Investigations Officer, Head of Intake

The Head of Intake leads the Intake and Case Development unit within the Office of Inspections and Investigations, overseeing the assessment workflow of allegations and complaints, providing strategic direction on complex cases, managing the intake team, and ensuring quality and timely communication of outcomes. The role involves coordination with internal and external stakeholders and contributes to policy development and operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the OIGI intake assessment workflow, including the receipt and triage of allegations and complaints, risk-based case prioritisation and adherence to applicable OIGI and WFP frameworks.
• Direct and oversee timely, risk-based and data-informed preliminary fact-finding, ensuring that available information is assessed, information gaps are identified and appropriate avenues for case development, referral or other action are pursued.
• Provide strategic direction on particularly complex, sensitive, urgent or high-risk matters, including timely notification to OIGI management with a clear assessment and proposed course of action.
• Coordinate the escalation of intake matters for management decision and ensure adequate and timely follow-up and communication of outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate the preparation and review of intake assessments, briefing notes, correspondence and other written outputs arising from intake work.
• Establish and maintain effective quality assurance arrangements to ensure that intake outputs are clear, concise, well-reasoned and consistent with applicable standards and practice.
• Ensure that information and evidence are handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable organisational requirements.
• Ensure complete, accurate and confidential records of intake activities, assessment decisions and outcomes.
• Provide overall management and direction of the intake team, including workload distribution, prioritisation, performance support and day-to-day operational continuity.
• Set clear work priorities and oversee delivery within established timeframes, taking account of risk, urgency, available resources and organisational priorities.
• Provide expert guidance and technical advice to intake staff, promote best practices and foster on-the-job learning through collaborative fact-finding and case development work.
• Support an equitable, inclusive and collaborative workplace, provide timely and constructive feedback, and identify appropriate staff development opportunities.
• Establish, maintain and facilitate effective coordination with Global Headquarters, regional offices, country offices, local officials, governments and external organisations to secure timely and appropriate support for intake fact-finding activities.
• Ensure effective collaboration with other OIGI and OIG functions to obtain specialist support, including digital forensics, analysis, audit input and strategic advice.
• Maintain strategic collaboration with internal and external control, monitoring, risk, compliance and oversight functions, as necessary to facilitate effective intake activities.
• Provide expert guidance and advice to WFP employees on complex matters pertaining to allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing.
• Contribute actively to the development and implementation of policies, procedures and practices related to OIGI’s mandate and intake function.
• Promote the sharing of lessons learned and best practices to strengthen the quality, consistency and effectiveness of intake work.
• Identify and lead practical improvements to intake systems, processes and ways of working, including opportunities to strengthen risk-informed decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Leverage technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve intake work; enable staff to use these tools effectively and responsibly; and maintain a digitally capable, technology-savvy intake team.
• Act as Officer-in-Charge, when required, and perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Criminology, Investigations, Law, Audit, Accounting or other related fields. A Bachelor’s degree in the same disciplines may be considered suitable if combined with additional years of relevant experience and/or a relevant professional certificate.
• Minimum eight years (of which three international) of progressively responsible relevant professional experience in planning, leading and executing complex criminal or administrative investigations, intake assessments or related activities, including experience in a managerial or supervisory position.
• Demonstrated experience in leading or coordinating multiple assessments, investigations or assignments, managing competing priorities and ensuring the timely delivery and quality of outputs.
• Extensive experience in reviewing and improving high-quality analytical written products, and in developing or implementing policies, procedures or operating practices relevant to administrative investigations or intake.
• Extensive experience using a range of research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources and databases.
• Previous fact-finding experience in an international administrative setting, such as an organisation of the United Nations system, an international financial institution or an international NGO, and experience working in developing countries.
• In-depth knowledge of fact-finding and investigative theories, methods and techniques, with demonstrated practical application.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple tasks and team activities through effective work allocation, prioritisation, planning and follow-up, supported by strong time-management skills.
• Expertise in handling information and evidence confidentially throughout investigative activities.
• Ability to provide expert advice and technical guidance to staff conducting administrative fact-finding and investigations.
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use technology to improve the efficiency and quality of case assessments, workflows and written products.
• Fluency (level C) in English language.
• Intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese (a WFP working language).

Skills

• Criminal Investigations
• Administrative Investigations
• Intake Assessment
• Investigative Case Management
• Fact-Finding Techniques
• Research Methodology
• Policy Development
• Procedures Implementation
• Analytical Report Production
• Evidence Handling
• Confidentiality Management
• Team Leadership
• Work prioritization
• Time Management
• Technical Guidance
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Use of Investigative Technology
• Written Communication
• Verbal Communication

Languages

English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese