Internal Investigator

Vacancy Notice 861

INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization, with 196 Member Countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities, and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. 

INTERPOL strives to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To achieve our Diversity goals, we encourage applications from women and nationals of under/unrepresented member countries who are passionate about our mission. INTERPOL’s recruitment process is merit-based hence all hiring decisions are made considering the applicant’s qualifications and the needs of the Organization.

Job Title: Internal Investigator 
Reporting To: Coordinator, Internal Investigations
Location: Lyon, France 
Type of contract: Fixed-term Contract 
Duration (in months): 36.00 
Grade: 5   
Number of posts: 1
Level of Security screening:  Basic
Deadline for application: 18 January 2025

Conditions applying for all candidates

Only professional experience for which candidates can provide official proof of employment will be considered. Candidates could be requested to provide copies of such official documents prior to interviews/test.

* Subsequent extension to this post will be subject to the terms of the Organization’s Staff Manual, to satisfactory performance and to availability of funds.

Tests/interviews in connection to this selection procedure will take place approximately 6 weeks after the deadline for applications. Applicants are kindly requested to plan their availability during this period accordingly, in case they are short-listed.

​Selected candidates will be expected to report for duty approximately two to three months after receiving an offer of employment at the latest.

This selection exercise may be used to generate a reserve list of suitable candidates that may be used to address Organization's similar staffing needs in the future.

POST DESCRIPTION

The Investigator works in the Investigations unit of the Office of Internal Oversight (OIO/INV). Under the supervision of the Coordinator, Investigations, the Investigator will plan, conduct and manage internal investigations into allegations of unsatisfactory conduct or misconduct implicating INTERPOL officials. Internal investigations are administrative fact-finding processes. The Investigator assists in conducting internal investigations in a fair, thorough and timely manner, in accordance with applicable professional, organisational, legal and ethical standards.

The Investigator may be required to perform any other duties necessary to the attainment of the Unit’s and Directorates objectives.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Duty 1: To receive, assess and action incoming complaints according to the defined standards

• To register and clarify incoming complaints, updating reporting and communicate/acknowledge with relevant parties;
• To assess and interpret complaints to determine whether the complaint is ‘receivable’ according to the standards;
• To apply initiative to identify and interpret the relevant and applicable legal framework;
• To assist the Coordinator and unit with decision making in relation to complaints, including possible referral to internal and external channels;
• To prepare case assessment reports;
• Where appropriate, to refer cases to internal units / external bodies and draft the related correspondence;
• To follow-up with cases that were referred to other internal units / external bodies including reporting.

Duty 2: To conduct internal investigations

• To plan and organize internal investigations;
• To gather and preserve evidence in internal investigations. This may include conducting interviews, preparing synopses or transcripts with relevant parties and support with administrative tasks;
• To review and analyse the evidence to establish facts;
• To determine the investigative findings;
• To formulate recommendations;
• To compile and update the case file for the internal investigation and ensure that the file is up-to-date, complete and conforms to the Organization’s policies, notably on ethics, access and data protection.

Duty 3: To draft working documents and reports to the required standards

• Draft working documents (notes-to-the file, work plans, decision logs, etc.) according to the accepted standards;
• Draft complete and concise reports (investigation reports, advisory reports, status reports, and others);
• Conduct peer review and control the quality of investigations reports;
• Prepare liaison sheets and other administrative documents that accompany OIO/INV’s reports;
• Analyse and compare investigation reports to help identify underlying issues.

Duty 4: To assist with defining policies and standards, implementing systems and liaising with other units, including other International Organisations or external bodies

• Assist the Coordinator and unit with drafting relevant system requirements, policies, standards and procedures;
• Assist the Coordinator and unit in defining, updating and maintaining systems such as case management system for following and reporting on the status of investigations;
• Assist the Coordinator with drawing conclusions and recommendations on how to address organisational weaknesses that may have been identified in the course of investigations;
• Propose improvements to processes, procedures and systems;
• Communicate and coordinate with other organizational units in matters related to OIO/INV;
• Coordinating with other International Organisations in the drafting and definition of policies and standards;
• Respond to/prepare requests for information from/to other units;
• Conduct post investigation tasks, including providing assistance to disciplinary bodies.

Duty 5: Any other duties as may be requested by the hierarchy.

QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND SKILLS

EDUCATION

• Two-to-four years’ education at a University in law or in a field related to investigations.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience. Ten years’ experience in the area is required if the post holder does not have the required level of education;
• Experience in interviewing victims, witnesses and subjects in the framework of investigations, writing up investigation reports pending analyses and opinion;
• Knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and approaches relevant to Investigations including ILOAT standards will be an advantage;
• Knowledge and application of investigation case management, including software, and administration according to relevant standards;
• Working knowledge of International Organisations and their legal texts would be an advantage.

LANGUAGES

• Excellent command of written and spoken English;
• Professional fluency in French is highly desirable;
• Proficiency in another official working language of the Organization (Arabic, Spanish) would be an additional asset.

ABILITIES REQUIRED

• High levels of personal and professional integrity;
• Sensitive case-handling capabilities and initiation to conduct appropriate solution;
• Victim-centred and trauma-informed approach;
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines according to the required procedures and standards;
• Good research, analytical and problem-solving skills and structured, methodical approach.