About UNICEF
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential.
As a global leader in children’s rights and development, UNICEF offers a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven workplace where employees can make a meaningful impact while advancing their professional careers.
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Position Overview
UNICEF is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Investigation Specialist (P-3) to join the Office of Internal Audit and Investigations (OIAI) in New York.
Job Title: Investigation Specialist (P-3)
Reference Number: #00111347
Organization: UNICEF
Job Location: New York, United States
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Category: Audit and Investigation
Closing Date: 18 June 2026
The Office of Internal Audit and Investigations is an independent office reporting directly to UNICEF’s Executive Director and Executive Board. The Investigations Service is responsible for reviewing and investigating allegations of misconduct involving UNICEF personnel and third parties, including fraud, corruption, theft, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, workplace harassment, whistleblower retaliation, and other violations of organizational regulations and standards of conduct.
Reporting to the Chief, Strategy, Intake and Analysis Unit, the successful candidate will ensure the legal quality and sustainability of investigative work, providing expert legal guidance and supporting the development of legally sound investigative processes and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Review and Quality Assurance
- Review investigation reports, findings, recommendations, and disciplinary action proposals to assess legal sufficiency and factual integrity.
- Ensure investigative products comply with applicable legal standards and procedural requirements.
- Assess evidence and findings for consistency with relevant legal principles and jurisprudence.
Legal Advisory Support
- Provide legal guidance to investigators throughout all stages of investigations, including planning, evidence gathering, analysis, and reporting.
- Interpret and apply relevant legal standards, procedural requirements, and emerging jurisprudence.
- Support investigators in developing legally sustainable findings and recommendations.
Policy Development and Process Improvement
- Develop and maintain legal guidance materials, standard operating procedures, and reference tools.
- Identify legal and procedural gaps within investigation practices and recommend improvements.
- Contribute to strengthening investigative methodologies and compliance standards.
Legal Research and Analysis
- Conduct legal research and analysis on assigned cases and matters.
- Identify relevant precedents and jurisprudence to support investigative conclusions.
- Monitor developments in United Nations jurisprudence, General Assembly resolutions, and Executive Board decisions and advise on their implications.
Training and Capacity Building
- Design and facilitate training programs on legal standards, evidentiary requirements, and investigative best practices.
- Strengthen the legal and procedural knowledge of investigators across the organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaise with the Administrative Law Unit and other relevant offices within UNICEF and the broader United Nations system.
- Review policies, procedures, and legal agreements issued by UNICEF business units and advise on implications for investigative operations.
- Support collaboration on legal and policy matters affecting investigative work.
Administrative Sanctions and Reporting
- Provide legal advice relating to UNICEF’s administrative sanctions processes.
- Review reports submitted to the Vendor Review Committee and Implementing Partner Review Board.
- Support the office’s reporting obligations and prepare legal analyses as required.
- Conduct preliminary assessments of complaints and prepare assessment memoranda and supporting documentation.
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Criminal Investigation, or a related field.
OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in legal practice, investigations, administrative law, compliance, governance, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience providing legal analysis and advice in complex matters.
- Experience preparing legal reports, assessments, and recommendations.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong legal research, analytical, and drafting skills.
- Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
- Sound understanding of investigative principles, procedures, and evidentiary standards.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Resilience and persistence in addressing complex challenges.
Language Requirements
- Fluency in English is required.
Desirable Qualifications
The following qualifications are considered advantageous:
- Knowledge of another official UN language, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish.
- Experience in policy development, capacity building, disciplinary procedures, governance, and evidence evaluation.
- Experience working within international or multilateral public institutions.
- Experience working with the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT), United Nations Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), and/or the International Labour Organization Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT).
- Experience serving as legal counsel, registry officer, case manager, or legal advisor within international administrative justice systems.
- Experience supporting administrative sanctions systems within national, international, or multilateral organizations.
Core Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships
- Self-awareness and ethical awareness
- Drive to achieve results and create impact
- Innovation and adaptability
- Ability to manage ambiguity and complexity
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
Candidates should also embody UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
Why Join UNICEF?
UNICEF offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a global mission that improves the lives of children worldwide. Employees benefit from:
- Competitive United Nations compensation and benefits
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
- Inclusive and diverse working environment
- Family-friendly workplace policies
- Paid parental leave and employee wellbeing support
- Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities
- Opportunities to contribute to humanitarian responses and global impact initiatives
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Diversity and Inclusion
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, nationalities, genders, and abilities.
UNICEF maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, and any conduct inconsistent with the organization’s values and mission.
Additional Information
Appointment is subject to medical clearance, reference verification, background checks, and visa approval, where applicable. UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
Application Deadline
18 June 2026
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