Senior Ethics Officer

The Senior Ethics Officer is responsible for promoting high standards of ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability at FAO. The role involves providing confidential advice on ethical issues, developing and implementing ethics strategies, policies and training programmes, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure 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 enhance integrity.
• Provide guidance to management and staff on promoting compliance with policies, procedures and practices to reinforce ethical standards enumerated in the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service and relevant Staff Regulations and Rules.
• Discharge responsibilities assigned to the Ethics Office under the Organization's rules, policies or procedures.
• Ensure effective operation of the ethics function, including recordkeeping and management of human and financial resources of the Ethics Office.
• Design, develop and manage ethics and compliance tools, outreach and training programmes, including information sessions, workshops, e-learning ethics training and briefings.
• Develop strategic plans, objectives, priorities setting and annual work programme with budget proposal for the Ethics Office.
• Develop Key Performance Indicators to monitor the Ethics Office’s achievement of its strategic plan and work programme objectives.
• Ensure effective risk management practices related to the Ethics Office consistent with the organization's risk management framework.
• Provide individual confidential advice and guidance on ethical issues including conflicts of interest, gifts and benefits, and outside activities.
• Review and administer the annual disclosure programme in accordance with established rules and procedures.
• Receive complaints of retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Policy, conduct preliminary reviews, refer cases for investigation, and make recommendations for interim protection and actions.
• Provide annual reports to the Finance Committee on the operation of the Ethics Office with recommendations to promote adherence to high ethical standards.
• Provide quarterly reports to the Director-General with information on issues raised and recommendations for policy and procedural improvements.
• Keep abreast of new developments and best practices in ethics to enhance FAO policies, programmes, and training initiatives.
• Participate in relevant inter-agency United Nations and other international fora and discussions.
• Undertake travel as required under duties and responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, public administration, human resources, social sciences, or any other 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 (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another FAO official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian).
• 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 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 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.
• Candidates should adhere to FAO values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for all and Integrity and Transparency.

Skills

• Ethics Compliance
• Conflicts of interest management
• Policy Development
• Compliance Frameworks
• Codes of conduct
• Accountability programmes
• Financial Disclosure Management
• Ethics training design
• Training Delivery
• Awareness raising programmes
• Communications Strategies
• Report Writing
• International Organization Experience
• Multilateral ethics standards
• Client Orientation
• Work Planning and Prioritization
• United Nations rules knowledge
• Public Administration
• Human Resources Management

Languages

English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian