WHO Internal Oversight Services Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a key aspect of the detection and reporting process for fraud and corruption?

Encouraging whistleblowers to remain anonymous at all times.

Implementing automated reporting systems without human oversight.

Limiting supervision to senior management only.

Building detective controls based on fraud and corruption risk assessments. (correct)

Which measure is essential for preventing and mitigating fraud and corruption?

Relying solely on external audits for fraud detection.

Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for suspicious activities. (correct)

Conducting assessments only during the project completion stage.

Adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to all projects.

What role do covered parties play in the detection of fraud and corruption?

They are only responsible for reporting if requested.

Their main role is to provide financial resources only.

They can ignore signs of misconduct if it does not directly affect them.

They are expected to actively contribute to detecting prohibited practices. (correct)

How often should fraud and corruption prevention measures be updated to ensure resilience?

At least once a year. Signup and view all the answers

What is a main element of the accountability framework for managing fraud and corruption risks?

Monitoring measures implemented at all organizational levels. Signup and view all the answers

What type of clauses should be included in contracts with covered parties to combat fraud and corruption?

Adopted anti-fraud and anti-corruption legal clauses. Signup and view all the answers

What should staff members do if they have concerns about fraud or corruption?

Contact the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) or the Directors of relevant offices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant part of the anti-fraud cycle in project management?

Establishing clear supervisory mechanisms and reporting lines. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines fraud or corruption according to the procedures?

Allegations that have been corroborated through authorized investigative processes. Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is available for individual collaborators to report suspicions of fraud or corruption?

Through the Integrity Hotline or similar complaint mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if there are suspicions of fraud or corruption?

Report them in good faith to the appropriate authorities. Signup and view all the answers

What authority does the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS) have in investigative actions?

Manage and authorize all investigation processes within WHO. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Office of Internal Oversight Services regarding fraud and corruption?

Performing proactive reviews and audits in high-risk areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required action when reports of concerns are received?

Communicating reports to external agencies Signup and view all the answers

What protective measure is in place for individuals who report allegations of fraud or corruption?

They are protected against retaliation. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT a potential response by WHO to substantiated fraud or corruption?

Ignoring the situation to maintain the organization's image. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities demonstrates a possible conflict of interest?

An employee approving contracts with a company they previously worked for Signup and view all the answers

What type of investigations does the Office of Internal Oversight Services carry out on alleged fraud?

Risk-based and result-oriented investigations Signup and view all the answers

During investigations, how does WHO ensure confidentiality and due process?

Following IOS guidelines and established investigative procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if fraud or corruption is substantiated at WHO?

Appropriate and timely corrective measures will be taken. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Integrity Hotline maintained by the Office of Internal Oversight Services?

To receive complaints regarding potential misconduct Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a measure that should be taken to protect WHO’s interests?

Advising on appropriate protective measures when needed Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger proactive reviews and audits by the Office of Internal Oversight Services?

The existence of 'red flags' of suspected activity Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential follow-up action after an investigation by the Office of Internal Oversight Services?

Implementing necessary follow-up measures and recoveries Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reporting Concerns

Directors of Business Operation Services/Directors of Administration and Finance in regional offices, and the Comptroller and Director of Finance at Headquarters, are responsible for receiving reports of concerns, guaranteeing confidentiality, promptly communicating reports to the Office of Internal Oversight Services (IOS), ensuring timely follow-up, and advising on measures to protect WHO's interests.
IOS conducts risk-based investigations into alleged fraud, corruption, and other violations of WHO rules, regulations, and policies.
IOS reports to WHO's governing bodies on its activities and issues recommendations for addressing weaknesses in controls and processes, deficiencies in regulatory frameworks, and other opportunities for improvement.
IOS also conducts proactive reviews and audits of areas with higher-than-normal risk.
IOS informs the Director-General, the Comptroller/Director of Finance, and relevant Regional Directors of investigation outcomes and recommends actions, including follow-up measures and recoveries.
IOS manages the Integrity Hotline and an email address ([email protected]) for receiving complaints or information regarding fraud, waste, abuse of authority, or other irregular activities.

Reporting Channels

Staff members can report concerns to IOS in WHO Headquarters, the Director of Business Operation Services (BOS)/Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) in regional offices, the Comptroller/Director of Finance at Headquarters, or the Integrity Hotline.
Individual collaborators and other covered parties should report suspicions of fraud or corruption through the Integrity Hotline or other complaint mechanisms.
People reporting allegations are protected against retaliation.

Corrective Measures

WHO will take corrective measures when fraud or corruption is established through an authorized investigative process or legal authorities.
IOS has exclusive authority to perform, manage, or authorize investigations.
Internal administrative investigations will be conducted with confidentiality and due process.
WHO responds to substantiated cases of fraud or corrupt practices by taking appropriate, timely corrective measures, including disciplinary action, recovering funds, withdrawing benefits, terminating contracts, referring cases to national authorities, debarment, and other remedies.

Prevention and Mitigation

Fraud and corruption prevention and mitigation measures are implemented at all levels, monitored regularly, and include:
- Risk Assessments: Conducted regularly, considering actual or perceived conflicts of interest, unclear flows of funds, products, or data.
- Controls: Commensurate with the size and complexity of activities or changes in implementation.
- Periodic Updates: At least once a year to improve control resilience.
- Advocacy and Communication: Including communication of disciplinary measures taken.
- Reporting Mechanisms: To encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
- Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Clauses: Adapted for contracts with covered parties.
- Coordination and Collaboration: With the UN system and other international organizations.

Detection

All covered parties are expected to actively detect prohibited practices.
WHO facilitates detection and reporting by:
- Building Detective Controls: Into program and project design and planning based on risk assessments.
- Establishing Supervisory Mechanisms: With clear reporting lines.
- Data Analysis: To detect anomalies and exceptions.
- Regular Monitoring: Through compliance reviews, internal control assessments, audits, and other assurance activities.

Reporting Allegations

Suspicions of fraud or corruption and related allegations made in good faith must be reported.

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Description

This quiz covers the key responsibilities and functions of the Internal Oversight Services (IOS) within the World Health Organization (WHO). It explores how IOS ensures confidentiality, conducts investigations into alleged violations, and provides recommendations for improvements in WHO's operational controls. Test your knowledge about the governance and oversight mechanisms of WHO.