Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer

Location: Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
Position Number: 50001269
Position Grade: PL3

The Complex

• The President plans, supervises and manages the business of the Bank Group. Under the direction of the Boards of Directors, the President conducts the business of the Bank and the African Development Fund and manages operations and activities in accordance with the Agreements establishing the ADB and the ADF.
• The President supervises several Departments and Divisions including Office of the President; Independent Development Evaluation Department; Integrity and Anti-Corruption Department; Compliance Review and Mediation Department; Secretariat to the Sanctions Appeals Board; Administrative Tribunal; Office of the Auditor General; Group Risk Management Function Directorate;  General Counsel and Legal Services Department; Communication and External Relations Department; Ethics Office and Office of the Secretary General & General Secretariat.

The Hiring Department

• The office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption plays an integral role in achieving this mandate by protecting the Bank’s corporate image and reputation, and improving the continent’s investment climate through the deterrence, prevention and reduction of fraud, corruption, staff misconduct and other harmful practices within the Bank Group.
• The Investigations Division, has the overriding mandate to undertake unhindered investigations into allegations of corruption, fraud and other malpractices in Bank Group Financed Operations and conduct investigations into allegations of misconduct involving staff members of the Bank.

The Position

• The Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer shall conduct comprehensive investigations into allegations of misconduct committed by staff members of the Bank. Allegations of misconduct involve violations of the Code of Conduct of the Bank including allegations of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH).
• Such misconduct shall not be related to fraud, corruption, coercion, collusion, obstructive practices or the offering receiving or soliciting of bribes, kickbacks or other personal benefits either in kind or otherwise in connection with Bank Group Financed or supported activities or any other Sanctionable Practice. At the end of such investigations, PIAC submits its report to the Human Resources Department and/or Senior Management which shall determine the appropriate action to be taken.
• In undertaking investigations, the Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer shall maintain the highest standard of professional proficiency and integrity, and shall be guided by the ethos of confidentiality, fairness, equity and due diligence as well as ensuring that such investigations respect the precepts of due process and conform to the Bill of Rights and Obligations for Staff Members under Investigation for Misconduct. To achieve objectives, the Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer who shall report directly to the Division Manager PIAC.2, shall be required to:
• Implement procedures and mechanisms for ensuring confidentiality of the hotline facility, protection of the whistle-blowers and anonymous reporting of staff misconduct in the Bank;
• Receive, screen and investigate allegations or whistle-blower complaints on staff misconduct, assigned by the Division Manager PIAC.2;
• Employ surveillance measures and special investigation techniques deemed necessary and reasonable for the furtherance of investigations;
• Monitor and report regularly to the Manager PIAC.2 on the allegations received and screened, their investigation status and implementation of recommendations, as well as performance of any other tasks as instructed by the Manager;
• Monitor compliance with Bank Group’s policies, procedures and guidelines, relating to integrity and ethics and use of surveillance measures and special investigation techniques for the furtherance of staff misconduct investigations;
• Develop and manage the staff misconduct case management system, investigative tools, procedures, and mechanisms for staff misconduct investigations to enhance transparency and accountability;
• Participate in the preparation of work plans, progress reports, key performance indicators and annual reports for PIAC in consultation with PIAC.1;
• Monitor the implementation of investigation outcomes and recommendations and provide periodic status reports to the Division Manager PIAC.2;
• Contribute to Capacity Building & Awareness Raising in Staff Misconduct related matters;
• Develop recommendations for appropriate measures following the substantiation of allegations of misconduct to be taken against Bank staff and corrective measures to enhance institutional policies, controls and existing procedures v where necessary.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in interactions with complainants, persons alleged of improper conduct, persons affected, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Key Functions
The key duties and responsibilities of the Chief Staff Integrity Investigation Officer are to:

