Interview with JIU’s outgoing Inspector Gönke Roscher

Inspector Gönke Roscher from Germany has served the JIU from 2016 to 2025. Prior to her departure, she engaged in a frank interview, where she reflects on her ten years of service, including perspectives on the Unit’s work, impact and future.

You have completed 7 reports during your time at the JIU. Which ones were the most meaningful to you in terms of their potential impact upon the UN system and why?

It is important to distinguish between single-organization reviews and system-wide reviews.

Single-organization reviews and the recommendations made based on the findings are relevant for the organization inspected. With regard to system-wide use these types of inspections may allow to a certain degree for comparison with the good practices and standards applied by other United Nations system organizations.

In contrast, JIU system-wide reviews cover all 28 participating organizations and thus have a much broader reach. They focus on one specific thematic area, whereas a single-organization reviews cover many aspects of the management and administration of an organization. Considering the merits of both types of reviews, system-wide reviews have a stronger impact as their recommendations have a more important leveraging effect for the many organizations reviewed.

From a personal perspective, the reviews of the investigation function, the ethics function, pre-tribunal appeal mechanisms and the ombudsman and mediation function were the most meaningful and instructive for me. They fall under the cluster of integrity and accountability; matters I consider of high relevance to the United Nations system. They enable organizations to carry out their mandates more efficiently and effectively, ensuring integrity while being accountable to their constituencies, Member States and finally taxpayers.

Is there a particular anecdote or experience from your work on various reports that you would like to share?

Looking back, I met so many knowledgeable, experienced and highly competent staff members at all levels of the United Nations system, that I feel reassured that the system is in good hands. There is always room for improvement how organizations carry out their mandates, but this is what I valued most. It was a rewarding exercise for me, both personally and professionally. I have a lot of respect for the work of the United Nations workforce and their commitment to the system, and for the role of internal integrity and accountability functions.

The JIU will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. What is your vision for the Unit, and how do you see it continuing to contribute to efficiency and accountability within the UN system?

The multilateral system, including the United Nations, is facing many difficulties. These are challenging times, with financial constraints and an environment that makes it difficult for organizations to fulfill their mandates, whether it is to enhance dignity and equality, maintain international peace and security, deliver humanitarian aid or the implementation of sustainable development goals, just to name a few. Achieving these objectives, is becoming increasingly difficult. The JIU must therefore focus on topics that will support organizations in delivering their mandated activities more efficiently and effectively.

JIU must and will adapt to new working procedures, including the use of artificial intelligence and other web-based tools and methods. There is room for improvement on our side, too, prompted by the advancements in technology, and related knowledge. The pandemic was helpful in this regard, as it forced us to use new tools, such as web-based conferences, virtual meetings, and document-sharing platforms. It was a learning process with a steep learning curve, and it worked well.

How will you remember your time at the JIU?

I feel privileged to have spent ten years at the JIU. Not every activity or encounter was always pleasant or satisfactory, but that is part of the nature of oversight work. I met so many competent and dedicated people and enjoyed these encounters. Conducting the reviews added value for me both as an Inspector and as a human being. I found the experience reassuring and rewarding. I learned a lot from people, from reading the documents, and from writing the reports, where everything must be condensed into clear findings and recommendations. I’m a strong believer in the values of the United Nations and the relevance of oversight work.