CHIEF OF SECTION, INVESTIGATIONS, P5

These positions are typically located in the Investigations Division (ID) of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The Chief of Section usually reports to the Deputy Director, Investigations Division in one of its established and field offices. OIOS is the internal oversight body of the United Nations and assists the Secretary-General in fulfilling his oversight responsibilities in respect of the resources and staff of the Organization through the provision of audit, investigation, and inspection and evaluation services. ID/OIOS investigates reports of possible violations of rules, regulations, mismanagement, misconduct, waste of resources and abuse of authority.

Within delegated authority, the Chief of Section, Investigations will be responsible for the following duties: • Plans, organizes, conducts, manages, and supervises the investigation of serious and complex cases of misconduct, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources, abuse of authority, fraud, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), and other alleged violations of the Organization's Rules, Regulations and pertinent administrative instructions or cases involving serious breaches of international humanitarian law; • Leads and supervises investigative teams, coordinates investigative activities, and plans, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned investigations; • Defines the parameters and timetable of investigations; decides on the investigative tools and resources to be employed; ensures that investigations are conducted in a timely manner and effectively coordinated within section and, as appropriate, with other United Nations organizations; • Provides policy advice on investigation strategy and develops or contributes to the development and refinement of investigation policies, procedures, and guidance materials; • Oversees case intake, processing, and evaluation of active and open investigations for priority setting and assists implementation by the Deputy Director and the Director; • Conducts interviews and obtain statements; analyzes information; • Leads effort to gather, interpret, and analyze electronic evidence; determines whether matters involve potential fraud, corruption or other illegal conduct warranting referral to national authorities; • Reviews and finalizes complete and concise investigation reports and other written contribution, together with findings and recommendations and related disciplinary and/or jurisdictional actions, as well as evidence and materials to support such actions; reviews reports and written submissions of his/her subordinates; carries out responsibilities for ensuring the legal sufficiency, clarity, and completeness of investigation, including matters concerning peer reviews; • Prepares cases for submission to the United Nations internal justice system and/or referral to relevant national jurisdictions; liaises and coordinates with United Nation’s legal offices; responds to requests for information, assistance and advice from senior officials, departments, and external partners; provides advice and expertise on investigatory matters; • Oversees case intake, processing and evaluation of all new matters, jurisdictional assessment and prioritization; coordinates the Division’s information load to ensure conformity to relevant United Nations legal requirements as applicable; carries out responsibilities for the management and handling of evidentiary material including locating and liaising with forensic institutions; • Works collaboratively across organizational units to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, organizational regulations, and rules; • Manages administrative and operational functions related to the resources and logistics of the unit, or section including implementation of investigative policies, procedures, and internal controls; • Leads efforts to collect, interpret, and analyze data to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting; ensures accessibility, integration, and sharing of investigative data; • Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, providing guidance, monitoring individual performance, and promoting accountability and professional development.

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to criminal and administrative investigations and investigation management. Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the Internet, intranet and other databases. Proficiency in software applications used in investigations. Ability to identify and analyze problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Proven ability to gather evidence and interview subjects and witnesses. Ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities for self and others. Ability to gather and analyze electronic evidence. Ability to draft/edit, a variety of written reports especially with respect to the preparation of complex reports of investigation. Ability to manage multiple investigations simultaneously, including prioritizing workloads, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outputs under time pressure. Comprehensive knowledge of UN policies, procedures and operations including good knowledge of the conditions prevailing in areas where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping missions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in law or a field related to investigations is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Not available.

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in investigative or related work, including substantial leading and managing investigative teams, supervising staff, and overseeing complex and sensitive investigations is required. Experience in managing multiple investigations simultaneously is required. Experience in conducting or supporting international or cross jurisdictional investigations, including coordination with multiple stakeholders, evidence gathering, and data analysis is required. Experience working in international, multilateral, or other comparable complex operational environments is required.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in headquarters, regional offices, peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations. The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Chief of Section, Investigations roster at the P-5 level. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 June 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.