Investigations Consultant

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Investigations Consultant
TYPE OF CONTRACT: When Actually Employed Consultancy
UNIT/DIVISION: OIGI
DUTY STATION (City, Country): Rome, Italy (REMOTE WORKING FROM PPR)
DURATION: From September 2026 to December 2026

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:
The Consultant will report to the Director, Office of Inspections and Investigations (OIGI) and/or his delegate as appointed by the Director of OIGI. The consultant will specifically deliver his/her work either individually or within a multidisciplinary team. The ultimate goal and mission of the OIGI is to conduct objective and fair investigations into allegations of misconduct involving WFP staff, contractors and other applicable persons.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the supervision and direction of the OIGI Director or their delegate, the Consultant will generally be responsible for the following duties:
1. Conduct preliminary assessments of allegations with a view to recommending an appropriate response, including whether to open an investigation, refer the allegations to another entity or function or close the case without further action;
2. Prepare precise and concise written briefings to OIGI management and draft high-quality communications with stakeholders, including whistleblowers and affected persons;
3. Liaise with focal points in Country and Regional Offices and at WFP Headquarters to gather further information and offer guidance and advice to WFP employees on matters pertaining to investigations or wrongdoing;
4. Prepare, plan, record, and conduct interviews as needed;
5. Prepare, plan, record and conduct digital forensic searches as needed;
6. Prepare recommendations for corrective action and improved controls, effectiveness, or efficiency of WFP operations, including by liaising with the OIG audit team;
7. Regularly appraise progress of preliminary assessments and assess probable impact of investigation outcome relative to strategies and advise colleagues;
8. Liaise with local officials, governments, other UN organizations, and outside organizations as required;
9. Perform other related duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
Preliminary assessments completed as per OIGI standard practice.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:
A university degree in law, finance, criminology, or any other relevant field. Training from a police academy or another law enforcement agency, with extensive experience in investigations can be considered in lieu of a university degree.
Experience:
• At least twelve years of progressively responsible professional experience related to investigations and/or preliminary assessments, with a proven track record in planning, leading and executing investigations and/or preliminary assessments, and with a focus on fraud and/or sexual misconduct.
• Previous experience in the conduct of investigations and/or preliminary assessments with a UN organization or international financing institution and working in developing countries is an asset.
• Thorough knowledge of UN staff rules and procedures is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills:
• Full and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of investigation work especially in an international environment.
• Good understanding of linkages between policy and operational practices.
• General knowledge of UN system policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
• Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical, interpersonal and communications skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of investigations and ability to identify key investigation issues and provide in-depth analysis with well formulated recommendations.
• Resourcefulness, initiative, maturity and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relations with officials at all levels.
Languages:
Written and oral proficiency in English is a must for this position. Knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Chinese) or Portuguese is an advantage.
 

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruiting system. We do not consider CVs or applications sent by email, LinkedIn, or any other channel.

• We strongly recommend that your Workday profile is accurate and complete, and that all sections are filled in, including your employment history, academic qualifications, language skills, and UN grade (if applicable). Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• If you experience technical issues while submitting your application, you may contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org. Please note that this email is only for technical issues with an application - unsolicited applications or documents sent to this inbox will not receive a reply.

• At the application stage, the only required documents are your CV and Cover Letter. Additional documents (passport, certificates, recommendation letters, etc.) may be requested later in the process.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.