Investigator for intake support

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 for intake support, you will play a key role in supporting the implementation of a coordinated intake process for individuals reporting through the existing mechanism. This includes collecting accurate information on allegations to perform triage and determining whether complaints constitute casework based on the MSF I Standards for Case Management. You will collaborate with the Case Management Team to develop Standard Operating Procedures and case management practices, ensuring responsive and timely support for individuals. Reporting directly to the Case Management Manager, you will also facilitate referrals to investigations or other appropriate actions and be flexible to perform administrative investigations 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,  when required. 

As Investigator for Intake support, you will report to the Case Management Manager, contributing to the development of the Safeguarding Unit itself.  

We are currently looking for two Investigators for Intake support: one full-time (100%) and one part-time (50%).   

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Reception and Intake:   

• Monitor and acknowledge all requests / alerts / complaints received via the existing channels of reporting (email, WhatsApp, etc.) within 24-48 hours  

• Maintain a clear record and database of all incoming requests / alerts /complaints assigning a reference Number for each  

• Assess if the minimum intake criteria for each request/alert/complaint have been met and highlight any missing information or additional details that may be needed  

• Establish the implications if any on the legal scope of the complaint based on the contract of the parties concerned  

• Undertake an initial risk assessment for all parties and preliminary investigation assessment concerned and for MSF and in consultation with the Case Management Manager establish a risk-based prioritization of allegations.  

• Engage the Complainant and/or reporter when clarification of complaint details is required, ensuring confidentiality. Document all relevant intake information, including collected evidence, for preliminary assessment of allegations. Gather additional information, if needed, to evaluate the relevance and credibility of the complaint  

• Produce high-quality case assessments in line with MSF standards, ensuring compliance with the Intake Standard Operating Procedures. This includes documenting minutes of interactions with the Complainant and other informants, as well as providing justifications for case closure or referral  

• Inform the Complainant of the decision to investigate or refer, prior to obtaining their consent  

• Perform regular reports and provide statistics on cases reported, typology, cases closed and referred at intake and cases retained for investigation.  

• Participate in Case Management Team meetings and conduct case investigations as requested by the Case Management Manager when required.  

• Ensure adherence to the key principles of (1) Do No Harm, (2) Zero Tolerance, (3) Survivor-Centered Approach, and (4) Confidentiality at all times and as far as possible possible  

Referral to other departments/units:   

• Coordinate guidance and technical feedback with the following functions: Legal, Duty of Care, Human Resources, Finance (Field Resources Risk & Internal Control), as well as other relevant departments referents in relation to case intake and/or referral of matters that fall out of the Safeguarding Unit scope for consideration by other units including on prevention, awareness and response activities  

Archiving and Data Protection  

• Ensure all closed cases are properly documented, including files, attachments, and other necessary materials, and are securely filed and archived in the backup drive  

• Implement and adhere to all relevant measures, precautions, and instructions required by the MSF/OCB Data Protection Policy  

• Ensure IT protection systems and measures mandated by the IT department are implemented, reviewed, and monitored, highlighting any risks to the Safeguarding Lead as necessary  

Support to the Ethical Committee  

• Provide punctual IT access and support, including access to additional information, as needed by members of the Ethical Committee  

Other tasks  

• Contribute to the ongoing development of case management practices in collaboration with the Case Management Team within the Safeguarding Unit 

• Participate in the development and improvement of the case management guidelines and Intake Standard Operating Procedures 

• Participate in the development of training material on case management 

• Participate in the development, implementation of the reporting mechanism line 

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 

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

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

• Three years  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*:  Any location(s) within +/-1-2 hour(s) from the Brussels time zone 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: 

I. Fixed-term contract  – Full-time (100%)

II. Fixed-term contract – Part-time (50%)

• Contract duration: 12 months

• 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 2025 

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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