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Internal Audit and Investigations

Upholding high ethical standards and efficiency: the role of internal oversight at FAO

The Office of the Inspector General
The Mandate of OIG is to:

  • Provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services to add value and improve the Organization’s functions and programmes.
  • Support the Organization to accomplish its objectives by assessing and improving the effectiveness of risk management, internal control, and governance processes.
  • Investigate allegations of misconduct in the programmes and operations of the Organization, including serious violations of FAO’s rules and regulations, and related policies.
  • Promote policies and activities that enhance the integrity of FAO’s operations and inform the Director-General and Senior Management of lessons learned.

OIG comprises an Internal Audit Branch and an Investigation Branch.

The 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. OIGA conducts its work in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards.

The Investigation Branch (OIGI) investigates allegations of misconduct related to the Organization’s programmes and operations. OIGI 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.

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, such as the Ethics Office, Ombuds, Human Resource 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.