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The Office of the Inspector General

Office of the Inspector General

The Office of the Inspector General provides independent oversight of the programmes and operations of the Organization, through internal audit and investigations.

The OIG Internal Audit Branch (OIGA) provides internal audit and advisory services to the Organization. It helps the Organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and internal governance processes. It conducts its work in accordance with the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing published by The Institute of Internal Auditors.

The OIG Investigation Branch (OIGI) investigates allegations of misconduct in the programmes and operations of the Organization. It conducts investigations in compliance with the FAO Investigation Guidelines. These are based on the Uniform Principles and Guidelines for Investigations adopted and endorsed by the Conference of International Investigators, comprising professionals from international organizations, including United Nations organizations and International Financial Institutions. OIGI also provides advisory services on integrity-related matters.

Both OIG branches also play a crucial role in supporting organizational reform initiatives. For instance, OIGA is actively supporting the Office of Strategy, Programme and Budget in strengthening enterprise risk management and internal control reporting in the Organization. OIGI collaborates closely with key integrity stakeholder offices, i.e., the Ethics Office, Ombuds, Human Resources Division, Legal Office, Staff Counsellor and the Office of Emergencies and Resilience in promoting ethics, integrity, fraud prevention and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Internal Audit

Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and advisory activity designed to add value and improve the Organization's system of internal controls, financial management and use of assets.

Contacts:
Mr. Daniel Ramirez Leon, Senior Auditor (Head of Assurance Unit)

Ms. HuiMing Tan, Senior Auditor (Head of Advisory and Professional Practices Unit)

Investigations

An Investigation is a formal fact-finding inquiry, which examines allegations of, or information concerning, possible misconduct. It aims to determine whether misconduct has occurred and, if so, the persons or entities responsible, so that the Organization can take informed and appropriate action to address the situation.

Contacts:
Ms. Regine Zukas Vilaire, Senior Investigator (Head of Operations Unit)

Mr. Pablo Fonte, Senior Investigator (Head of Analysis and Professional Practices Unit)

Mandate
  • Provides the Director-General and audited functions and programmes with independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to add value and improve the Organization’s operations.
  • Supports the Organization to accomplish its objectives by providing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and internal governance processes.
  • Has the authority to investigate allegations of irregularities in the programmes and operations of the Organization, including violations of FAO’s regulations, rules and related administrative provisions.
  • Promotes policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO’s operations and informs the Director-General and Senior Management of lessons learned.
Links
Contact

Mr. Mika Tapio

Inspector General

Report misconduct via the FAO EthicsPoint hotline

Key documents