Purpose of the Position
Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders in the Africa region, the Regional Investigations Officer undertakes high risk investigations of alleged misconduct or alleged violations of the ICRC internal policies and procedures, ensuring best practices are at all times observed.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Conduct impartial, survivor-centred investigations into allegations of misconduct, including fraud, corruption, non-sexual harassment (NSH), abuse of authority, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH), in line with humanitarian principles and ICRC internal policies and procedures.
Assess complaints and referrals to determine investigative scope, risk level, and appropriate methodology, with particular attention to safeguarding, do-no-harm principle, and confidentiality considerations.
Collect, preserve, and analyse evidence (interviews, financial records, digital data, field documentation) while ensuring informed consent, data protection, and chain of custody.
Produce clear, well-reasoned investigation reports that present factual findings, credibility assessments, and conclusions suitable for management and disciplinary processes.
Engage sensitively and professionally with colleagues, affected persons, witnesses, and subjects of investigations, ensuring dignity, cultural awareness, and protection from retaliation.
Provide technical advice and capacity-building support to field staff on reporting mechanisms and investigative standards.
Identify systemic risks, trends, and control weaknesses emerging from investigations and contribute to organisational learning, prevention strategies, and risk mitigation efforts.
Other relevant tasks as per directions from Head of the Investigation Unit, Regional Investigations Manager, or other designates.
Relationships
Internally, interacts with: General Counsel, Ombudsman, Métiers Compliance officers, Directors, heads of Division, Operations, Project Management Office, Performance management Office, Internal Audit.
No external relationships.
Education & Experience Required
University-level degree in law, social sciences, criminology, criminal justice, or related field relevant to criminal or administrative investigations (e.g., law enforcement, compliance, or forensic studies).
Typically 10 years of progressively experience in conducting investigations, preferably within humanitarian, international, or compliance-driven environments (including private sector), preferably, but not limited to, internal misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers and partner organizations.
Extensive experience in investigation techniques, particularly where conduct also may have criminal implications that could result in prosecution before local courts.
High level of integrity, independence, and sound judgement, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly.
Proven experience in conducting investigations into allegations of SEAH.
Proven experience integrating practical protection measures for engaging with investigation participants.
Proven knowledge of legal, procedural and evidentiary standards.
Proven working knowledge and experience with gender sensitive interviewing methodology.
Excellent analytical, interviewing, and report-writing skills, capable of producing clear, evidence-based findings.
Strong interpersonal and cultural awareness skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse contexts, including field and hardship locations.
Computer proficient.