Consultant - Investigation Office, Division of Internal Oversight Services

JOB DETAILS

Type of contract : Consultant Contract

Level :  Level 2 - Middle

Hiring Unit : Internal Oversight Service (IOS)

Duty Station : Paris

Work location : On site

Duration of contract : 6 months

Hiring open to : External candidates

Application deadline (Midnight UTC+2 Time) : 22/10/2026

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

OVERVIEW

The Division of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) provides an independent consolidated oversight mechanism that covers internal audit, evaluation, investigation and other management support. The Investigation Office examines and determines the veracity of allegations about misconduct or other irregularities affecting the Organization, its projects, assets or personnel.

IOS is searching for a consultant based in Paris or working remotely within the same time zone, who under the authority of the Director of the Division of Internal Oversight Services, will be responsible for the following tasks: 

• Conduct preliminary evaluation of allegations of irregularities, misconduct, fraud and unsatisfactory conduct, including harassment and abuse of authority;
• Identify if the allegations are violations of organizational rules, regulations and policies and/or criminal law;
• Document and prepare the draft reports, including recommendation(s) for consideration of the Director, IOS whether to proceed with a full investigation, refer or close a case;
• Upon authorization of the Director IOS , conduct full investigations and collaborate with other investigation personnel in complex ones, in accordance with professional standards and office procedural framework;

• Prepare specific investigation work plans noting methodologies to be used and purpose for action;
• Assist in the preparation of plans for investigation work and present it to the Director IOS or his delegate; gather, review, and analyze information to determine its relevance and reliability;
• Conduct interviews, as necessary with other investigation personnel; write record of interviews; conduct any other investigative research activities as required by the matter at hand;
• Document all work undertaken for the review of the Director IOS or his delegate; present investigative facts, circumstances and conclusions in a concise, clear and logical manner; propose recommendations as appropriate; prepare draft reports to support management decision regarding any disciplinary and/or remedial action; finalize report; follow up on implementation of recommendations.

CONTRACT DURATION

6 months with a possibility of renewal subject to successful performance results and availability of funds. 

COMPETENCIES - Core (C) & Managerial (M)

• Communication (C)
• Accountability (C)
• Innovation (C)
• Knowlegde sharing and continuous improvement (C)
• Planning and organizing (C)
• Results focus (C)
• Teamwork (C)
• Professionalism (C)

For detailed information, please consult the UNESCO Competency Framework.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Master's degree in law, audit or a related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in conducting administrative, criminal or forensic investigations in international organizations or public/private sector.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision and act on her/his own personal plan.
• Sound knowledge of legal principles applicable to investigative activities.
• Ability to identify key investigation issues and to collect, synthesise and analyse complex information and technical materials (including data).
• Strong coordination and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills applicable to a diverse cultural environment.
• Proven ability to draft investigative reports on complex topics with effectively supported and well formulated conclusions, both in English and French.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct sensitive interviews in consideration of due process and duty of care and prepare interview transcripts in both English and French

LANGUAGES

• Excellent knowledge of English
• Good level of French

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Professional certification from an internationally recognized compliance or investigation body such as CFE or equivalent.

SELECTION AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information, by the above deadline.

To apply, please visit the UNESCO Careers website. No modifications can be made to the application once submitted. 

The process may include pre-recorded video interviews and/or written assessments, interviews with a Panel, as well as reference checks. In addition, candidates may be requested to provide additional information which may be pertinent to the position’s qualifications.  

Please note that all candidates, whether selected or not, will be informed of the outcome of their application in due course. 

Short-listed candidates may also be added to Talent Pools; subject to their consent (i.e. Data Privacy Statement).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• UNESCO recalls that paramount consideration in the appointment of personnel shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, technical competence and integrity.
• UNESCO applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment.
• lndividuals from minority groups and indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
• All applications will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
• UNESCO does not charge a fee at any stage of the hiring process.