The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) is part of the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, Austria. OIO is responsible for planning and delivering internal audits, investigations, and independent evaluations of the Organization's activities, including field operations. The work of OIO assures the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control, ensures compliance with the Organization's internal control framework, and enhances performance and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
The Investigation section of OIO independently assesses and, as appropriate, investigates indications/allegations of potential misconduct, malfeasance, waste of resources, or other violations of the OSCE's Regulatory Framework. As a result, OIO prepares reports on such situations for the attention of the OSCE Secretary General and relevant Heads of Missions/Institutions which may be used as a basis for evidence-based accountability mechanisms. In an appraisal and advisory capacity, the investigation section of OIO also participates in the protection of the OSCE against fraud through recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention, detection and deterrence at all levels in the Organization.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Senior Investigator, as Associate Investigation Officer, you will support the assessment of incoming indications or allegations for referral to investigation and the investigation of cases of alleged misconduct, malfeasance, waste of resources, or other violations of the Organization's Regulatory Framework in accordance with OSCE applicable instructions, policies and practices.
Specific tasks involve carrying out diligences aimed at assessing whether allegations are substantiated and also involve planning, organizing, conducting, and reporting on investigations within OIO's mandate. This includes obtaining and analyzing evidence and conducting interviews, as well as drafting and finalizing reports and communications. As Associate Investigation Officer, you will also support the Office of Internal Oversight's counter-fraud activities by assessing the potential for fraud and other violations in selected executive structures, processes, programmes and projects and by delivering trainings and other briefings on fraud/misconduct related subjects, as needed.
More specifically, you will be tasked with the following:
Assessing incoming allegations to determine whether they are substantiated and represent a prima facie case of misconduct, and providing recommendations to the Senior Investigator;
Planning, developing, conducting and drafting reports on administrative fact-finding investigations in compliance with OSCE applicable instructions, policies and practices and the Uniform Guidelines for International Investigators;
Assisting the Senior Investigator on complex investigations, and leading other investigations as required;
Proposing investigation plans and timetables to the Senior Investigator;
Conducting interviews, taking statements and analysing facts and findings, obtaining and reviewing pertinent documentation, and preparing relevant evidence with a specific attention to the chain of custody and due process;
Drafting reports, recommending corrective actions as appropriate, and undertaking post-investigation tasks as relevant;
Providing guidance and advice to investigative teams;
Making proposals for improving investigation practices, policies and procedures, and internal Audit working programmes, as appropriate;
Developing and proposing recommended improvements of a remedial and/or innovative nature to improve the control and accountability framework of OSCE;
Following up on implementation of recommendations, appraising their adequacy based on the results achieved by the actions undertaken;
Making proposals for best practices to be incorporated within Internal Audit working programmes or OSCE regulations, as appropriate;
Performing other related duties and assignments as required.
Necessary Qualifications:
First-level university degree in law, applied criminal justice, business administration, accounting, or another relevant discipline;
A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in investigative activities (including contexts such as judicial procedures and internal audit work);
Demonstrated experience investigating complex and serious cases of fraud, corruption and other misconduct;
Demonstrated experience using research, analytical and problem-solving skills including ability to efficiently and accurately identify, assess and summarize investigative issues and findings, observations and recommendations;
Demonstrated experience in report writing and conveying complex information in a clear and concise manner;
Professional fluency in English, with excellent written and spoken communication skills; working knowledge of another official OSCE language is desirable;
Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
Proven interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and cultural backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
Computer literate with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
