Inspector General

Description

and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an accomplished senior leader with a strong record of achievement in oversight functions within large and complex organizations. They will bring a combination of applied experience in auditing, investigations, internal controls, and governance mechanisms, as well as the strategic vision to strengthen these functions institutionally.

The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience managing teams responsible for oversight activities and will have the capacity to promote best practices, uphold professional standards, and provide authoritative advice to senior leadership. They will possess an advanced understanding of audit and investigative methodologies, internal control systems, and evolving practices in corporate governance and accountability.

This role requires a person of exceptional integrity and independence, with sound judgement and the maturity to handle sensitive matters impartially and objectively. The incumbent must demonstrate excellent communication and representational skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and credibly to senior audiences and external oversight bodies.

The Inspector General will be a seasoned manager with extensive experience leading diverse, multicultural, and multidisciplinary teams. They will have the ability to inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and maintain the highest ethical standards in all aspects of oversight work.

Familiarity with the operational realities of field-based humanitarian or development work, whether within or outside the UN system, will be an advantage. The incumbent must exemplify UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, and demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting an organizational culture of accountability and ethical conduct.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level) :

Desired languages

French

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations :

Nature of Position :

The Inspector General leads the Inspector General’s Office (IGO), which serves as a cornerstone of UNHCR’s system of independent oversight. The IGO provides assurance on the integrity of the Organization’s operations by conducting investigations and inquiries into possible misconduct and by identifying lessons to strengthen accountability, transparency, and the quality of management.

While fully independent in the conduct of oversight activities, the Inspector General reports and remains accountable to the High Commissioner and submits an annual report to the Executive Committee. The IGO works in close coordination with other oversight bodies, including the Independent Audit and Oversight Committee (IAOC) and the UNHCR Audit Service of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

The Inspector General advises the High Commissioner and senior management on matters of governance, internal control, and oversight, and promotes adherence to UNHCR’s regulatory framework and core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. The incumbent ensures that investigations and inquiries are conducted in a professional and timely manner, with due regard for fairness and confidentiality, and that lessons learned contribute to strengthening systems of accountability and ethical conduct across the Organization.

The IGO consists of the Investigation Service, Strategic Oversight and the front office. The Office structure comprises Headquarters, Geneva and other locations

To safeguard independence, the Inspector General is appointed for a single, non-renewable term of six years, with no possibility of further employment within UNHCR thereafter.

Living and Working Conditions :

Additional Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts : Auditing, Bachelor of Arts : Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts : Law, Bachelor of Arts : Management, Bachelor of Arts : Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts : Risk ManagementAuditing - Other, Certified Forensic Examiner - Other, Certified Fraud Examiner - Other, Management - Other, Risk Management - Other

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Change capability & adaptability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Stakeholder management, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

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Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance