Senior Ethics Officer

Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The position is located in FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Ethics Office (ETH), which is mandated to promote high standards of ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability at FAO.

Reporting Lines
The Senior Ethics Officer, who shall have the independence required for the effective discharge of his/her responsibilities, reports directly to the Director-General.

Technical Focus
Provide confidential advice and guidance to staff on ethical issues, such as conflict of interest, outside activities and similar, and coordinates ethics training and briefings.

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 Senior 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 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 and whistleblower protection.
•     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 ensures delivery.
•     Develops strategic plans and objectives, priorities setting and annual work programme with the corresponding budget proposal for the Ethics Office, in consultation with the Oversight Advisory Committee.
•     Develops Key Performance Indicators to facilitate monitoring of the Ethics Office’s achievement of its 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 personnel on ethical issues, including conflicts of interest, gifts and benefits received by personnel and ethical standards governing outside activities.
•     Reviews the effectiveness of the existing annual disclosure programme, proposes amendments/revisions as necessary, implements agreed changes and thereafter administers the annual 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 refers 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 on the operation of the Ethics Office, containing recommendations on possible actions to promote adherence to high ethical standards in all aspects of the Organization's functioning.
•     Provides quarterly reports to the Director-General which include pertinent information on issues raised with the Ethics Office, 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 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 under his/her duties and responsibilities.
•     Performs other duties as required.

Minimum 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).

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

Technical/Functional Skills
•     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.