About OIO

The Office’s work is conducted in accordance with the Internal Oversight Mandate and the OSCE Financial Regulations and covers all OSCE activities, regardless of the source of funding.

Internal Audit

OIO tailors its audit activities to balance coverage and risk considerations, and focuses on different Executive Structures and cross-organizational processes every year. While internal audits typically assess processes and systems for compliance with the OSCE’s Common Regulatory Management System and the adequacy of relevant internal control measures, their broader aim is to support management in fulfilling its responsibilities for achieving the OSCE’s objectives and to promote the concepts of effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and accountability at all levels.

Independent evaluation

OIO manages and conducts independent evaluations that assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, coherence, sustainability and impact of the OSCE’s work. OIO makes evidence-based recommendations that contribute to decision making, planning, and organizational learning, and help enhance the accountability of the organization. OIO furthermore manages the OSCE's Evaluation Network and conducts other activities to strenghten the OSCE's decentralized evaluation system and the organization's overall evaluation culture. The Office is the focal point for the OSCE Evaluation Framework Instruction, which outlines the purpose, standards and uses of evaluation in the OSCE. See the OSCE Evaluation Policy.

Investigation

The main objective of OIO’s investigative work is to establish the facts in cases of suspected fraud, corruption, abuse of OSCE resources, or other misconduct.  This work may extend to examining the conduct of suppliers or implementing partners.  Investigations may also serve to exonerate those wrongly suspected of misconduct.

OIO Hotline

OSCE officials have the duty to report instances of fraud, suspected fraud or other misconduct by OSCE staff.  Anyone wishing to report concerns in these regards may contact the OIO hotline by telephone or email. All reports are treated in confidence. (https://www.osce.org/contacts/report-wrongdoing)

Professionalism and independence

Independence

Independence and impartiality are of paramount importance to OIO’s reputation.  Reporting directly to the OSCE Secretary General, OIO is fully independent of other arms of the Organization.

Who oversees OIO?

Infographic: OSCE oversight framework

The work of OIO is monitored by the OSCE Audit Committee. OIO also shares its plans and reports with the Organization’s External Auditors to optimize assurance coverage and efficiency.  Both bodies report separately to the Permanent Council on their findings, including any observations related to OIO.