Principal Investigation Officer (PIAC.2) at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Full Time

Job Title: Principal Investigation Officer (PIAC.2)

Position Number: 50078449
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Position Grade: PL4

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 African Development Bank and the African Development Fund.
• The President supervises several Departments and Divisions including Office of the President; Independent Development Evaluation Department; Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption; 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 / Division

• 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 Principal Investigation Officer will be responsible for ensuring that unhindered investigations are conducted into allegations related to fraud, corruption and other malpractices in procurement in Bank Group financed activities or institutional procurement financed from the Bank Group’s administrative and capital expenditure budgets.

Key Functions
Under the supervision and guidance of the Division Manager, the Principal Investigation Officer will:

• Undertake and/or lead investigations into allegations of fraud and corruption in Bank Group financed operations and internal corporate procurement (together “Bank Group Financed Operations”).
• Plan investigations and determine investigation objectives, scope, criteria, methodology to be used as well as staff and budget resources required to accomplish the assignment.
• Receive, screen and investigate allegations or whistleblowing on Fraud, Corruption and malpractices or suspicions thereof, in the Bank and in activities financed by the Bank, assigned by the Division Manager Investigation.
• Conduct field work, controlling evidence and data collection, and reviewing documents and information gathered in the course of an investigation to ensure that investigation objectives are achieved; that evidence is protected and adequately support the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the investigation.
• Contribute to the processing of allegations of fraud and corruption and providing regular tracking to the Division Manager Investigation.
• Prepare and review required written outputs of the highest quality with logical and clear presentations of investigative findings.
• Review the results of preliminary inquiry to determine availability of sufficient evidence of wrongful conduct or irregularity to warrant comprehensive investigation.
• Conduct specially sensitive and complex interviews and investigations.
• Monitor the implementation of investigation recommendations to prevent reoccurrence of such irregularities and safeguard the assets and image of the Bank.
• Operate procedures and mechanisms for ensuring confidentiality of the hotline facility, protection of the whistle-blowers and anonymous reporting of corruption and Fraud within the Bank and in activities financed by the Bank in Regional Member Countries.
• Employ surveillance measures deemed necessary and reasonable for the furtherance of investigations
• Report regularly to the Division Manager Investigation on the allegations received, screened and their investigation status.
• Monitor the implementation of investigation recommendations and report the status to the Division Manager Investigation.
• Recommend debarment and imposition of sanctions against individuals, firms and companies found to have engaged in corrupt practices.
• Contribute to special initiatives/projects and undertake other ad hoc assignments upon demand.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• Hold a minimum of Master’s Degree in Law, Criminology, Accountancy, Finance, Forensic Auditing, or related field.
• Have a minimum of six (6) years of extensive and progressive experience in anti-corruption, fraud or workplace investigation including in a multi-lateral development financial institution or government or private sector setting.
• Knowledge and experience in institutional, national, and international procurement is desirable.
• Integrity, good judgment, fairness, and discretion in dealing with staff and external parties.
• Substantial experience in investigative work, preferably investigations relating to fraud and corruption in public or private sector, such experience may include misconduct investigations related to internal and public procurement in a corporate or government setting.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written; proven ability to prepare clearly and concisely, 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 create a focus during 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.
• Competence in the use of the Bank standard software applications (Word, Excel, Power point).

Application Closing Date
30th December, 2023.