Ethics Officer

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    6 days ago
  • Category:
    Ethics and Compliance
  • Deadline:
    01/10/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Organizational Setting
The Ethics Office (ETH) is mandated to promote high standards of ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability at FAO. The position is located in the Ethics Office at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines
The Ethics Officer reports to the Senior Ethics Officer.

Technical Focus
Supports the Ethics Office in its mandate to foster an ethical workplace.

Key Results
Support fostering a workplace culture that upholds the values of the Organization, its ethical and functional integrity, respect for the dignity, diversity and rights of staff, in compliance with the Organization’s Staff Regulations, Rules, Manual provisions and policies, and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. The Ethics Officer shall be guided by the principles of objectivity, accountability and confidentiality.

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Key Functions
• Supports the development and revision of FAO ethics-related policies to strengthen a workplace culture that upholds ethical standards, transparency and accountability.
• Supports compliance and ethical conduct in the Organization’s operations at headquarters and in the field through:
o provision of confidential advice and guidance on how to promote compliance with policies, procedures and practices to reinforce and promote the ethical standards enumerated in the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, relevant Staff Regulations and Rules and policies, including but not limited to those addressing fraud and corrupt practices, harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority, whistleblower protection;
o preparation and delivery of workshops, briefings and trainings on various ethics-related topics;
o development of outreach and advocacy material.
• Ensures the effective operation of the ethics function, including record-keeping and efficient and effective management of human and financial resources of the Ethics Office.

Specific Functions
• Designs, develops and delivers outreach and training programmes, including information sessions, workshops, e-learning training, and briefings with an aim to increase awareness on ethical issues, in collaboration with competent departments.
• Supports the development of the annual work programme, proactively suggesting activities in line with overall strategy and objectives, with corresponding budget proposals.
• Develops and monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to facilitate monitoring of the Ethics Office achievement of strategic plan and work programme objectives.
• Ensures effective risk management practices which encompass the identification, mitigation and monitoring of risks relating to the work of the Ethics Office, consistent with the risk management framework of the Organization.
• Provides confidential advice and guidance to management and individual personnel on ethical issues, specifically related to conflicts of interests, gifts and honours and outside activities.
• Supports the annual disclosure programme in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Organization and, following yearly completion, reviews the effectiveness of the programme and proposes amendments/revisions as necessary to be implemented.
• Supports prima facie reviews of alleged retaliation cases in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Policy.
• Supports development of annual reports, activity reports and briefings in accordance with FAO Style for submission to the FAO Governing Bodies, the Director-General or the Oversight Advisory Committee, on the operation of the Ethics Office and containing recommendations on possible actions to promote adherence to high ethical standards in all aspects of the Organization’s functioning.
• Drafts outreach material such as factsheets, brochures, infographics, articles, etc. to raise ethical awareness.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and best practices in ethics in order to ensure continual enhancement of related FAO policies, programmes and training initiatives.
• Participates in relevant inter-agency United Nations and other international fora and discussions.
• Undertakes travel to any region or country as may be required for his/her duties and responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements
• Advanced university degree in law, public administration, human resources, social sciences, international relations or any relevant subject.
• Five years of experience in the international or multilateral setting of public and/or private institutions in the areas of ethics and compliance, and conflicts of interest, particularly developing standards, policies, compliance frameworks and programmes, codes of conduct, accountability and financial disclosure programmes, or closely related fields.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies
• Results focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building effective relationships
• Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement

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Technical/Functional Skills
• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is desirable.
• Extent and relevance of experience on ethics matters, including in the United Nations System or in a large multilateral organization.
• Demonstrated experience in development and execution of training and awareness raising programmes and experience in developing and implementing a communications strategy.
• Extent and relevance of experience in managing and implementing financial disclosure policies.
• Working knowledge (proficient – level C) of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset.
• Familiarity with the rules and practices of the United Nations System or other large international or multilateral organizations would be an asset.
• Client and service orientation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and prioritize own work and work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in preparing clear and concise reports.