Ethics Adviser

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Duties and Qualifications

Ethics Adviser

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Ethics Adviser is a member of the Ethics Office¿s senior management team, and s/he will report to the Director of the Ethics Office and, when required, deputize in his/her absence. The Ethics Office is responsible for fostering a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability, and ensuring a transparent and fair work environment. The key objective of the Ethics Office is to ensure that all staff members understand, observe, and perform their functions in a manner consistent with the highest standards of integrity. Specific functions include (1) advising individual staff members and the management on ethical behaviour and standards, (2) protecting individuals against retaliation (the whistle blower protection policy), (3) ensuring the implementation of the United Nations Financial Disclosure Programme in UNHCR, (4) developing, disseminating and promoting ethics-related policies. Within the Ethics Office, the Ethics Adviser will be responsible to: ¿ Coordinate the Case Management System in the Ethics Office including the Support Desk. ¿ Contribute to the design, dissemination and promotion of policies, guidelines, and training materials on ethics, in particular related to Protection Against Retaliation. ¿ Support the revision, design, and follow-up on the implementation of Code of Conduct Dialogues. ¿ Support the work of the Ethics Office on Culture Change initiatives. ¿ Provide confidential advice and guidance on ethics and standards of conduct. ¿ Assist the Director in reviewing cases from the alternate chair of the Ethics Panel of the UN (EPUN) and other individual requests from the workforce for protection against retaliation. ¿ Carry out any other tasks assigned by the Director in support of the efficient functioning of the Ethics¿ Office, in general and UNHCR¿s Support Desk in particular; and in promoting a speak-up culture among the workforce.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional, and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties – Facilitate the development and articulation of the Ethics Office priorities for operational strategies and policy development. – Ensure the Ethics Office’s effective representation and engagement in the elaboration of strategies, policy development and evaluation processes related to cross-cutting activities: both within UNHCR and in inter-agency fora. – Support the design, dissemination and promotion of policies and guidelines on ethics. – Support the design of the strategy for the Ethics¿ Office and the annual work plan with particular attention to Case Management and Protection against Retaliation. – Contribute to the drafting of the Ethics Office Annual Report. – Contribute to the implementation of the Code of Conduct Dialogue strategy and implementation in Field locations. – Liaise with other stakeholders, including the ERM (Enterprise Risk Management), the Transformation and Change Service and the Innovation Section on the Future of Ethics and ethics-related initiative including the Culture Change Initiative. – Design and strategize on harmonizing standards, coordination of trainings and advocacy initiatives, development of policies and procedures through liaison with bodies in and outside the UN system, including research institutions, academics, (civil society) working in the field of ethics and behavioural science. – Provide inputs to the Ethics Office¿s multi-year operations plan, and when appropriate follow-up on budget expenditure. – Coordinate the work of the Ethics Office’s Case Management Unit, including the management and supervision of staff. – Coordinate the management of Protection against Retaliation cases. – Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P4 – 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education International Relations Law Philosophy and ethics Psychology Business Administration Public Administration or another relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses International Law HCR Strategic Leadership Programme Prevention of Harassment Trng Mediation (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience Essential At least 9 years of work experience in progressively responsible functions involving the application or interpretation of principles of law and/or ethics, of which at least 5 years in functions requiring sound knowledge of accountability frameworks, principles, and practices in the UN system. Proven experience in dealing with staff issues based on ethical standards and case management. Proven track record of good conduct and ethical behaviour. Working knowledge of individual and organisational challenges as these relate to the management and implementation of ethical standards. Demonstrated mastery of management practices, standards, and processes.

Desirable UNHCR experience in various operational settings in the field in protection and senior management positions. Work experience at HQ, preferably in oversight or related (independent) functions (Ombudsman, Investigations; Evaluation), Division of Legal Protection. Familiarity in managing legal matters. Professional experience in dealing with ethics related matters in UN agencies or in the private sector. Working knowledge of the UN internal justice system, UN Rules and Regulations, UN(HCR) Codes of Conduct and other relevant policies. Developed knowledge of behavioural sciences and related field of study.

Functional Skills LE-International Law HR-Managing ethical dilemmas MG-Corporate ethics design, standards, policies, and compliance programmes CO-Cross-cultural communication WB-Mediation (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Position Competencies

C001L3 – Accountability Level 3 C002L3 – Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3 C003L3 – Communication Level 3 C004L3 – Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3 C005L3 – Client & Result Orientation Level 3 C006L3 – Organizational Awareness Level 3 M001L3 – Empowering and Building Trust Level 3 M005L3 – Leadership Level 3 M004L3 – Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3 M002L3 – Managing Performance Level 3 M003L3 – Judgement and Decision Making Level 3 X004L3 – Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 3 X001L3 – Analytical Thinking Level 3 X005L3 – Planning and Organizing Level 3

How to apply

For a full job description and to apply, interested candidates are requested to visit the UNHCR career page at www.unhcr.org/careers – click on the Vacancies tab and enter job ID 37401.

The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).

Please note that the closing date for positions advertised in the Addendum 2 to March 2022 Compendium is Tuesday 14 June 2022 (midnight Geneva time).


Job Notifications
Subscribe to receive notifications for the latest job vacancies.