Senior Ethics Officer

Job Description - Senior Ethics Officer )
Job Description

Senior Ethics Officer
Job Posting
05/Aug/2026
Closure Date
02/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM
Job Type
Staff position
Type of Requisition : Senior-level
Primary Location
Italy-Rome
Duration : Fixed-term: maximum of seven (7) years
Post Number :
CCOG Code : 1L
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.
The selected candidate will perform no other functions for the organization and not be eligible for any other appointment in FAO either during or after his/her assignment as Senior Ethics Officer.
Organizational Setting The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. FAO's commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations. The position is located in FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, in the Ethics Office (ETH), which is mandated to promote high standards of ethical conduct, integrity, transparency and accountability at FAO.
Reporting Lines The Senior Ethics Officer, who shall have the independence required for the effective discharge of his/her responsibilities, reports directly to the Director-General.
Technical Focus Provide confidential advice and guidance to staff on ethical issues, such as conflict of interest, outside activities and similar, and coordinates ethics training and briefings.
Key Results Foster a workplace culture that upholds the values of the Organization, its ethical and functional integrity, respect for the dignity, diversity and rights of staff, in compliance with the Organization's Staff Regulations, Rules, Manual provisions and policies and the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. The Senior Ethics Officer shall be guided by the principles of objectivity, accountability and confidentiality.
Key Functions
Ensures the continued development and implementation of an effective FAO ethics strategy, policies and programmes to develop and strengthen a workplace culture that upholds ethical standards, transparency and accountability, as well as enhance integrity; ensures and supports compliance and ethical conduct in the Organization's operations at headquarters and in the field.
Provides guidance to management and staff on how to promote compliance with policies, procedures and practices to reinforce and promote the ethical standards enumerated in the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, relevant Staff Regulations and Rules and policies, including but not limited to those addressing fraud and corrupt practices, harassment, sexual harassment and abuse of authority and whistleblower protection.
Discharges any responsibilities specifically assigned to the Ethics Office under the Organization's rules, policies or procedures.
Ensures the effective operation of the ethics function, including recordkeeping and efficient and effective management of human and financial resources of the Ethics Office.
Specific Functions
Designs, develops and manages ethics and compliance tools, outreach and training programmes, including information sessions, workshops, e-learning ethics training and briefings in order to increase awareness on ethical issues, in collaboration with competent departments and, as appropriate, with UN common system counterparts and ensures delivery.
Develops strategic plans and objectives, priorities setting and annual work programme with the corresponding budget proposal for the Ethics Office, in consultation with the Oversight Advisory Committee.
Develops Key Performance Indicators to facilitate monitoring of the Ethics Office’s achievement of its strategic plan