Investigator – Safeguarding unit

CONTEXT 

MSF's mission is to alleviate suffering, promote health, and save lives. To achieve these goals, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of ethics and behavior. Staff providing aid to vulnerable populations are expected to adhere to a shared framework of values and responsible behavior, as outlined in the MSF Behavioral Commitments, which focuses on individual actions.

In 2023, the MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) resolved to transform its ethics and behavior management, previously handled by the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, into a Safeguarding Unit. This decision, aligned with the OCB General Assembly, the OCB Strategic Orientations 2020–2023, and the 'Review of OCB Behavior Systems' (finalized in December 2023 and approved in 2024), reflects the progress of safeguarding efforts across the MSF movement.

Following this decision, the 'Safeguarding Unit Transition' project, initiated in September 2024 and supported by a Project Manager, was launched in December 2024 with two objectives: 

The main objective is to develop a Safeguarding Unit, a structure that is embedded in the General Directorate of the Operational Center Brussels and accountable towards the MSF Board with the following areas of responsibilities: Prevention, Case Management & Investigation, Policies and Strategies for both Headquarter and Field staff.

The specific objective is to transition from the Group for Advice and Research in Ethics and Conduct, which is the entity that since 2001 works as a multidisciplinary and independent group of associative and executive volunteers who receive and investigate complaints related to behavior and abuse in the field, to the Safeguarding Unit, in alignment with MSF Forms of Abuses and Inappropriate Behaviors IPOB July 2021 and Safeguarding Standards. 

The development of the OCB Safeguarding Unit is and will be an ongoing process, foreseen to continue throughout the MSF OCB 2026-2031 Strategic Orientations with the ambition to include a phased integration in OCB to increase synergies and reinforce processes and procedures.

As an Investigator, you will carry out structured administrative investigation processes necessary to professionally investigate Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) incidents within the organization at headquarter level and/or in humanitarian context where MSF OCB run operations, according to the MSF Intersectional Platform on Behavior (IPOB) Standards for Case Management (IPOB, October 2021) and referring to the MSF Behavioral Commitments. As Investigator you will report to the Case Management Manager, contributing to the development of the Safeguarding Unit itself. 

You undertake investigations about alleged abuses and appropriate behaviors defined in MSF Typology, with objectivity, impartiality, and fairness throughout the investigative process and in accordance with generally recognized international investigative standards and MSF Case Management Standards.

You report to the Case Management Manager and should be flexible to perform intake in case the Case Management Area becomes overstretched.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct the investigation according to MSF policy and Guidelines

• Validate all steps with and give regular update to the Investigation manager

• Provide an in-depth analysis of the initial complaint, based on initial desk work, remote interviews and distance evidence gathering

• Provide a detailed Investigation Work Plan/ Investigation Action Plan to the Case Management Manager

• Proceed together with Case Management Manager to a risk assessment regarding a field investigation, focusing protection of victims, subjects of the complaint, the investigation team, impact on MSF operations 

• Assess and make recommendations on whether a temporary work suspension is to be put into place during the investigation, in accordance with local labour law

• Conduct confidential interviews: victim &subject & witnesses, with a victim centered approach, systematically using NDA and validated minutes (that will be annexed in the final report)

• Inform the Investigation Manager in a timely manner should any out of scope allegations should arise during the investigation

• Gather and secure relevant evidence

• Substantiate or refute the reported events based on thorough investigation

• Propose a qualification for each case based on the MSF typology

• Prepare an investigation report. The Investigation report will 1) validate or not the reported events, 2) propose qualification and 3) propose individual generic recommendations

• Propose managerial recommendations and observations in a dedicated final section of the report to help prevent future occurrences of exploitation or abuse

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human Rights, Human Resources, Law, Business Economics -Accountancy, Supply or equivalent through experience

• Certification as investigator (CHS Tier 3, CFE/ CFF/ CPA/CCEP or equivalent) 

• Minimum 3 years of international administrative investigations experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience conducting investigations on SEAH and other Abusive Conducts and Inappropriate behavior in the Aid Sector

• Minimum 3 year of experience in gathering and examining forensic, financial and electronic evidence is an asset

• Extensive experience in conductive interviews with complainant, survivors, witnesses and subjects of the complaints in multicultural environments is an asset

• Previous work experience with MSF is an asset

Competencies

• Strong reading and evaluative skills 

• Able to be organized, detail-oriented, and self-prioritize 

• Able to evaluate case information

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Sensitivity to and awareness of unique needs of minority cultures and diverse ethnic groups 

• Effectively work with others in a team environment and maintain composure in high stress situations 

• Able to maintain confidentiality and present in a positive, professional manner at all times

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility

• Stress-resilient and conflict resolution

• Interest to work in a humanitarian organization

Languages

• Proficiency in English and French both spoken and written is mandatory 

• Good knowledge of other languages is an asset

Other

• Availability to travel and to conduct onsite investigations on short notice

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible

• Location*: Homebased or Any location(s) where there is an MSF entity 

* The final outcome depends on local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity/office of the/se location/s. The local contract and standard salary grid will then apply

• Contract type: Open-ended contract – Full-time

• Salary according to MSF international salary grid

• No consultant contract available

• The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: 13th of May

How to apply?

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV, motivation letter and proof of Certification as an investigator (CHS Tier 3, CFE/ CFF/ CPA/CCEP or equivalent) ready to upload (preferably in pdf format)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

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