• Conduct and lead Investigation Teams in investigations into allegations of misconduct involving staff members of the Bank i.e. allegations of violations of the Code of Conduct of the Bank including allegations of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) which are not related to fraud, corruption, coercion, collusion obstructive practices, or the offering receiving or soliciting of bribes, kickbacks or other personal benefits either in kind or otherwise in connection with Bank Group Financed or supported activities or any other Sanctionable Practice;
• Review and analyze allegations and whistleblowing information to determine relevance and credibility, conduct sensitive interviews and other investigative activities;
• Analyse and prioritize new allegations and whistle-blower information and assist in processing, managing and tracking allegations, investigations and findings;
• Conduct searches and analysis of Bank Group’s databases and systems to support investigation activities;
• Develop appropriate processes and investigation tools including a case management system and ensure compliance with chain of custody procedures, maintain case records, archives, testimonies and evidence;
• Develop and update internal investigation manual and procedures to enhance the investigation of staff misconduct in the Bank;
• Develop investigation plans including the determination of investigation objectives, scope, criteria, methodology, staff and budget resources required to accomplish investigative assignments;
• Make decisions that are transparent and based on integrity, ethics, and in line with prescribed due process;
• Supervise fieldwork, manage evidence collection, storage and review documents and information gathered in the course of investigations to ensure that investigative objectives are achieved;
• Ensure that the conclusions of investigations are adequately supported by findings of fact and evidence;
• Lead the development of a specialised work stream to enhance investigations into allegations of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) against or affecting Bank staff, and work with relevant stakeholders on policy development, referrals and victim support.
• Assist in supervising outsourced investigation assignments and ensuring appropriate deadlines and processes for work products of the highest professional standards;
• Provide leadership to staff in group investigations and assist in evaluating work-load, quality assurance and taking responsibility for the investigative processes and outcomes;
• Provide statistical analyses of both on-going and completed investigations of staff misconduct cases and providing regular tracking to the Division Manager PIAC.2;
• Prepare Investigation Reports relating to investigative findings, evidence, conclusions and recommendations;
• Prepare, review and edit required written communications and outputs of the highest professional quality with logical and clear presentations of investigative findings;
• Contribute in conjunction with the Division Managers in PIAC.1 and PIAC.2 to the integrity promotion efforts in the Bank including through staff awareness raising on topics related to  staff misconduct;
• Review the results of preliminary inquiries to determine availability of sufficient evidence of wrongful conduct or irregularity to warrant comprehensive investigation;
• Conduct sensitive and complex interviews and investigations;
• Prepare Management Implication Reports resulting from internal control weaknesses or inadequacies identified in the course of investigations;
• Monitor the implementation of investigation recommendations for follow-up, process reviews and improvement.
• Prepare Quarterly Activity Reports containing the status of allegations, preliminary reviews, assignment progress and significant issues for the attention of the Manager PIAC.2;
• Participate in the preparation and representation of PIAC at Senior Management, Board hearings and other meetings;
• Prepare the Division’s reports on misconduct and contribute to the preparation of the Work Program and Budget, and Annual Reports of the Office;
• Contribute to PIAC’s program development, policy and strategy formulation and review;
• Liaise with  other international financial institutions and other agencies on information sharing, exchange, professional best practices and harmonization activities; and collaborate in multilateral efforts to mitigate the risks of misconduct in Bank activities.
• Contribute to special initiatives/projects and undertake other ad hoc assignments upon request by the Manager or Director

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• Hold at least a Master’s Degree in Law, Criminology, Forensic Auditing or related field.
• Professional qualifications in staff misconduct examination would be an added advantage.
• Certification in fraud examinations and membership of professional organisations for workplace investigations are desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of of extensive and progressive experience in investigative work, preferably investigations relating to professional misconduct in a corporate or governmental setting including investigations into SEAH.
• Experience in working and living in Africa.
• Substantial experience in investigative work, preferably investigations relating to professional misconduct in public or private sector, such experience may include extensive knowledge in business ethics and compliance, internal fraud and abuse and/or investigations into alleged professional unethical behaviors in a corporate or government setting.
• Excellent knowledge of international standards of Rights and Obligations of employees under administrative investigation for Misconduct.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written; proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare, present, discuss and defend issues, findings and recommendations at senior levels and to produce complex and compelling briefs, reports, papers, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team/task force as participant or team leader and with senior officials internally and externally.
• Strong interviewing skills, including ability to focus discussions and to elicit critical information from uncooperative witnesses.
• Strong organizational and analytical ability with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage challenges.
• Integrity, good judgment, fairness and discretion in dealing with staff and external parties.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Strong client orientation.
• Effective team work and relationship management.
• Ability to communicate verbally and write effectively in English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language. Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in both English and French, will be an added advantage.
• Competence in the use of the Bank standard software applications (Word, Excel. Power point).

Deadline: 29th June, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: This position is classified international status and attracts international terms and conditions of employment.