Ethics Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the safety, rights, and dignity of individuals forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. UNHCR's core values include integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and it strives to maintain the highest standards of accountability and transparency in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Ethics Officer position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Ethics Office, which is responsible for fostering 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, ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into UNHCR's operational strategies and policy processes. The Ethics Officer will provide confidential advice and guidance to UNHCR employees and management on ethical issues, ensuring robust tracking and documentation of all queries and cases. This role also involves contributing to the design and delivery of training programs on ethics and standards of conduct, promoting a 'speak-up' culture, and enhancing the visibility of the Ethics Office within UNHCR and with external partners. The position requires a high degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ethics Officer will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the development and implementation of the Ethics Office Strategy and Work Plan; providing timely, confidential advice and guidance on ethical issues; ensuring effective case management and documentation; reviewing potential conflicts of interest; designing and delivering training programs; drafting and disseminating ethics-related policies and guidelines; promoting a culture of ethics through communication initiatives; conducting risk assessments; and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align on ethics initiatives. The incumbent will also be responsible for analyzing and drafting reports, including the Ethics Office's annual report, and maintaining effective relationships with other UN agencies and organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant undergraduate degree with at least six years of progressively responsible professional experience in ethics, compliance, or administrative law, preferably within an international organization. A graduate degree or doctorate may substitute for some experience. Essential qualifications include experience in managing conflict-of-interest frameworks, financial disclosure programs, and a strong understanding of 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.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in fields such as Administrative Law, Philosophy and Ethics, Public Administration, Human Resources Management, or Social Sciences is required. Advanced degrees in these fields are preferred and may reduce the required years of experience. Relevant certifications in Human Resources Management or International Administrative Law are also beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree, five years for those with a graduate degree, and four years for those with a doctorate. Experience should include progressively responsible roles in ethics, compliance, or related fields, ideally within international or multilateral organizations. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing sensitive staff issues and ensuring accountability through effective case tracking and documentation.

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

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. The role may involve missions to UNHCR operations for training and outreach, subject to operational needs. Candidates must be non-nationals of the country of assignment to be eligible to apply.