The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is seeking an Ethics Advisor. This role involves managing case processes related to protection against retaliation under the guidance of the Director of the Ethics Office. This position requires ensuring consistent ethical advice and compliance with UNOPS regulations, rules, and the international administrative legal framework, drawing on an in-depth understanding of whistleblowing mechanisms and administrative law jurisprudence.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Case management in relation to cases of protection against retaliation under guidance of the Director of the Ethics Office:
- Conduct preliminary (prima facie) reviews of whistleblower protection against retaliation cases. This includes speaking with reporters and other relevant parties and examining submitted documentation, requiring in-depth understanding of UNOPS regulations, rules and policies as well as the international administrative legal framework and jurisprudence.
- Recommend and draft requests for measures to safeguard reporters’ interests while the review is ongoing.
- Where the preliminary review results in a determination of no prima facie retaliation, draft a formal memorandum to the reporter outlining the legal reasoning and analysis for the determination.
- Where the preliminary review results in a determination of prima facie retaliation, draft a formal memorandum to the Internal Audit and Investigations Group (IAIG), mandated to undertake the investigation into the retaliation allegation, detailing the allegations and conclusions.
- Upon receipt of the investigation report, make an independent review of the report and related documentation, make a final determination of the case, and inform the reporter of the outcome.
- Draft recommendations on managerial intervention or corrective measures, where appropriate.
- Ensure and promote consistent ethical advice and compliance with ethics-related policies, especially the ones related to whistleblowing mechanisms and retaliation through the provision of advisory on sensitive cases.
- Consult and liaise with stakeholders, including Senior stakeholders as applicable, during the implementation phase of the revised whistleblower mechanism.
- Contribute to improving standard operating procedures and internal policies related to handling of protection against retaliation requests.
Competencies
- Develops and implements sustainable business strategies: Thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
- Integrity and Diversity: Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Teamwork: Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others.
- Partnering: Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others.
- Results Orientation: Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes impact on beneficiaries.
- Agility: Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
- Decision Making: Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Communication: Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Skills
- Case Management
- Document Drafting
- Employee Relations
- Ethics
- Legal Document Preparation
Education and Experience Requirements
Education Required:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in law, criminology, social sciences, public administration, human resources, investigations, corporate ethics, or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required OR
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in law, criminology, social sciences, public administration, human resources, investigations, corporate ethics, or related fields with 9 years of relevant experience.
Experience Required:
- Relevant experience is work in organizational ethics, OR law, including in either corporate compliance, personnel misconduct, investigations, employee relations or other ethics-related areas.
- Experience with legal or ethics-related document drafting and analysis is required.
