Ethics Officer

Organizational Context

UNRWA is the largest United Nations operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff across five operational areas. The organization seeks committed personnel to make a tangible difference for vulnerable communities. The Ethics Officer role is situated within the Ethics Office and reports to the Chief of Ethics Office.

Job Purpose

The Ethics Officer contributes to developing and enhancing UNRWA's ethical framework by improving policies, directives, and guidelines. This role involves reviewing and providing input on standards and practices to foster a culture of ethics and compliance. The officer supports the strategy and work plan of the Ethics Office, proactively suggesting activities aligned with objectives and budget. They stay updated on best practices in ethics to continuously improve UNRWA's policies, programs, and training initiatives. The position also plays a key role in designing and delivering ethics training and outreach activities to raise awareness on ethical issues, manage the Ethics Focal Points Network, and support the administration of conflict of interest disclosures.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine ethical policies, directives, guidelines, and procedures. Review and provide input on standards and practices to promote ethics and compliance. Draft the annual Ethics Office strategy and work plan, proposing relevant activities and budget considerations. Stay current with ethics best practices to enhance UNRWA policies, programs, and training. Design and deliver ethics training and outreach programs in collaboration with relevant departments. Draft outreach materials and manage the Ethics Office's online presence. Administer conflict of interest disclosure programs for international and area staff. Provide confidential ethics advice and guidance to management and personnel on various ethical issues. Support the Case Management System by analyzing trends and recommending improvements. Conduct prima facie assessments of retaliation cases and draft related reports. Develop ethics risk indicators and ensure effective risk management practices. Support initiatives such as the Women Advisory Forum and Organizational Culture Change. Draft annual and quarterly reports for the Ethics Office, including recommendations for promoting high ethical standards. Participate in inter-agency forums on ethics.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive, relevant experience in ethics management and integrity training, including areas like law, corporate compliance, employee relations, or investigations. For international posts, at least two years of continuous international experience outside UNRWA and one's home country is required, unless already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System. Familiarity with the UN system, its rules, regulations, and standards of conduct is desirable. Knowledge of Arabic is also desirable.

Skills

Core Competencies: Communication, Working with People, Drive for Results. Additional Skills: Analyzing, Creating and Innovating, Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Relating and Networking, Planning and Organizing, Training, Learning and Researching.

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