Head Investigation

WHO; Genf; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

WHO—Office of Internal Oversight Services seeks a Head of Investigation to lead WHO's investigation function, setting policies for fraud, corruption, and misconduct. You will direct investigations, ensure timely, high-quality reporting, and guide staff and consultants.

You will coordinate with Legal, HR and other departments, develop multi-year strategies, manage complaint intake, and represent IOS in relevant forums to advance ethical conduct and accountability.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law, accounting, audit, business administration or related field is essential.
• Professional certifications in relevant fields are desirable.
• Minimum 15 years in investigations, prosecutions, or oversight, with at least 5 years internationally.
• Minimum 5 years of managerial experience including team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement investigation policies and procedures for various misconducts, including fraud, corruption and abuse of authority.
• Contribute to ethical conduct and accountability policy development.
• Plan, direct and ensure quality and timeliness of investigations.
• Lead and train investigation staff and consultants; foster teamwork.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on investigation matters.
• Coordinate with Legal Counsel, HR and other departments; arrange joint investigations when appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Forensic tools

UN system knowledge

Policy development

Strategic planning

Education

Master's degree in law, accounting, audit, business administration

Tools

Forensic tools

Job description

Organizational context

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) is WHO's sole entity for internal audit, evaluation, and investigation. It reports directly to the Director-General and conducts independent investigations into allegations of misconduct by WHO staff and contractors, adhering to international standards and WHO's legal framework.

Job purpose

The Head Investigation is responsible for leading and managing WHO's investigation function, reporting to the Director of IOS. This involves formulating and implementing policies and procedures for investigating all types of wrongdoing, including fraud, corruption, and misconduct. The role ensures the efficient operation of the investigation function, meeting organizational needs and stakeholder expectations. This includes developing strategies, managing complaint intake systems, planning and directing investigations, and ensuring high-quality, timely reports. The Head Investigation also guides and trains investigation staff, liaises with internal and external entities, and contributes to improving WHO's ethical conduct and accountability frameworks.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement investigation policies and procedures for various misconducts, including fraud, corruption, and abuse of authority. Contribute to policies promoting ethical conduct and accountability. Manage the investigation function efficiently, developing multi-year strategies and annual work plans. Establish systems for receiving, assessing, and prioritizing complaints. Plan, direct, and ensure the quality and timeliness of investigations. Manage, guide, and train investigation staff and consultants, fostering teamwork. Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on investigation matters. Contribute to improving WHO's legal framework for addressing non-compliance. Prepare periodic reports for senior management and oversight bodies. Identify systemic weaknesses and recommend improvements. Stay updated on investigation standards and represent IOS in relevant forums. Maintain operational systems for case management and quality assurance. Coordinate with Legal Counsel, HR, and other departments. Arrange joint investigations with other organizations when appropriate. Support the Director IOS in resource management and staff competence development.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, accounting, audit, business administration, or a related field is essential. Professional certifications in relevant fields are desirable.

Work experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in investigations, prosecutions, or oversight, with at least five years at the international level. Demonstrated experience in complex cases involving fraud, workplace misconduct, or forensic accounting is required. A minimum of five years of managerial experience, including team leadership, is essential. Experience in challenging operating environments or within the UN system is desirable.

Skills

Management and leadership skills, including mature judgment, initiative, tact, impartiality, confidentiality, networking, team building, communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Technical knowledge of forensic tools and analysis, intergovernmental processes, and UN system policies. Operational effectiveness in strategic planning, results-based management, and policy development. WHO competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Ensuring the effective use of resources, Producing results, Creating an empowering and motivating environment. Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French or other WHO languages is desirable.