JOB DESCRIPTION

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION

ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication technologies, with the mission to connect the world. To achieve this, ITU manages the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits at the international level, works to improve communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishes global standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communication systems.

ITU applies a zero-tolerance policy against all forms of harassment. ITU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. Achieving gender balance is a high priority for ITU.

Ethics Officer

Vacancy notice no: 2199
Sector: SG
Department: NA
Country of contract: Switzerland
Duty station: Geneva

Position number: SG1/P5/230
Grade: P5
Type of contract: Fixed-term
Duration of contract: 2 years with possibility of renewal for a maximum of 5 years – For appointment in June 2026
Recruitment open to: External
Application deadline (Midnight Geneva Time): 5 January 2026

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT

The General Secretariat directs administrative, human and financial resources and activities of the Union, including the implementation of the provisions of the administrative regulations on operational questions, the dissemination of information on telecommunication/ICT matters for operational and other purposes, and the provision of legal advice to the whole of the Union. The General Secretariat coordinates the implementation of the Strategic Plan, monitors the telecommunication/ICT environment and recommends as needed action relating to the Union’s future policies and strategy. The General Secretariat ensures inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation to advance a whole of ITU approach (One-ITU) in headquarters and the field. The General Secretariat provides logistical and information technology support to the Union’s activities including conferences and global forums; the coordination of the work of the Union with the United Nations system, and other international organizations; and the engagement of the Member States, Sector Members, and Academia. The General Secretariat manages corporate governance, and strategic communications and relations with the media, different stakeholder groups as well as the general public.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ethics Office is an office of the General Secretariat and reports to the Secretary-General of ITU.

The Office is responsible for supporting the achievement of the objectives of ITU by contributing to adherence to ITU rules, regulations, values and standards.

Reporting to the Secretary General of ITU, the Ethics Officer performs, in an independent manner.

The Ethics Officer provides expert authoritative advice and promotes an ethical climate in the organization by ensuring that ITU offers resources and learning opportunities to staff members to support them in performing their functions consistent with the highest standards of integrity.

The Ethics Officer’s key responsibilities include the following four areas:

• Advocacy and training
• Providing advice to staff and managers
• Managing the Financial Disclosure Policy
• Protecting staff from retaliation.

The Financial Disclosure Policy (FDP) is an effort of the Organization to implement accountability and raise awareness among staff to prevent and resolve any potential conflicts of interest.

The incumbent will:

• Lead the ITU Ethics Office, including management of its human and financial resources.
• Ensure the development and implementation of an effective ITU ethics strategy and policy to foster a culture of ethics, transparency and accountability enhancing integrity, compliance and ethical conduct in the organisations” business.
• Lead the substantive development and execution of ITU’s Ethics standards and programmes, promote and encourage ethical standards within ITU, both at headquarters and in the field.
• Develop and manage ethics and compliance tools and training programmes, including information sessions, workshops and briefings in order to increase awareness on ethical issues, in collaboration with competent departments and, as appropriate, with UN common system counterparts, and ensure delivery.
• Provide guidance to management, particularly to the Human Resources Management on how to ensure compliance with respective policies, procedures and practices; reinforce and promote the ethical standards outlined in the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, as well as in the relevant Staff Regulations and Rules.
• Provide confidential expert advice and guidance to staff on ethical standards, programmes and specific policy and practices issues to ensure that ITU’s ethical standards are clearly understood.
• Manage ITU”s financial disclosure programme in accordance with the respective financial disclosure policies.
• Execute the responsibilities assigned to the Ethics Officer under the respective ITU policy concerning the protection of staff against retaliation for reporting misconduct.
• Provide a report to the ITU Council through the Secretary-General. Represent the Ethics Office at ITU meetings and conferences, providing substantive expertise on related issues.
• Serve as liaison with the UN System-wide Ethics Network and related external organizations and attend international meetings.
• Keep abreast of new developments and best practices in ethics and compliance programmes to ensure continual enhancement of ITU’s ethics tools and programmes.
• Perform other related duties to ensure the success of the programme.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Applying Expertise; Effective Communication; Learning and Knowledge Sharing; Organizational Commitment; Results-Focused, and; Teamwork and Collaboration.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

Analysis, Judgement and Decision Making

Client and Service Orientation

Leadership

Networking and Building Partnerships

Planning and Organising

Successful Management

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated ability to independently plan and prioritize own work and work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in preparing clear and concise reports.
• Ability to provide authoritative advice.
• Knowledge of current industry practices relating to corporate ethics and business conduct /practices.
• Proven conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills; with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis.
• Ability to consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Demonstrates a delicate awareness of the right thing to do or say in order to not cause offense.
• Ability to maintain integrity and a consistent approach while working independently with any bureau or department of the General Secretariat or other entities within the UN Common System.
• Ability to carry out all inquiries objectively and neutrally, acting as advocate for neither management nor staff and shall be guided by the highest principles of ethics.
• Displays cultural, gender, religious, racial, nationality and age sensitivity, and adaptability in various situations.
• Respect for confidentiality during the conduct of his/her work.
• Familiarity with the rules and practices of the United Nations System would be an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced university degree in law, public administration, international relations, political science, human resources, social sciences or liberal arts with a focus on ethics, or a related field. OR education from a reputed college of advanced education with a diploma of equivalent standard to an advanced university degree in one of the fields above.
For internal candidates, a first university degree in one of the fields above in combination with fifteen years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree for promotion or rotation purposes.
Recognized relevant certification and knowledge of current best practices relating to ethics and conduct would be an asset.

Experience:

At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in 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.
A Doctorate in a related field can be considered as a substitute for three years of working experience.
Demonstrated experience in developing and executing training and awareness raising programmes and experience in developing and implementing communications strategy.
Extent and relevance of experience in managing and implementing financial disclosure policies.

Languages:

Knowledge of one of the six official languages of the Union (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish) at advanced level and knowledge of a second official language at intermediate level. Knowledge of a third official language would be an advantage. (Under the provisions of Resolution No. 626 of the Council, a relaxation of the language requirements may be authorized in the case of candidates from developing countries: when candidates from such countries possess a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the Union, their applications may be taken into consideration).

BENEFITS AND ENTITLEMENTS

Salary:

Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment (PA) (cost of living allowance). The PA is variable and subject to change without notice in accordance with the rates set within the UN Common System for salaries and allowances.
Annual salary from $ 101,540 + post adjustment $ 82,654
Other allowances and benefits subject to specific terms of appointment, please refer to: What we offer

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The contract may be extended to a maximum of five (5) years and is not renewable beyond this period.

INFORMATION ON RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application and provide complete and accurate information. To apply, please visit the ITU Careers website. The evaluation of candidates is based on the criteria in the vacancy notice, and may include tests and/or assessments, as well as a competency-based interview. ITU uses communication technologies such as video or teleconference, e-mail correspondence, etc. for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. Please note that only selected candidates will be further contacted and candidates in the final selection step will be subject to reference checks based on the information provided. Messages originating from a non ITU e-mail account – @itu.int – should be disregarded. ITU does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.