Senior Ethics Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees. FAO's work is guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience, aiming to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient and environmentally friendly, thereby contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Ethics Officer plays a crucial role in promoting ethical conduct within the FAO. This position is located at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, within the Ethics Office (ETH). The officer is responsible for providing confidential advice and guidance to staff on various ethical issues, including conflicts of interest and outside activities. The role requires fostering a workplace culture that upholds the values of the organization, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and maintaining the integrity of operations both at headquarters and in the field. The Senior Ethics Officer is expected to develop and implement effective ethics strategies, policies, and programs that enhance transparency and accountability within the organization. This position also involves coordinating ethics training and briefings to raise awareness among staff about ethical issues and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Ethics Officer's duties include ensuring the development and implementation of an effective FAO ethics strategy, providing guidance to management and staff on compliance with ethical standards, and managing the operations of the Ethics Office. Specific responsibilities involve designing and managing ethics training programs, developing strategic plans and objectives for the Ethics Office, and ensuring effective risk management practices. The officer will provide confidential advice on ethical issues, review the effectiveness of the annual disclosure program, and handle complaints under the Whistleblower Protection Policy. Additionally, the officer will prepare reports for the Finance Committee and the Director-General, participate in inter-agency discussions, and undertake travel as required for the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, public administration, human resources, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of experience in international or multilateral settings, particularly in ethics and compliance, is required. This includes experience in developing standards, policies, and compliance frameworks. Candidates should also demonstrate proficiency in English and have a working knowledge of another FAO official language, such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as law, public administration, human resources, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of ethics and compliance in an international context.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically ten years in the international or multilateral setting of public and/or private institutions. Candidates should have a strong background in ethics and compliance, particularly in developing standards and policies related to conflicts of interest and accountability. Experience in managing ethics training programs and financial disclosure policies is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at a proficient level (C) is mandatory, along with a limited knowledge (intermediate level B) of another FAO official language. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a strong asset, particularly in enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Rome, Italy. The Senior Ethics Officer will be expected to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities under tight deadlines. The role may involve travel to various regions or countries as required. The FAO emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.