Ethics Policy Specialist

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 employs thousands of staff members dedicated to improving nutrition, increasing agricultural productivity, and enhancing the livelihoods of rural populations. FAO's commitment to fostering an organizational culture of ethics is reflected in its values of integrity, accountability, transparency, mutual respect, and professionalism, which are essential for creating a harmonious and inclusive work environment.

Job Overview:
The Ethics Policy Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the FAO's Ethics Office, which is responsible for promoting ethical conduct and compliance within the organization. The incumbent will work closely with the Ethics Officer and other personnel to develop and implement policies and procedures that align with FAO's organizational strategy and the broader UN reform agenda. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying ethical issues and providing guidance on conflicts of interest, retaliation complaints, and other ethical dilemmas. The specialist will also be involved in training and outreach activities to raise awareness of ethical principles among staff and stakeholders, ensuring that ethical considerations are integrated into all aspects of FAO's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: supporting the formulation of FAO-wide ethics policies and procedures; reviewing and advising on standard-setting activities across various departments; providing guidance on individual cases related to ethics; conducting preliminary assessments of retaliation complaints; monitoring developments in organizational ethics and suggesting improvements; developing outreach materials to promote ethical principles; creating training materials and programs; and preparing project documents and reports for senior management. The role may also involve any other tasks necessary to fulfill the mandate of the Ethics Office effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in political science, law, public administration, communication, or a related field. Those with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience. A minimum of one year of experience for category C and five years for category B in areas such as ethics, compliance, UN administrative law, and policy development is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a solid understanding of UN administrative law and ethical standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO is required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree must have two additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position. The educational background should be in fields such as political science, law, public administration, or communication, which are directly relevant to the responsibilities of the Ethics Policy Specialist.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience for category C candidates and a minimum of five years for category B candidates. Experience should focus on ethics, compliance, UN administrative law, policy drafting, and risk assessment. Candidates with experience in international organizations, particularly in ethics-related roles, will be viewed favorably. The ability to work independently and produce high-quality outputs with minimal supervision is essential.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desired, while knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse environment of the FAO.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a call for expression of interest to build a pool of suitable candidates for various tasks within the Ethics Office. The role may vary in terms of seniority and specific responsibilities, depending on the needs of the organization. Candidates will be assessed against the minimum requirements and selection criteria, which include relevant ethics experience within an international organization. The FAO promotes a culture of ethics and integrity, and candidates are expected to uphold these values in their work.