Senior Specialist, Financial Investigations

Place of work: Ghana

Employment rate: 100%

Start date: August 2025

Contract type: Temporary (3 years)

About

The Basel Institute on Governance is a hands-on centre of competence dedicated to promoting good governance and countering corruption for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Established in 2003 in Basel, Switzerland, the Institute works with partners worldwide to advance knowledge, practice and policy on anti-corruption, asset recovery and business integrity. With field operations worldwide, it has some 150 staff covering 32 nationalities. The Basel Institute is an Associated Institute of the University of Basel.

The International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR) is a specialised centre at the Basel Institute that works together with partner countries to strengthen their capacities to recover illicit assets. We place particular emphasis on hands-on mentoring on investigation methods and confiscation and prosecution strategies, as well as international cooperation. The aim is two-fold: to build capacity and effectively progress cases to the stage of recovery. We also develop and deliver tailor-made training; support legislative and institutional reform processes; and work with other international organisations to advance innovation and global policy dialogue on asset recovery.

Job description

With funding from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), ICAR will be working with Ghana’s anti-corruption and economic crime authorities to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases, and support legal and policy reform to develop Ghana’s asset recovery regime. ICAR will also deliver bespoke training courses to support programme partners to address specific asset recovery related priorities.

For the delivery of the programme, we are looking to hire a full-time in-country Senior Specialist, Financial Investigations. They will be supported by an ICAR Senior Specialist, Asset Recovery, who will engage with programme partners on a fly-in-fly-out basis. The Senior Specialists, Financial Investigation will provide hands-on technical support to a range of law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities in Ghana, including training. The programme is anticipated to be implemented over a three-year period.

Key responsibilities

• Assist and advise the competent authorities in developing and implementing suitable investigative strategies and analysis in support of financial investigations of corruption and related financial crimes.
• Support the development of financial investigation capabilities, processes and tools, including through the delivery of structured training.
• Provide case-based mentoring and coaching in the context of live financial investigations.
• Assist and advise the authorities in the practical and efficient coordination of multi-jurisdictional investigations.
• Assist the authorities in coordinating and cooperating with foreign law enforcement and prosecution agencies to facilitate intelligence and evidence gathering through informal networks and via formal mutual legal assistance.
• Support the mainstreaming of parallel financial investigations and money laundering investigations, with a focus on identifying the proceeds of crime.
• Facilitate interagency coordination and collaboration, and promoting prosecutor-informed joint investigation processes.
• Engage with local and international partners to establish and maintain relationships for the benefit of enhancing asset recovery capabilities.
• Support the development of work plans and training calendars.
• Submit progress reports in line with ICAR HQ and donor requirements.

Qualifications and skills

• A minimum of 10 years of experience leading investigations into transnational organised crime, complex financial crime and corruption.
• Experience supporting teams to develop financial investigation capabilities, processes and tools.
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of the political and socio-economic context of West Africa, with specific insight into Ghana. Experience of living and working in the region is a distinct advantage.
• Knowledge and experience regarding mutual legal assistance processes and the development of international relationships to facilitate the sharing of intelligence and evidence.
• A good understanding of intelligence gathering and analytical techniques, including opportunities for integrating technology and artificial intelligence.
• Experience engaging with local and international partners to establish and maintain relationships for the benefit of enhancing asset recovery capabilities.
• Excellent written and spoken English including technical capability to prepare concise and comprehensive written reports, presentations and to deliver verbal briefings.
• Recognised qualifications in the investigation of organised crime and financial investigations.

How to apply

Application

Please submit your application at your earliest convenience, but no later than 6 June 2025, using the following link: https://intranet.basel.institute/job/apply/50. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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Remuneration package

The salary will be commensurate to experience and responsibility. Additional benefits and allowances for field staff may apply, including private health insurance, accommodation allowance and one home leave flight per 12-month period. The position is entitled to 25 days of paid leave per 12-month period and 5 days of paid home leave per 12-month period.

Equal opportunity employer

The Basel Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.