Ethics Officer

Description , the ideal candidate will bring sound judgment, and the interpersonal maturity required to operate effectively within UNHCR’s independent Ethics Office. The role requires strong advisory skills, the ability to handle multiple lines of work simultaneously, and the flexibility to shift between analytical, advisory, training, outreach and policy-support tasks as operational needs evolve. The position requires excellent legal drafting and administrative law analysis, the ability to translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear accessible, non-legalistic communications and training materials, strong analytical capacity, political and cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams under tight deadlines in a dynamic HQ environment. The role requires a high degree of autonomy, adaptability and professionalism in handling sensitive and often time-critical matters.Technical and functional expertise• Proven experience providing confidential ethics or administrative-law advice on complex matters, including conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, outside activities, post-employment restrictions, whistleblower protection/PaR issues, or the ethical dimensions of workplace concerns.• Strong understanding of accountability frameworks, standards of conduct and integrity risks in humanitarian, multilateral or otherwise complex organisational settings, coupled with the ability to translate these into practical guidance for personnel.• Experience developing or contributing to ethics-related policies, guidance, training materials or awareness initiatives, ideally across multicultural and geographically dispersed environments.• Ability to analyse and synthesise complex fact patterns, identify ethical and organisational risks, and formulate balanced, well-reasoned recommendations under tight timelines.• Demonstrated ability to contribute to culture-change and trust-building efforts, including Code of Conduct Dialogues, ethics training, outreach and other awareness-raising activities.• Capacity to manage sensitive information with discretion, apply sound judgment inambiguous or high-risk contexts, and maintain impartiality and confidentiality at all times.• Flexibility and resilience to operate across multiple workstreams—advice, policy support, training, outreach, reporting and case review—within a fast-paced HQ environment.• Strong drafting skills, including the ability to prepare clear, accessible written products such as advisory notes, training content, outreach materials, briefings and reports for senior management and governing bodies.• Ability to remain current with evolving UN system ethics standards, administrative jurisprudence and good practices, and to represent the Ethics Office effectively in inter-agency fora when required.Behavioural and interpersonal competencies· High level of discretion, tact and emotional intelligence, with proven ability to manage sensitive information and interact with personnel at all levels with impartiality and respect.· Strong communication and drafting skills, with the ability to present ethical concepts clearly and translate policy requirements into practical guidance for managers and workforce members.· Ability to collaborate constructively with internal stakeholders (e.g., Ombuds, IGO, LAS, DEP and risk management) while safeguarding the independence and confidentiality of the Ethics Office.· Proven ability to build and maintain trust, encourage open dialogue, and contribute to a respectful and accountable workplace environment, especially when personnel face uncertainty or vulnerability.Specific expertise related to Protection against Retaliation (PaR)· Practical experience in applying interpreting or administering protection-against-retaliation policies, whistleblower protection frameworks, or comparable staff relations / employee relations mechanisms—including the analysis of grievances, disciplinary matters, appeals or administrative law claims—in the UN system or other international organisations.· Ability to analyse requests for PaR in accordance with established criteria or to assess staff-management disputes and grievance patterns using administrativelaw principles, assess credible risks of retaliation, and offer appropriate advice on interim protection measures, safeguards and referral pathways.· Familiarity with good practices across the UN system regarding “speak-up” culture, reporting of misconduct, the safeguarding of personnel who cooperate with duly authorised oversight bodies, and broader practices related to conflict resolution, staff welfare, and safe reporting channels.· High degree of discretion and sound judgment when interacting with individuals who may feel vulnerable, uncertain or at risk, including in the context of grievance review, conflict-resolution processes or administrative appeals ensuring impartial handling and strict confidentiality.Relevant experience and exposure· Prior UNHCR or UN system experience in contexts involving high operational complexity or workforce welfare concerns is an asset.· Familiarity with behavioural or organisational approaches that help reinforce ethical decision-making and support culture change is an advantage.· Experience facilitating training, Code of Conduct Dialogues or sessions on integrity, ethics or workplace conduct in multicultural environments.Languages· Excellent command of English is required.· French or Spanish is highly desirable given the Ethics Office’s engagement with francophone and Spanish-speaking operations and global outreach.