Chief, Ethics and Conduct Unit (ECO) (P) at International Organization for Migration IOM in Nairobi, Kenya

    International Organization for Migration IOM logo

    Chief, Ethics and Conduct Unit (ECO) (P)

    Posted

    1 week ago

    Apply by

    10 Sept

    Full Time
    On Site
    Managerial
    Charity, NGO & Non-Profit
    Legal Services

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    Job Description

    Under the overall supervision of the Director General and direct supervision of the Director of OEP, the Chief of ECO is responsible for managing the ECO Team, work program, and resources. The role involves leading the development of ethics policies, providing guidance on ethical matters, and managing the Protection Against Retaliation policy.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Lead the development and promotion of a robust framework of ethics-related policies, procedures, and guidelines; and advise on the ethical dimensions of other aspects of IOM's institutional policies and practices.
    • Advocate for and promote ethical behaviour, integrity, transparency and accountability across IOM, both for IOM management and other IOM personnel.
    • Manage the provision of timely guidance and practical advice to IOM management and personnel on ethical matters, including the interpretation and implementation of the IOM Standards of Conduct, potential conflicts of interest, and other ethics questions.
    • Manage the implementation and periodic review of IOM's Protection Against Retaliation (PaR) policy to ensure impartial assessment of retaliation complaints and appropriate protections for whistleblowers.
    • Lead the design and execution of ECO's training and outreach program to raise awareness of IOM's values and standards of conduct, encourage a speak-up culture, and reinforce a work environment of respect and integrity.
    • Manage ECO's annual disclosure program, ensuring strategic development, implementation, and compliance per best practices to manage conflicts of interest for senior and key personnel.
    • Manage the tracking, analysis, and reporting of institutional ethics data or trends and resulting recommendations for periodic ECO/OEP reports, including reports to IOM senior management and/or IOM's governing bodies, as needed, including the Audit and Oversight Advisory Committee (AOAC).
    • Manage ECO's personnel, work program, and resources on a day-to-day basis to ensure the quality, efficiency, and integrity of ECO's contributions consistent with ECO's mandate, confidentiality, and best practices.
    • Liaise with all relevant stakeholders as appropriate, including the Office of Internal Oversight (OIO), Office of Legal Affairs (LEG), Office of the Ombudsman (OOM), Department of Human Resources (DHR), and Institutional Risk Management (IRM).
    • Promote internal and external knowledge sharing, including through participation in the Ethics Network of Multilateral Organisations (ENMO); monitor best practices and emerging trends in the ethics field; and lead innovations and improvements in ECO's work, including automation and other initiatives.
    • Perform other duties as may be required.

    Required Qualifications

    • Master's degree in Law, Governance, International Development, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or, University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
    • Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
    • Advanced understanding of and work experience in Ethics, Law, Compliance/Oversight, and/or Dispute Resolution, preferably within a public international organization or humanitarian agency.
    • Experience working with organizational ethics, including ethics policies and procedures, integrity and compliance programs, prevention, culture change, and learning and communications strategies.
    • Direct experience with ethical decision-making and ethics casework, including general ethics advice, conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, and protection against retaliation.
    • In-depth understanding of administrative policies and procedures of international organizations.
    • Highest level of integrity, discretion, professionalism, and independence.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive and conflict situations.
    • Excellent advocacy, communication, and negotiation skills.
    • Proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally and in writing.
    • Ability to carry out all inquiries objectively and impartially, guided by the highest principles of ethics.
    • Ability to lead and motivate teams to deliver on strategic and operational priorities, including under time pressure and other resource constraints.
    • Strong analytical, strategic, creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
    • Ability to liaise effectively with high-level interlocutors.
    • For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
    • Proficiency of languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Legal Services

    Minimum Experience

    10 years

    Education Level

    Master’s Degree

    Area of Study

    Law

    Field of Study

    Law

    Languages

    English (fluent), working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) is an advantage

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Visit the application link provided on this page to submit your application.

    Leading Ethics in a Multilateral Organization

    This senior role demands a blend of legal acumen, strategic vision, and diplomatic finesse. Hiring managers will probe your ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas while fostering a culture of integrity across a global organization.

    1. Showcase your ethics framework expertise: Highlight your experience in developing and implementing ethics policies, especially in international or humanitarian settings. Provide concrete examples of how you've shaped organizational culture and handled sensitive cases.

    2. Demonstrate leadership in high-stakes environments: Emphasize your track record of leading teams under pressure, managing conflicts, and making impartial decisions. Share instances where you've balanced strategic priorities with resource constraints.

    3. Prepare for behavioral questions on integrity: Expect questions about how you've handled whistleblower reports, conflicts of interest, or ethical breaches. Have a structured story ready that shows your objectivity and adherence to principles.

    4. Highlight your communication skills: This role requires translating complex ethical concepts for diverse audiences. Provide examples of training programs or outreach initiatives you've led, and how you've tailored messages to different stakeholders.

    5. Understand the UN system: Familiarize yourself with IOM's structure, its code of conduct, and the broader UN ethics framework. Show that you can navigate inter-agency collaborations and understand the nuances of international civil service.

    6. Emphasize your analytical and reporting skills: Be ready to discuss how you've used data to identify trends and inform policy recommendations. Highlight any experience with annual disclosure programs or compliance reporting.

    7. Show your commitment to continuous improvement: Discuss how you've introduced innovations, such as automation, to enhance ethics processes. This demonstrates forward-thinking and adaptability.

    8. Prepare for a panel interview: Given the seniority, expect a panel with representatives from HR, legal, and oversight. Practice concise, confident responses that reflect your strategic vision and practical experience.

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    Tags

    ethics
    compliance
    integrity
    conflict of interest
    whistleblower protection