Investigative Counsel

About the Role

The OIG is charged with the responsibility of receiving and investigating complaints regarding corruption, fraud, waste and abuse, mismanagement and conflicts of interest, or other wrongdoing, involving Port Authority Commissioners, employees, including police personnel, and those having a business relationship with the Port Authority, including consultants, contractors, vendors, and lease holders.

Reporting to the Senior Advisor to the Inspector General, the Investigative Counsel will be responsible for conducting highly confidential and sensitive investigations relating to Port Authority employees, or other individuals and organizations doing business with the Port Authority, including investigations brought pursuant to the Port Authority’s Reporting Misconduct and Protection from Retaliation Policy (Whistleblower Policy). The selected candidate will also have responsibilities related to the supervision of consultants who have been hired to serve as Integrity Monitors for Port Authority contractors with integrity issues. The selected candidate should have prior investigative and legal experience, be well versed in federal and state (New York and New Jersey) criminal law, with good communication, legal research, writing, and interpersonal skills.  The selected candidate will also be expected to provide advice and guidance regarding the operations of the OIG. 

Responsibilities

• Provide advice on complex administrative and criminal investigations involving misconduct affecting the Port Authority, including whistleblower retaliation claims.
• Conduct highly confidential and sensitive investigations.
  • Demonstrate good judgment and expertise in the timely planning and handling of investigations; properly and expeditiously dispose of cases.
  • Participate in witness and subject interviews.
  • Effectively utilize appropriate investigative techniques and resources, including thorough review of documents, information, and evidence.  Perform assignments in compliance with all laws and governmental regulations, as well as Port Authority rules and codes.
  • Prepare investigative plans, questions for interviews, reports of investigations, case closing reports, and maintain case records.
  • Participate in investigations of whistleblower retaliation allegations, including formulating investigative strategy, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, evaluating legal and factual basis for cases.
• Conduct extensive legal and investigative research and special assignments. 
• Provide advice concerning the active monitoring of major Port Authority construction projects for fraud, integrity, and related compliance issues.
• Oversee firms selected to provide Integrity Monitoring services for companies that have integrity issues and that either already have contracts with the Port Authority or looking for future awards.
  • Assist in drafting Integrity Monitor Agreements and Contractor Certifications.
  • Regularly communicate with Integrity Monitor staff, agency project personnel, and contractors.
  • Prepare for meetings and cover all relevant areas of importance and interest.  Demonstrate professional bearing and courtesy in dealing with all parties involved.
  • Review Integrity Monitor reports and invoices.
  • Update Integrity Monitor and Certifications database.
• Provide guidance as to issues arising from OIG Police Integrity Division investigations.
• Assist in responding to various records requests, including Freedom of Information Law requests and discovery.
• Communicate and coordinate with federal, state, and local oversight, law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
• As requested by the Senior Advisor to the Inspector General, undertake special assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

• A law degree from an accredited law school and at least five (5) years of full-time legal experience, preferably as either a prosecutor or a government counsel handling investigative matters, or an attorney with experience in legal policy development (admission to New York or New Jersey Bar required).
• Demonstrated legal research, writing, and computer skills.
• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Westlaw (e-discovery platforms – preferred).
• Knowledge of federal and state (New York or New Jersey) criminal law (knowledge of labor law and union practices a plus).
• Experience in conducting investigations, including the review and analysis of records, conducting interviews, and database research.
• Demonstrated ethics and sound judgment, with the ability to exercise discretion with respect to highly confidential and sensitive matters.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in handling complex fraud investigations is a plus.
• Knowledge of procurement practices and contracts.
• Highly detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to work both independently, as well as in a team environment, and take direction

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.