Ethics Officer

1G021G02

The selected candidate will perform no other functions for the organization and not be eligible for any other appointment in FAO either during or after his/her assignment as Ethics Officer.

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Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Legal and Ethics Office (LEG), which ensures that the Organization's activities are carried out in accordance with its Constitution and the other Basic Texts of the Organization, in a manner consistent with its status as an inter-governmental organization of the United Nations system, and that its relationships with governments, organizations and individuals are managed on a sound legal basis.

Reporting Lines

The Ethics Officer, who shall have the independence required for the effective discharge of his/her responsibilities, reports directly to the Director-General and is located within the administrative framework of the Legal and Ethics Office.

Key Results

Foster 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.

Key Functions

• Ensures the continued development and implementation of an effective FAO ethics strategy, policies and programmes to develop and strengthen a workplace culture that upholds ethical standards, transparency and accountability, as well as to enhance integrity, ensures and supports compliance and ethical conduct in the Organization’s operations at headquarters and in the field;
• Provides guidance to management and staff 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, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse;
• Discharges any responsibilities specifically assigned to the Ethics Office under the Organization’s rules, policies or procedures;
• Ensures the effective operation of the ethics function, including recordkeeping and efficient and effective management of human and financial resources of the Ethics Office.

Specific Functions

• Designs, develops and manages ethics and compliance tools, outreach and training programmes, including information sessions, workshops, e-learning ethics training 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;
• Develops strategic plan and objectives, priorities setting and annual work programme with the corresponding budget proposal for the Ethics Office, in consultation with the Audit Committee, for approval by the Director-General; the corresponding budget will be approved as part of the Secretariat budgeting cycle;
• Develops Key Performance Indicators 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 individual confidential advice and guidance to management and staff on ethical issues, including conflicts of interests, gifts and benefits received by staff, and ethical standards governing outside activities;
• Reviews the effectiveness of the existing financial disclosure programme, propose amendments/revisions as necessary, implement agreed changes, and thereafter administer the financial disclosure programme in accordance with the rules and procedures established by the Organization ;
• Subject to revision of the relevant rules and procedures, receives complaints of retaliation submitted under the Whistleblower Protection Policy, conducts preliminary reviews and refesr prima facie cases for investigation, makes recommendations for interim protection where appropriate, makes recommendations to the Director-General based on the findings of the investigation; he/she is responsible for remaining in communication with the complainant and for maintaining all relevant records;
• Provides annual reports to the Finance Committee, through the Audit 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;
• Provides annual reports to the Deputy Director-General (Operations) to be made available to FAO staff at large, which include pertinent information of a general nature on issues raised with the Ethics Officer, as well as recommendations for changes in policies, procedures and practices with a view to improving employment and the workplace environment in the Organization;
• 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.

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.
• Ten 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 of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge of one of the other two or Arabic, Chinese, Russian.

• Results Focus
• Leading, Engaging and Empowering Others
• Communication
• Partnering and Advocating
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions is essential;
• Extent and relevance of experience in working 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 on ethical matters
• Extent and relevance of experience in designing or delivering ethics training, and in managing and implementing financial disclosure policies;
• Working knowledge of English and of another FAO official language is considered a strong asset;
• Familiarity with the rules and practices of United Nations System or other large international or multilateral organizations would be an asset;
• Client and services 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.