Ethics Officer

UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships UNHCR, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and prosecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With some 17,000 women and men working in 134 countries, UNHCR works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of approximately 70.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. UNHCR is committed to the highest standards of integrity among its staff and other personnel as well as transparency and accountability in its programmes and management. Its core values include diversity, integrity and professionalism. The Ethics Office was established with an overall mandate of cultivating, nurturing and fostering a culture of ethics, respect, integrity, transparency and accountability, and thereby ensuring an environment of openness and fairness in UNHCR and enhancing the trust in, and the credibility of the United Nations, both internally and externally. The Ethics Office is operationally independent, while complementing the work of other UNHCR entities which deal with addressing and redressing workplace issues. Its mandate includes: – Developing and communicating standards on ethics issues. – Providing training and education on the Code of Conduct to UNHCR¿s personnel with the objective of promoting a work environment that is characterized by the highest standards of ethics and integrity. – Offering guidance and confidential advice to UNHCR¿s workforce to help prevent conflicts of interest. – Administering the Financial Disclosure programme. – Protecting staff against retaliation. The Ethics Officer is a member of the Ethics Office team, and s/he will report to the Director of the Ethics Office.

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 – Contribute to the design, dissemination and promotion of policies, guidelines, and training materials on ethics. – Contribute to the revision, design, and follow-up on the implementation of the Code of Conduct for the global workforce and for Partners. – Support the work of the Ethics Office on Culture Change initiatives. – Support capacity building of Ethics¿ networks including Code of Conduct Facilitators and Peer Advisers. – Provide confidential advice and guidance on ethics and standards of conduct. – Assist the Director or Ethics in promoting a speak-up culture through the design and dissemination of communication material through different means. – Facilitate the development and articulation of the priorities of the Ethics Office to influence operational strategies and policy development. – Contribute to the strategy of promoting the Code of Conduct Dialogues and implementations plan in Field offices. – 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 initiatives, 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 inside and outside the UN system, including research institutes, academics, private sector ethics and compliance practitioners, (civil society) stakeholders working in the field of ethics and behavioural science. – Provide inputs and support the preparation of the Ethics Office operations plans, annual reports and other strategic documents. – Assist with the work of the Ethics Office’s Case Management unit and the Code of Conduct unit ¿ as required. – Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

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

Certificates and/or Licenses International Law; HCR Management Learning Programme; Prevention of Harassment; Mediation. (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience Essential At least 6 years of work experience in progressively responsible functions involving the application or interpretation of principles of law and/or ethics, 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 in particular as these relate to the management and implementation of ethical standards. Demonstrated mastery of management practices, standards and processes. Experience in preparing submissions to donor bodies.

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). Familiarity in managing legal matters. Professional experience in dealing with ethics related matters in UN agencies. 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-Experience in 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 M002L3 – Managing Performance Level 3 M003L3 – Judgement and Decision Making Level 3 X001L3 – Analytical Thinking Level 3 X006L3 – Policy Development & Research Level 3 X007L3 – Political Awareness 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 37408.

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).


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