Business Context and Main Purpose of the Job

At Unilever, our commitment to “Value with Values” requires ongoing efforts to embed a culture of integrity across our entire operational footprint including our acquired businesses. This implies significant efforts to prevent, detect and if necessary, investigate potential concerns relating to our Code of Business Principles and Code Policies (the Code), and to hold individuals accountable where appropriate.  Unilever sets similarly high standards in selecting suppliers and business partners.  Under Unilever’s governance, its newly acquired businesses are required to adopt the Code and its Business Integrity (BI) Framework to address the risks associated with their businesses. 

The Business Integrity Officer – Investigations Lead (“BIO”) is a member of the BI Investigations Group and leads investigations across the globe but with special focus on the “Central Zone” comprising Europe, Middle East and Africa. BI Investigations can relate to any of the 24 Code Policies that form the Code of Business Principles but most of the work is done in the broader anti-corruption (conflict of interest, anti-fraud, accurate records, anti-bribery) and respect, dignity and fair treatment areas.  

This role will report to the Global Head of Investigations, who is currently being recruited, or a delegate. 

Essential roles and responsibilities include:

Lead investigations reported via hotline or internal channels, ensuring thorough and impartial fact-finding. Develop comprehensive investigation plans, identifying appropriate investigative resources and methodologies. Conduct detailed fact-finding procedures, including interviews, document reviews, and data analysis to uncover relevant information. Identify issues and root causes, ensuring a clear understanding of the circumstances and contributing factors. Prepare detailed investigation reports, summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective actions. Ensure complete and accurate data entry in the management system, maintaining a reliable record of investigation activities. Provide advice and oversight to assigned investigators from various departments such as HR, Finance, and Operations, ensuring the quality and consistency of investigation processes and outputs. Escalate matters as appropriate, providing recommendations on sanctions and mitigation actions to ensure accountability and timely execution of corrective actions. Assure consistency in the application of investigation procedures and standards across different cases and regions. Support the creation of materials, resources and other assets to aid the investigations work across the company. Attend Business Integrity Committees to present cases when required. Although most of the work is related to investigations, the BIO is also expected to be an active member of the BI team’s preventative activities when required. This includes providing training, advising the business on BI matters, collaborating in risk assessments and any other projects.

Essential roles and responsibilities include:

Bachelor degree is required. Legal education and postgraduate education is desired.Minimum 8 years of experience in related areas Knowledge and experience in business integrity risk areas, e.g. US FCPA, UKBA and local bribery laws and regulationsDemonstrated experience in similar role in multinational corporation(s)Proven experience in conducting investigations in various areas like harassment, discrimination, fraud, bribery, conflicts of interests, embezzlement, theft etcStrong reputation for integritySolid influencing and interpersonal skills in matrix organizationGood problem-solving skills and logical thinking, ability to evaluate and simplify complex issuesAbility to exercise good and independent judgmentManagerial courage and maturity – ability to investigate and  raise potentially sensitive and tense issues when needed to all levels of managersAwareness of the current broader ethical agenda including environmental, sustainability, social responsibility, human rights, governance, etc. Full English command, the language of Unilever BI operations. Spanish, French or Arabic are desired.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.