of resources enabling evidence based decisions, and acting as an agent for positive and progressive cultural change. 

The incumbent's responsibilities are to: 

1. Assist the Head of Office by conducting initial screening and triage of intakes (received reports), preliminary assessments, administrative investigations, and other response actions to reported or suspected misconduct (including harassment, discrimination, fraud, theft, corruption, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, breaches of confidentiality, abuse of authority, and other breaches), ensuring adherence to internal norms, OIO working procedures, and best practice. Support the Head of the OIO with case reviews and post-investigative steps as applicable. 

2. Supervise external ("associate") and internal support investigators and inspectors, providing technical guidance as appropriate, and ensuring that their work adheres to the OIO's operating procedures and quality standards. 

3. Assist the Head of Office by conducting inspections to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Secretriat's operations, and to safeguard the proper use of its resources. This includes designing a programme of work for inspections, drawing from trend and root cause analyses, as well as making on-the-spot inquiries.  

4. Deliver and present high quality and defensible investigation, inspection, and other assessment reports and/or presentations that clearly, fairly, and impartially communicate findings, risks, and recommended actions within agreed timelines. 

5. Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of investigation and inspection manuals, working procedures, and technical guidance notes within the OIO. Assist the OIO team in the development and communication of recommendations for improved controls and other remedial measures to improve effectiveness or efficiency based on the findings of investigations and inspections.

6. Conduct fraud risk assessments and detection activities to strengthen the Secretariat's resilience against fraud, theft, corrupt practices, and other forms of misconduct.

7. Contribute to the OIO annual activity reports to the Director-General and the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration (CBFA), and assist with staff awareness and communication campaigns as appropriate.

8. Assist with measuring the OIO's performance, including through developing or improving metrics and methodologies, and supporting external quality assessments.     

9. Contribute to innovation within the OIO team through continuous professional development, participation in oversight professional practice groups (including the Conference of International Investigators), and horizon-scanning. 

10. Perform other related duties as appropriate.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Advanced university degree in investigations, criminology, criminal justice, social research, psychology, behavioural science, forensic science, intelligence studies, security, information security, law, or other related field is required.

Accredited Investigative Interviewer (e.g.holding an IIC3 Level 3 Certificate in Investigative Interviewing), Certificate of Completion of an Investigator Qualification Training Scheme or corporate investigation training program (including from a member of the Conference of International Investigators or the Association of Corporate Investigators), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS), or other similar professional accreditation is required. For candidates with a background in law enforcement, investigative credentials will be considered in lieu of a the aforementioned accreditations. 

An additional professional certification in cognitive or trauma-informed investigative interviewing, forensic accounting, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), or other investigation related specialism is desired.

Knowledge and Skills:

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Expertise in leading and executing misconduct or administrative/workplace investigations, particularly into abusive conduct (harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse), fraud, theft, corrupt practices, and other forms of misconduct. 

Familiarity with investigative interviewing best practice and other information and evidence gathering tools and techniques.

Ability to produce impartial, credible, and timely reports on complex subject matters.

Excellent writing skills and strong attention to detail.

Solid experience in using case management systems to record investigative steps is required. 

Insight in the use of e-discovery tools and artificial intelligence to improve workflows. 

Knowledge of ILO Administrative Tribunal jurisprudence is desirable. 

Behavioural Skills:

Ability to safeguard the reputation and independence of the OIO and to further enhance its authority, credibility, trust and professionalism while nurturing the proactive and approachable nature of the oversight function. This includes:

•    Demonstrating uncompromising adherence to strong ethical principles and values;
•    Maintaining strict confidentiality and discretion; 
•    Fostering fairness and inclusion;
•    Striving for continuous professional development and innovation. 

Self awareness and resilience when under pressure, including when addressing conflicts.

Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, at all levels of seniority, both inside and outside the organisation.  

Capacity to understand complex information and ability to present it, both orally and in writing, in a clear, fair and concise way. 

Excellent planning and organizational skills, and capacity to work autonomously.

Adaptability and respectful attitude in supporting and gaining the support of others to achieve objectives.

Organizational competencies:

Core Competencies: 

•    Communicating for Results
•    Effective Collaboration
•    Cultivating Progressive Growth
•    Professional Accountability
•    Relevant Digital Proficiency
•    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Work Experience:

A minimum of eight years of experience in investigations including at least five years of international experience at a senior level is required.
  
Experience working for an international or multilateral organization, or multinational corporation is desired.

Languages:

Fluency in English and working knowledge of French is required. 

Knowledge of Spanish is desired.

Additional Information:

Duration: Five (5) years non renewable, with a probation period of one (1) year.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.