Back Chief Investigator (P4)

Background:

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, combating human trafficking, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna assists the Chairpersonship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to the field operations, and, as appropriate, to other institutions.

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 provides assurance on the adequacy of governance, risk management, and internal control; contributes to ensuring compliance with the Organization's regulatory framework; and helps enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

As Chief Investigator, you will lead the investigations unit (of up to three OIO staff, and/or other OSCE officials, and/or consultants) or alone, in accordance with OIO requirements and work plans.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Internal Oversight, you will be responsible for investigations into alleged violations of the OSCE's Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS) and other misconduct, and for supporting Executive Structures in managing the risk of fraud and other abuse.

More specifically, you will be tasked with the following:

Planning, organizing, and managing investigations into allegations of fraudulent and other financial misconduct, malfeasance, mismanagement, waste of resources, abuse of authority, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, retaliation, or other violations of the CRMS; overseeing the intake and screening of allegations through the OSCE hotline and intake mechanism; leading investigative teams in the field and at headquarters; interviewing witnesses and subjects, collecting and analysing evidence, preparing findings and conclusions, and drafting comprehensive investigation reports in line with professional norms and standards;

Providing systemic advice and risk analysis by preparing management advisories for senior leadership when systemic weaknesses may have contributed to misconduct; conducting or participating in fraud risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities within programmes, operations, or systems; making recommendations for strengthening internal controls and governance structures; advising managers and other stakeholders on integrity-related matters; and tracking the implementation of corrective and preventive actions;

Ensuring quality and compliance by reviewing investigation and closure reports, overseeing the consistency and accuracy of findings, and ensuring adherence to established investigative policies, procedures, and professional standards; providing quality assurance to peer investigation panels reviewing SI21 complaints that fall outside OIO’s purview; and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of international best practices in investigative work;

Liaising with internal and external counterparts including the Department of Human Resources, Office of Legal Affairs, and the Ethics Coordinator on cases of misconduct, retaliation, and related disciplinary processes; collaborating with other OSCE executive structures, field operations, and relevant international partners on policy development, procedural updates, and coordination of investigative matters; and representing OIO in inter-agency fora and working groups dealing with oversight and accountability;

Managing and developing the Investigations Unit team by supervising staff performance, providing technical and professional guidance, and ensuring continuous training in investigative techniques, policies, and ethical standards; promoting professional development opportunities and building internal investigative capacity across the Organization; and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability;

Preparing regular and annual reports summarizing case load, investigative trends, systemic findings, and the overall performance and impact of investigative activities; drafting background materials, briefings, and presentations for senior management and OSCE decision-making bodies; and contributing to the development of organizational policies and best practices related to oversight and accountability;

Performing other related duties as assigned, including contributing to policy reviews, developing training curricula, or providing surge capacity for urgent investigative assignments.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see https://www.osce.org/secretariat

Necessary Qualifications:

Second-level university degree in auditing, accounting, criminology, law, law enforcement, or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience will be accepted in lieu of the second-level university degree. Certification in investigative techniques, internal auditing or accounting (e.g. CPA, CA, CIA) or as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE);

Minimum of seven years (nine years with a relevant first-level degree) of progressively responsible experience in investigatory work, including supervisory functions; at least two years of this experience at the international level, including in the field. Experience of investigations into serious fraud and corruption matters, and professional working environment violations is highly desirable;

Thorough knowledge of and effective skills in investigative techniques, case preparation, and reporting. Good research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; and ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments;

Excellent knowledge of English is essential (including well-developed drafting skills); working knowledge of other OSCE languages (particularly Russian) would be an asset;

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance;

Fully proficient computer skills and ability to use relevant software and other applications involved in criminal and administrative investigations, e.g. word processing, case management software, graphics software, spreadsheets and other statistical applications, internet, AI, etc. Familiarity with and experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources on the internet and other databases. Experience in using data-mining solutions is desirable.

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration is around EUR 9,400, with the actual monthly salary depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are normally made at Step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. In exceptional cases, an initial appointment at up to Step 3 may be considered. This depends on factors such as relevant experience exceeding minimum requirements or higher previous remuneration. Any such request by a candidate must be reviewed and approved by the OSCE before the appointment

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance.

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process. Additional Information