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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.

Key documents

The Office has two Audit Units (Corporate Audit Unit and Field Audit Unit) and an Investigative Unit.

The two Audit Units conduct audits and provide advisory and consulting services to senior management to ensure FAO's system of internal control, financial management and use of assets is adequate and effective. They also help 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. They conduct their work in accordance with the Code of Ethics and International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing published by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

OIG investigates allegations of fraud and other misconduct in the programmes and operations of the Organization. It conducts investigations and inspections in compliance with the FAO Guidelines for Internal Administrative Investigations.  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 UN organizations and International Financial Institutions.

Internal Audit

Internal Auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization's operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.

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

Ms. HuiMing Tan, Senior Auditor (Head of Field Audit Unit)

Investigations

OIG is responsible for promoting an environment of integrity throughout the Organization’s operations through the detection and investigation of allegations or indications of fraud and other misconduct by FAO personnel, partners or by contractors in relation to their business with FAO. OIG provides advisory services on integrity-related matters.

Contact: Mr. Pablo Fonte, Senior Investigator (Head of Investigations Unit)

Mandate
  • Holds the responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organization's system of internal control, financial management and use of assets.
  • Provides the Director-General and audited functions and programmes with independent, objective assurance and consulting 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.
  • Holds 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

Investigations Hotline