Investigator, Fraud, & Corruption (Applications will only be accepted if submitted through the link provided)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary 

The Intake and Investigations department is a newly forming team which is tasked with the intake and investigation of all reports of ethics violations including fraud, corruption, and Code of Conduct and Global Human Resources complaints. The team is responsible for managing all phases of this process from intake to investigative conclusion and then works with senior leadership for case closure. The Intake and Investigation department reports to the Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and the board.

General Position Summary 

The Investigator, Fraud & Corruption is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of code of conduct violations, including corruption, theft, and financial fraud, thoroughly and impartially consistent with sector wide best practices and donor expectations. The Investigator will plan and conduct the investigation and prepare reports for assigned fraud and corruption cases. Investigations will be conducted in the field and remotely; working in a variety of diverse cultural contexts and time zones. 

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Plan, organize and carry out investigations of allegations of fraud, theft or corruption, including preparation of investigation plans, gathering evidence from all available sources, analyzing control system weaknesses, identifying corrective measures and report drafting
• Maintain an expert knowledge of Mercy Corps’ internal policies and procedures, as well as stay abreast of donor rules and regulations
• Provide detailed assessments of how internal controls might be improved, taking into consideration the specific circumstances and environment of substantiated incidents. It is expected that the Investigator, Fraud & Corruption will provide value-added advice, based on his/her expert knowledge and experience
• Issue comprehensive investigation reports subsequent to conducting an investigation on a timely basis, working with other functions to provide clear recommendations for improvements to internal controls
• Discuss findings and recommendations with senior management, Board of Directors, Audit Committee and other staff as required
• Review, as requested, investigation reports prepared by other team members
• Provide pro-active input to and provide assistance in the development of Mercy Corps’ code of conduct and ethics policies, procedures and protocols
• Maintain organized, confidential and thorough investigation files
• Help build trust and confidence in Mercy Corps’ reporting, investigation and follow up systems and foster a climate where team members feel confident and comfortable coming forward with issues
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Comply with documented Internal Operating Procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Organizational Learning  

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves. 

Accountability to Program Participants

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Accountability 

• Reports Directly To: Case Manager, Fraud & Corruption
• Works Directly With: Ethics and Assurance Managers in the Field

Knowledge and Experience 

• At least 3 years of experience as a trained and practiced investigator is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in ethics, fraud, and corruption, and a sensitivity to cultural diversity and gender issues.
• Demonstrated ability to both document and prioritize findings and to develop workable recommendations for improvement.
• Experience working in humanitarian aid or development, either living overseas or spending a significant amount of time in foreign countries is preferred.
• Ability to navigate local country labor laws.
• Ability to navigate difficult circumstances with a calm demeanor and in a methodical, analytical manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial audiences, at different levels within and outside of the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws.
• English fluency (written & verbally) required; strong preference for additional fluency in French, Spanish and/or Arabic.
• Authorization to work in Amman, Beirut or Nairobi is required. 

Success Factors 

The successful Investigator, Fraud & Corruption will have knowledge of the INGO environment, will have a proven ability to analyze complex situations with varying cultures, languages and education levels, ability to objectively document and prioritize findings and to develop workable recommendations for improvement. S/he must work both independently in Mercy Corps field offices and cooperatively with agency staff at all levels as well as conduct his/herself with a high degree of integrity and objectivity while also working towards an overall objective of positively promoting improvement.  Effective, positive communication is essential to success in this position.

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions 

The location of the position is Nairobi, Kenya or Amman, Jordan.  Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Fostering a diverse and open workplace is an important part of Mercy Corps’ vision.  Mercy Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer regardless of background. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.