Ethics Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to improving the lives of millions of forcibly displaced individuals. UNHCR is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in its operations, guided by core values such as diversity, professionalism, and respect for human rights. The Ethics Office, a key component of UNHCR, was created to foster a culture of ethics and integrity within the organization, ensuring that all personnel adhere to ethical standards and practices.

Job Overview:
The Ethics Officer position is integral to the UNHCR Ethics Office, which is responsible for promoting a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability across the organization. The incumbent will support the development and implementation of the Ethics Office Strategy and Work Plan, identifying emerging priorities and integrating ethics into UNHCR’s operational strategies. The role involves providing confidential advice and guidance on ethical issues, managing conflicts of interest, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. The Ethics Officer will also contribute to training programs, policy development, and communication initiatives aimed at enhancing ethical awareness and decision-making within UNHCR. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying ethical risks and opportunities, as well as the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to promote a 'speak-up' culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ethics Officer will perform a variety of duties, including: supporting the implementation of the Ethics Office Strategy; providing timely and confidential advice on ethical issues; tracking and documenting queries and cases; reviewing conflicts of interest; designing and delivering training programs on ethics; drafting and disseminating ethics-related policies and guidelines; promoting a culture of transparency and accountability; managing the Financial Disclosure Programme; conducting risk assessments; and collaborating with internal and external partners to enhance ethical practices. The incumbent will also be responsible for analyzing and drafting reports, including the annual report of the Ethics Office, and ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into UNHCR’s policies and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in ethics, compliance, or administrative law, with a minimum of six years of relevant experience for those with an undergraduate degree, five years for those with a graduate degree, or four years for those with a doctorate. Essential qualifications include experience in managing conflict-of-interest frameworks, administering financial disclosure programs, and understanding organizational accountability frameworks. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to apply ethical principles in complex situations. Desirable qualifications include experience in developing compliance policies and delivering ethics training to diverse populations.

Educational Background:
The position requires an undergraduate degree in fields such as Administrative Law, Philosophy and Ethics, Public Administration, Human Resources Management, or Social Sciences. Advanced degrees in these areas are preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. Relevant certifications in International Administrative Law or Human Resources Management are also essential for this role.

Experience:
Candidates should have progressively responsible professional experience in ethics, compliance, or related fields, preferably within international or multilateral organizations. Experience in managing sensitive staff issues and ensuring accountability through effective case tracking and documentation is crucial. Familiarity with the UN internal justice system and ethics-related policies is highly desirable, as is experience in delivering training and guidance on ethical standards to diverse staff populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with knowledge of French or Spanish being highly desirable due to the Ethics Office's engagement with francophone and Spanish-speaking operations. Proficiency in additional UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Professional Staff Member at the PR3 grade level. It is a regular assignment with a target start date of December 8, 202

• The position is based in Geneva, which is a family duty station with excellent living conditions and high-quality health services. Candidates must be non-nationals of the country of assignment to be eligible for this position. The role may involve missions to UNHCR operations to provide training and outreach, subject to operational needs and organizational approval.