UNHCR is looking for an Inspector General

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

Deadline for Applications

December 11, 2025

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Inspector General reports directly to the High Commissioner and submits an annual report to UNHCR’s Executive Committee. The incumbent is the highest authority in UNHCR on oversight matters and is solely responsible for conducting investigations and inquiries. S/he exercises independent managerial control over the work of the Inspector General's Office (IGO) and assures cohesion of the Organization's oversight activities. The IGO consists of the Investigation Service, Strategic Oversight and the front office. The Office structure comprises Headquarters, Geneva and other locations.

The Inspector General interacts with, and provides assurance and advice to, the High Commissioner and executive and senior management on matters of governance, internal controls, and risk and oversight in general. In relation to the provision of internal audit services, s/he also works on a day-to-day basis with the Chief of the UNHCR Audit Service of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). S/he provides advice to all members of UNHCR’s workforce aimed at promoting an ethical work environment and improving integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of UNHCR’s operations.

The Inspector General maintains strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders who are important collaborators in the Organization’s efforts to maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability. S/he liaises and coordinates the activities of the Office with all heads of business units as required and is UNHCR's interface with interlocutors in other oversight bodies and stakeholders (including donor governments, NGOs, UN and non-UN agencies as well as independent experts) as pertains to oversight matters.

To ensure independence, the Inspector General's tenure will be for a time limited non-renewable term of six years, and without the possibility of employment in UNHCR at the end of the term.

Duties

• Provide strategic vision and leadership in establishing and meeting the objectives and priorities of the IGO as approved in the operational and strategic plans and budgets.
• Provide advice to the High Commissioner, members of the Senior Executive Team, and senior management on risk and oversight matters.
• Perform research and analysis to identify and report to the High Commissioner and senior management on matters of important strategic and/or reputational risks.
• Assist management and other UNHCR personnel in enhancing governance and oversight by promoting a culture of risk management and integrity in accordance with regulations, rules and policies.
• Manage the personnel of the IGO and those assigned to it, promote best practices in oversight and provide technical guidance to ensure the work is carried out in accordance with the highest professional standards.
• Establish and maintain a quality assurance program, including independent reviews by experts where required, to verify that work performed by the IGO adheres to established policies and procedures, meets established standards of performance, and is carried out economically, efficiently and effectively.
• Deliver reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders on the results of the work of the IGO including investigations, inquiries, and analyses of risks, with recommendations and lessons learned. Follow up on the implementation of recommended actions.
• Collect and analyze information on planned oversight activities and inform executive management of significant gaps in high-risk areas.
• Collaborate and share best practices with internal and external oversight entities, counterparts in donor government structures, United Nations bodies, organizations and international NGOs as well as with the private sector and members of the Executive Committee and its Standing Committee, and the Independent Audit and Oversight Committee (IAOC), as appropriate.
• Ensure that investigations and inquiries are conducted in a professional and timely manner, and that investigation and inquiry reports are of high quality.
• Ensure that complainants, witnesses and subjects are fully informed of the investigation process and subsequent disciplinary proceedings.
• Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level

• For D2 - 18 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 17 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 16 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education

• Auditing;
• Business Administration;
• Law;
• Management;
• Public Policy;
• Risk Management;
• or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

• Auditing;
• Certified Forensic Examiner;
• Certified Fraud Examiner;
• Management;
• Risk Management;
• (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience

Essential

• Proven work experience in senior management positions in national or international organizations, and responsible for a combination of auditing, investigation, risk management, internal controls, and governance structures and mechanisms.
• Strategic vision to drive and influence oversight reforms within the Organization, proven ability to innovate and conceptualize complex issues, and formulate realistic and practical recommendations to address problems.
• Demonstrated high level of diligence, maturity, responsibility, integrity and ethics, objectivity, impartiality and fairness.
• Advanced understanding of audit, internal controls, and investigative processes, with sound knowledge of international auditing and accounting standards and evolving best practices in corporate governance and accountability within complex or regulated organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing the use of technology and data-driven approaches.
• Excellent judgement with proven ability to deal with complex interrelated issues and strong analytical and problem solving skills to develop solutions that address root causes of issues.
• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and good representational skills, including public speaking.
• Proven ability to lead and manage diverse, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams of diverse experts, with strong skills in inclusive leadership, collaboration, team building, and motivation.
• Exposure to, and experience in, or an in-depth understanding of, UN or non-UN field operations and emergencies.
• Excellent work ethic and ability to work well under pressure, delivering quality results on time, with a positive and constructive attitude.
• Ability to articulate key messages and to deliver difficult messages with sensitivity and integrity.

Desirable

• Experience in an oversight or risk management function in the UN or in large field-based international organization.
• Experience in humanitarian high risk operational contexts.
• Good working knowledge of the UN mandate, field operations, organizational structures, and policies.

Functional Skills

• MG-Client Relationship Management*
• MG-People Management*
• MG-Political Decision Making*
• MG-Country/Regional Office Representation*
• MG-Team Building (development/facilitation)*
• RM-Risk Management*
• LE-Forensic Audit and/or Fraud Examination
• FI-Financial Auditing
• EL-Monitoring & Evaluation
• (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements

• For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
• For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

Competency Requirements

All jobs at UNHCR require six core competencies and may also require managerial competencies and/or cross-functional competencies. The six core competencies are listed below.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies

• Leadership
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Empowering and Building Trust
• Managing Performance
• Managing Resources
• Strategic Planning and Vision

Cross-Functional Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Change Capability and Adaptability
• Stakeholder Management

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job 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.

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

• Skills
• Education: 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 Management
• Certifications: Auditing - Other, Certified Forensic Examiner - Other, Certified Fraud Examiner - Other, Management - Other, Risk Management - Other
• Work Experience
• 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

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Flash Vacancy Notice

Additional Information

• Functional clearance: This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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For external applicants:
We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category: According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy,  P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category must be outside the staff member's country of nationality. In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

In case of technical difficulties when applying, external applicants (not current UNHCR workforce members) can write to [email protected].

For former UNHCR Colleagues:
Former UNHCR employees who are on mandatory break-in service or have separated from UNHCR after 1 October 2022 should create an account through this platform. Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account.

Diversity

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

About Us

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137​ countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide.

Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact.

Why a career with UNHCR?

Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines.

Disability inclusion

If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form.

There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process.

Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.

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