Investigations: countering fraud and other forms of misconduct in FAO

Understanding the role of Investigation within FAO

Investigations are the cornerstone of FAO's efforts to protect the highest ethical standards, safeguard resources and uphold accountability in the Organization. OIG’s Investigation Branch (OIGI) employs analytical methods to obtain evidence of potential occurrence of misconduct within the Organization and identify those responsible. OIGI’s work provides FAO with the information it needs to hold individuals and entities accountable for misconduct, which can help to prevent future wrongdoing and repair any harm that may have been caused. Investigating misconduct also identifies critical gaps in the Organization’s internal controls so they can be addressed, which can help prevent fraud and improve the overall functioning of FAO.

Preventing misconduct

All forms of misconduct, whether fraud or harassment, divert resources from and undermine FAO's primary mission – the eradication of global hunger. FAO has a Zero Tolerance Policy in relation to serious forms of misconduct, to ensure its human and financial resources are not wasted.

OIG places great emphasis on the voice of everyone involved in FAO-supported activities. Therefore, it is crucial that personnel report any perceived misconduct related to FAO operations. All FAO personnel have an obligation to report concerns of misconduct either to their supervisor or directly to OIGI. Investigations also encompass external entities such as suppliers and partners, further underscoring OIG’s commitment to combating misconduct. Individuals involved in or hindering OIGI’s investigations may face disciplinary actions, up to dismissal or termination.

Ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards

FAO is dedicated to ensuring that its programmes are implemented in accordance with the Organization’s environmental and social standards. To achieve these goals and ensure beneficiaries of FAO programmes have access to an effective and timely mechanism to address concerns about non-compliance with these specific standards, OIG has been mandated to independently review unresolved complaints.

Any individual or group directly affected by an FAO programme may file a complaint concerning non-compliance with FAO’s environmental and social standards. Once an admissible complaint is filed, OIGI conducts a preliminary review to determine if the complaint alleges a violation of these standards and if further enquiry is required. Complaints deemed admissible are posted publicly to invite external comments. After the comment period, OIGI initiates its review, which may involve further data gathering, document reviews, site visits and interviews, as necessary.

A draft compliance review report is then prepared and shared with all participants in the process, who are given an opportunity to comment before the final report is submitted to the Director-General. Copies of the report are provided to the complainant and other participants. The Director-General then makes a final decision on how to address the findings in the report. Unlike other types of complaints reviewed by the OIGI, complaints of non-compliance with the Organization’s environmental and social standards cannot be made anonymously. Full procedures are available online for reference.

The Investigative process

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