What is OAI?

The Office of Audit and Investigation (OAI) provides UNDP with effective independent and objective internal oversight that is designed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of UNDP's operations in achieving its development goals and objectives through the provision of internal audit and related advisory services, and investigation services.

What is OAI's investigation mandate?

OAI's Investigations Section has the mandate to investigate all reports of alleged wrongdoing involving UNDP staff members and allegations of fraud and corruption against UNDP whether committed by UNDP staff members or other persons, parties or entities where the wrongdoing is to the detriment of UNDP. OAI is the sole office in UNDP mandated to conduct investigations.

What does OAI investigate?

OAI conducts investigations into allegations of:

• Abuse of Authority
• Assault and/or Threat
• Discrimination
• Entitlements Fraud
• Failure to comply with Local Law/Abuse of Privileges and Immunities
• Misrepresentation, Forgery and/or False Certification
• Misuse of Official Resources
• Procurement Fraud
• Retaliation against Whistleblowers
• Sexual Assault
• Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
• Sexual Harassment
• Theft and Embezzlement
• Workplace Harassment
• Other Failure to comply with Obligations – this category encompasses any wrongdoing that does not fit into one of the other categories, such as conflict of interest, gross negligence, failure to cooperate with an investigation and unauthorized outside activities.

What does OAI not investigate?

OAI does not investigate allegations that do not constitute misconduct, but indicate managerial issues or interpersonal issues.

How does OAI investigate?

OAI conducts fact-finding investigations in an ethical, professional and impartial manner, in accordance with the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct and with the OAI Investigations Guidelines (PDF).

What will OAI do?

OAI will acknowledge the receipt of all allegations. OAI will review the allegations and conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether there are sufficient indications to warrant a formal investigation.

During a formal investigation, OAI will establish the facts and substantiate the findings with evidence. OAI submits its investigation reports to the Legal Support Office (LSO) for consideration of disciplinary proceedings or administrative action, as appropriate. Where the investigation does not substantiate the alleged wrongdoing, OAI will close the case and inform the concerned individual accordingly.

What does due process mean?

Due process means that the investigation is conducted in a fair, transparent and professional manner. OAI investigators give subjects of an investigation the opportunity to put forward their versions of the facts and present relevant documentary evidence and witnesses. Any investigation subject may request another UNDP staff member or an immediate family member to be present as an observer during his/her interview, subject to applicable guidelines.