· Knowledge of additional UN languages is an asset.Professional conduct, judgement and interpersonal effectiveness· Resilience, political and cultural sensitivity, strong service orientation and the ability to balance competing priorities under pressure.· Commitment to UNHCR’s values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.· Ability to communicate clearly and impartially on sensitive issues with personnel and managers at different levels, while maintaining trust and strict confidentiality.· Capacity to navigate a complex and decentralised organisation and collaborate across functional boundaries in support of the ethics framework.· Strong cross-cultural awareness and the ability to engage credibly with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.· Personal credibility, maturity and sound judgement when handling sensitive information or advising on matters with organisational-risk implications.· Ability to work autonomously while maintaining high professional standards and delivering reliable, well-reasoned outputs.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages French, Spanish, Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: Nature of Position: About the Ethics Office Located at UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, the Ethics Office is an independent function mandated to cultivate and foster a culture of ethics, integrity, transparency and accountability across UNHCR’s global operations. It provides confidential advice and guidance on ethical questions, supports the implementation of UNHCR’s Code of Conduct, and helps ensure that all members of the workforce carry out their functions consistently with the highest standards of integrity required by the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules and UNHCR policies. In recent years, the Ethics Office has seen a steady increase in requests for services, including ethics advice, Code of Conduct-related queries and workplace concerns, reflecting both heightened awareness and a more demanding operational environment. The Office leads and coordinates key areas such as ethics training and awareness-raising (including Code of Conduct Dialogues), the Financial Disclosure Programme, and the administration of the Protection against Retaliation (PaR) framework. By supporting ethical decision-making, promoting a “speak-up” culture and administering PaR in line with UN system standards on protection against retaliation, the Ethics Office contributes directly to building and sustaining trust within UNHCR and with external stakeholders, which is essential for achieving UNHCR’s Strategic Directions 2022–2026 and implementing the Global Compact on Refugees. Position-specific requirements The Ethics Officer is a member of the Ethics Office team based in Geneva and reports to the Director of the Ethics Office. The incumbent contributes to the design, dissemination and implementation of policies, guidance, training materials and communication products on ethics and standards of conduct, including the Code of Conduct for UNHCR’s global workforce. A key part of the role is to provide timely, confidential and well-reasoned ethics advice to personnel and managers on complex and often sensitive issues, including conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality, outside activities, post-employment restrictions, and ethical dimensions of workplace concerns. The Ethics Officer also supports the administration of the PaR framework by analysing requests, advising on available protection measures, and liaising with relevant internal stakeholders to help ensure that individuals who report misconduct or cooperate with duly authorized mechanisms are protected from retaliation, in line with UNHCR’s PaR policy and good practices in the UN system. The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with internal stakeholders including, the Division of People Management (DPM), the Ombudsman's Office, the Legal Affairs Services, the Victim Care Officers and the rest of the PSEA/SH Office, the IGO and others, while preserving the independence, impartiality and confidentiality of the Ethics Office. The Ethics Officer may also be requested to undertake missions to UNHCR operations to provide training and outreach, support Code of Conduct Dialogues and promote ethics, integrity and accountability in diverse and sometimes high-risk operational contexts.Such missions are subject to operational needs and organizational approval and are therefore not guaranteed. Living and Working Conditions: Geneva is a family duty station with excellent living conditions and well-developed services. Housing is generally of a high standard, but rental costs are comparatively high. Health services are of very high quality, with well-equipped hospitals and a large network of private medical practices; most health professionals speak both French and English, and many speak additional languages. Educational facilities include public, private and international schools, though places can be competitive and early registration is advised. Switzerland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Public transport is efficient and extensive, and banking and other essential services are easily accessible. Additional Qualifications Bachelor of Arts: Administration Law, Bachelor of Arts: Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy and ethics, Bachelor of Arts: Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts: Social ScienceHuman Resources Management - Other, International Law - OtherCompetencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator Compendium Flash Vacancy NoticeAdditional Information Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance