Senior Ethics Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Ethics Office, established in 2006 within the UN Secretariat, operates independently to provide confidential ethical guidance, administer the financial disclosure program, and manage protection against retaliation. It also develops ethics standards, training, and outreach, promoting policy coherence across the UN system. This Senior Ethics Officer role reports to the Director of the Ethics Office.

Job Purpose

The Senior Ethics Officer will support the Director in fulfilling the Ethics Office's mandate to foster a culture of ethics, transparency, and accountability throughout the UN. This involves leading the Advisory Services and Financial Disclosure Unit, providing expert advice on ethical issues and policies, and overseeing the financial disclosure program. The role contributes to policy coherence, standard-setting, and the overall management and strategic direction of the Ethics Office, ensuring consistent service delivery and upholding ethical principles across the Organization. The position plays a key role in managing the financial disclosure process and engaging with senior officials on ethical matters.

Responsibilities

Lead the Advisory Services and Financial Disclosure Unit, providing confidential ethics advice and guidance to staff and management, and supporting policy review. Administer the UN financial disclosure program, oversee its process, and manage the confidential database. Conduct pre-appointment conflict of interest reviews for senior positions. Oversee the Secretary-General’s Voluntary Public Disclosure Initiative and assist with financial disclosure for high-level officials. Manage external service provider contracts and MOUs with participating entities. Contribute to policy coherence by assisting the Director with the Ethics Panel of the UN and representing the Office at relevant forums. Prepare high-level policy advice and assist in policy reviews. Assist in managing the Office, supervise colleagues, and ensure quality assurance. Coordinate drafting of reports for the General Assembly and other entities, and provide substantive input for presentations to policy-making organs. Perform other duties as directed and help implement strategic priorities.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in public administration, ethics, compliance, or related fields is required, with at least five years in providing confidential ethics advice. Demonstrated experience engaging with senior officials and delivering briefings is essential. Experience administering a financial disclosure program and working within international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, analytical and evaluative capabilities, ethics advice, financial disclosure, conflict of interest management, leadership, communication (written and verbal), teamwork, performance management, and strategic thinking.

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