Chief Vigilance Officer

HINDUSTAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE (HITS); Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science (HITS) in Chennai seeks a Chief Vigilance Officer to foster a culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, discipline, and ethical conduct across the institution.

The CVO will identify misconduct, review complaints, coordinate investigations, and ensure adherence to policies. The role requires leading cross‑functional collaboration with HR, Legal, Internal Audit, IT and Administration, while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across the institution.
• Reviewing complaints relating to misconduct, policy violations, and vigilance matters.
• Coordinating investigations and reporting findings to management.

Responsibilities

• Establish and monitor vigilance mechanisms across the institution.
• Identify potential areas of misconduct, malpractice, fraud, and procedural violations.
• Conduct periodic vigilance reviews and recommend preventive measures.
• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, procedures, code of conduct, and ethical standards.
• Promote a culture of integrity and accountability among employees.
• Receive and review complaints relating to misconduct and other vigilance matters.
• Assess seriousness of complaints and recommend action to the Competent Authority.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive complaints and related information.
• Coordinate with HR, Legal, Internal Audit, IT, Administration, and other departments.
• Record findings and prepare investigation reports for submission to Management.
• Escalate serious incidents to the appropriate authority.

Skills

Integrity culture

Compliance

Investigation

Confidentiality

Policy enforcement

Cross-functional coordination

Job description

1. Job Purpose

The Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a strong culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, discipline, and ethical conduct across the institution.

The CVO will proactively identify and address instances of misconduct, malpractice, fraud, conflict of interest, policy violations, harassment, misuse of institutional resources, and other activities that may adversely affect the institution, its employees, students, or its reputation.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Vigilance & Integrity

• Establish and monitor vigilance mechanisms across the institution.
• Identify potential areas of misconduct, malpractice, fraud, and procedural violations.
• Conduct periodic vigilance reviews and recommend preventive measures.
• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, procedures, code of conduct, and ethical standards.
• Promote a culture of integrity and accountability among employees.

B. Complaint & Grievance Review

• Receive and review complaints relating to misconduct, unethical practices, policy violations, and other vigilance matters.
• Assess the nature and seriousness of complaints and recommend appropriate action to the Competent Authority.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive complaints and related information.
• Ensure complaints are handled objectively and without prejudice.

C. Investigation & Enquiry

• Conduct or coordinate preliminary enquiries into reported incidents and complaints.
• Examine relevant documents, records, communications, CCTV footage, system records, and other available evidence, as appropriate.
• Record findings and prepare factual investigation reports for submission to the Management / Competent Authority.
• Coordinate with HR, Legal, Internal Audit, IT, Administration, and other departments whenever required.
• Recommend corrective, preventive, or disciplinary measures based on established facts and applicable institutional policies.

E. Employee & Student Safety / Conduct

• Monitor adherence to expected standards of professional behaviour and institutional conduct.
• Escalate serious incidents involving employees, students, vendors, or other stakeholders to the appropriate authority.
• Ensure that matters involving student safety, dignity, harassment, or inappropriate conduct are promptly brought to the attention of the appropriate institutional committee / authority.

F. Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of vigilance-related records.
• Maintain a confidential register of complaints, enquiries, investigations, observations, and actions taken.
• Monitor compliance with applicable laws, regulations, institutional policies, and Management directives within the scope of the role.
• Coordinate with the Legal and HR departments on matters requiring statutory, legal, or disciplinary action.

G. Reporting to Management

• Submit periodic vigilance reports to the Management / Chairman / Competent Authority.
• Immediately escalat serious or high-risk matters that require urgent Management attention.
• Present significant observations, trends, and recommendations for strengthening institutional controls.
• Track implementation of Management decisions arising from vigilance matters.

3. Authority & Accountability

The CVO shall have appropriate authority, as delegated by the Management, to:

• Seek relevant records and information required for vigilance reviews.
• Conduct inspections and preliminary enquiries.
• Seek explanations from concerned employees or stakeholders.
• Recommend further investigation or disciplinary action where warranted.
• Escalate serious violations directly to the Competent Authority.

The CVO shall maintain independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and professional integrity while discharging the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:

• Preferably 15+ years of relevant experience in vigilance, administration, compliance, investigation, or institutional management.
• Experience in an educational institution, corporate organisation, or large institutional environment will be preferred.
• Prior experience in handling confidential investigations and disciplinary matters is desirable.