The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a Related Organization of the United Nations and serves as the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governments, intergovernmental entities, and non-governmental partners, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Through its programs and initiatives, IOM provides essential services and expertise to assist migrants and support member states in managing migration effectively and responsibly.
With its global mandate and presence, IOM upholds the highest ethical and professional standards across all its operations. The organization values inclusion, transparency, professionalism, and accountability as fundamental principles guiding its staff and policies. As part of its commitment to integrity and oversight, IOM’s Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) conducts investigations into potential violations of organizational standards and administrative rules to ensure accountability, fairness, and compliance across the organization.
To strengthen its internal oversight capacity, IOM is seeking to recruit qualified professionals to fill two positions of Associate Investigator in its Nairobi office. The selected candidates will play a key role in supporting investigations and promoting an environment of integrity within the organization.
Organizational Context
The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) plays a critical role in maintaining the organization’s accountability framework. It is tasked with conducting preliminary assessments and investigations concerning alleged breaches of IOM’s regulations, administrative instructions, and ethical standards. These investigations address matters such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and other forms of misconduct that may conflict with the core obligations of IOM personnel.
The OIO ensures that all investigations are conducted in a fair, impartial, and professional manner. By doing so, it safeguards the rights of individuals involved, upholds organizational values, and promotes a culture of integrity within IOM’s global network. The Associate Investigator role is therefore central to the OIO’s mission of ensuring accountability, transparency, and justice in all areas of the organization’s work.
Position Overview
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Investigations and the direct supervision of the Senior Investigator, the Associate Investigator will be responsible for supporting the investigation of administrative and disciplinary matters within IOM. This role involves both office-based and field-based work, requiring strong analytical, interviewing, and report-writing skills. The successful candidates will contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of investigations, and assist in ensuring that cases are handled in compliance with IOM’s internal regulations and international standards of due process.
Given the nature of the responsibilities, the position may involve occasional international travel on an ad hoc basis, depending on the operational needs and the requirements of specific investigations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Conducting and Supporting Investigations
The Associate Investigator will assist in organizing and carrying out investigations into alleged violations of IOM’s regulations, rules, policies, and procedures. This includes planning and conducting both office- and field-based investigations, ensuring that they are managed efficiently, timely, and in accordance with established protocols.
The incumbent will participate in developing investigation strategies, identifying sources of evidence, and ensuring that all actions comply with due process and internal guidelines. The role also involves maintaining discretion and confidentiality throughout all stages of the investigative process.
2. Evidence Collection and Analysis
The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, conducting, and documenting interviews with staff members, witnesses, complainants, and other parties involved in investigations. They will obtain, examine, and securely store various forms of evidence, including documentary, electronic, and forensic materials.
Additionally, the Associate Investigator will perform investigative research and analysis to corroborate findings and strengthen the evidence base for each case. A clear understanding of electronic evidence and internet-based research methods will be particularly valuable in carrying out these duties effectively.
3. Documentation and Reporting
A key component of the role involves preparing detailed, high-quality written outputs related to investigations. This includes drafting investigation plans, interview summaries, referrals, investigation reports, closure reports, and other relevant documentation.
The Associate Investigator will ensure that all reports are objective, evidence-based, and compliant with IOM’s standards of clarity and accuracy. The incumbent will also contribute to the quality assurance review of colleagues’ reports and written outputs, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
4. Case Management and Records Maintenance
The incumbent will contribute to the effective handling of allegations and complaints by maintaining accurate and comprehensive records within OIO’s case filing and case management systems. This includes logging new cases, updating case statuses, and ensuring proper archiving of all documents and evidence in accordance with organizational procedures and confidentiality standards.
5. Training and Awareness Activities
The Associate Investigator will also support OIO’s efforts to promote integrity and awareness across IOM through participation in outreach, training, and sensitization programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen staff understanding of ethical standards, reporting mechanisms, and the importance of accountability within the organization.
6. Collaboration and Coordination
Collaboration is integral to the success of IOM’s internal oversight work. The Associate Investigator will work closely with other investigators and relevant departments to share knowledge, coordinate investigative activities, and ensure consistency in approach. They will also liaise with external entities, as necessary, in accordance with established protocols.
7. Other Duties
The Associate Investigator may be assigned additional responsibilities consistent with the position’s scope, depending on the operational needs of the OIO. This flexibility ensures that the team can respond effectively to emerging priorities and complex cases as they arise.
Working Relationships
The Associate Investigator will operate within a collaborative team environment under the direction of the Senior Investigator and the Chief of Investigations. The position requires regular interaction with IOM personnel at various levels, as well as external stakeholders when necessary. Maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and impartiality will be crucial in all interactions.
Required Competencies
All IOM staff members are expected to demonstrate the organization’s core values and competencies, which are fundamental to ensuring professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective performance across all operations.
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Demonstrates respect for all individuals and cultures, encouraging diversity and inclusivity within the workplace.
- Integrity and transparency: Upholds high ethical standards and acts in accordance with IOM’s values and principles.
- Professionalism: Exhibits composure, competence, and a commitment to excellence in daily work.
- Courage: Willingness to take principled stands on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion, fairness, and respect in dealing with others.
Core Competencies (Level 2)
- Teamwork: Fosters effective collaboration and mutual support within and across teams to achieve shared goals.
- Delivering results: Produces quality outcomes within agreed timelines and service standards.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Demonstrates a continuous learning attitude and contributes to organizational knowledge.
- Accountability: Takes responsibility for actions and ensures transparency in decision-making processes.
- Communication: Promotes open and constructive communication, simplifying complex issues into clear and actionable information.
Languages
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for this position. Working knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish—or a language relevant to IOM’s operations—is an advantage. Language proficiency will be assessed during the selection process and may include written and/or oral evaluations.
Additional Information
- The position is open to international recruitment, and professional staff in this category are required to be mobile.
- Any offer of employment is subject to funding confirmation, medical clearance, and relevant visa or security requirements.
- Candidates recommended for this position may be considered for similar roles within IOM for up to 24 months following the conclusion of this recruitment process.
- The organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, discrimination, and any form of misconduct.
- IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment or request financial information such as bank account details.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The platform allows applicants to submit their applications electronically and monitor the progress of their submissions.
Applications should be submitted by 26 October 2025 at 23:59 Geneva time. Late submissions will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
For further information on this and other career opportunities, applicants are invited to visit the IOM Careers and Job Vacancies portal.
Job Vacancy Announcement: Associate Investigator (2 Positions) – Nairobi, Kenya
Reference Number: 16887
Position Title: Associate Investigator (2 Positions) (P)
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Application Deadline: 26 October 2025
