Step

Initiate formal resolution by reporting incident(s) to OAI.

Responsible Party

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

Send email to: reportmisconduct@undp.org

Anyone with information regarding allegations of misconduct can report it using one of the following means:

• By email to OAI at reportmisconduct@undp.org or directly to the Director, Office of Audit and Investigations, or Deputy Director, Head of Investigations, Office of Audit and Investigations.
• Through an online form accessible through the "Report fraud, abuse and misconduct" link at www.undp.org
• Through UNDP's telephone answering system (toll-free):
  • Worldwide: +1-770-776-5678 (with interpreters available 24 hours/day)
  • In the United States: 1-877-557-8685
• By fax: +1-770-409-5008 (worldwide)
• By mail addresssed to: Director, Office of Audit and Investigations, or Deputy Director, Head of Investigations, Office of Audit and Investigations, One United Nations Plaza, DC1, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
• Use of external sexual harassment helpline for reporting sexual harassment.
   

Step

Initial screening.

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

During initial screening, OAI will look at, inter alia, whether the complaint falls within OAI's investigative authority. If it does not, OAI may refer the case to the appropriate entity.  

People reporting misconduct have the option to leave relevant contact information or to remain anonymous. An anonymous complaint should contain enough detailed information to allow OAI to obtain independent corroboration of the facts. If there is no way to independently corroborate the information provided by the anonymous source, OAI will not be able to investigate the complaint and may be required to close the case.  

Individuals are encouraged to be as specific as possible, including the basic details of who, what, where, when and how the incident(s) occurred. Specific information will allow OAI to properly investigate the alleged misconduct.

OAI will acknowledge receipt of a complaint as soon as possible, usually within 48 hours after its receipt.

There are no time limitations for reporting cases involving allegations of sexual harassment.

Other complaints of workplace harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination must be submitted to OAI by no later than one year after the last incident. OAI's Director has the discretion to accept a complaint after the time limit has passed in extraordinary circumstances.

To ensure process efficiency, OAI will further assess if a written statement in a standardized format is required.

Step

Conduct Assessment.

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

During the assessment, OAI will look at, inter alia, whether there is sufficient information to warrant a formal investigation and whether an investigation by OAI is the most appropriate action

To ensure process efficiency, OAI will further assess if a written statement in a standardized format is required

Decisions as to whether investigations should be pursued are made in accordance with the rules, policies and procedures of the Organization.

 OAI has the exclusive authority for determining whether to close a case or proceed with an investigation on the basis of OAI's assessment.

Step

Assessment decision

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

If OAI’s assessment indicates that the complaint falls within OAI’s investigative authority, that there is sufficient information to warrant a formal investigation, and that an investigation by OAI is the most appropriate action, an investigation will be initiated in accordance with the OAI Investigation Guidelines and the UNDP Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct.

OAI will prioritise cases of sexual harassment. It will conduct the investigation expeditiously within the constraints of available resources.

OAI will close the case when, for instance, there is insufficient evidence to warrant an investigation, the allegations do not fall within OAI’s mandate, or when an investigation by OAI is not the most appropriate action.

OAI will notify the complainant of the closure.

Step

Conduct investigation.

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

OAI will conduct its investigation in accordance with OAI’s Investigation Guidelines.

Step

Investigation reporting.

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

When the investigation is completed and it reveals enough evidence to reasonably conclude that misconduct has occurred, the investigator will prepare an investigation report in accordance with OAI’s Investigation Guidelines. The complainant is not entitled to receive a copy of the investigation report concerning allegations of misconduct against the investigation subject.

Step

Notify complainant and subject of outcome.

Responsible Party

OAI

Template/Guideline

Explanatory Notes

OAI and/or the relevant authority will notify the complainant and the subject of the outcome of the investigation.