Ethics Policy Specialist

Job Description - Ethics Policy Specialist (2601874)

Job Description

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2601874

Ethics Policy Specialist

Job Posting

02/Sep/2026

Closure Date

16/Sep/2026, 9:59:00 PM

Organizational Unit : ETH - Ethics Office

Job Type

Non-staff opportunities

Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

Duration : Up to 11 months

Post Number : N/A

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device

• 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 person 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’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is committed to fostering an organizational culture of ethics and a harmonious and inclusive work environment, anchored in the values of integrity, accountability, transparency, mutual respect and professionalism. The Ethics Office is integral to this effort, and it has an overall mandate to act as an independent organ. The office is working under the leadership of the Senior Ethics Officer who reports directly to the Director-General.

This Call for expression of interest (EOI) is issued to build a pool of suitable candidates from junior to senior level, who can undertake a range of different tasks as and when required depending on the specific needs of the Ethics Office. The technical focus of the specific assignment may therefore not comprehend all the areas mentioned above.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Ethics Officer.

Technical Focus

Substantial support to all the areas of the Ethics Office’s mandate, specifically:

• Policy development, Prima facie reviews of retaliation complaints, Training and outreach activities.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support formulation of FAO-wide policies and procedures on Ethics matters in alignment with FAO’s organizational strategy, the practical realities of operating in the field, UN Reform, FAO’s work environment, and the public environment with the safety and dignity of those we serve at the core of all the work.
• Review, advise and support standard setting and policy support activities of other departments including country and regional offices, helping to ensure that the corporate policies are adequately implemented on the ground.
• Review individual cases and provide advice and guidance on issues related to the Ethics office mandate and in particular on conflicts of interest and protection from retaliation.
• Provide advice, conduct preliminary assessments, and propose appropriate recommendations for complaints of Retaliation.
• Monitor current developments and best practices in organizational ethics and proactively suggest improvements to internal policies, SOPs and practices.
• Develop internal and public outreach material in all key policy and functional areas of the Ethics Office to create awareness and mainstream ethical principles across the Organization, facilitating also accountability towards external stakeholders.
• Support the development of ethics training materials and programmes.
• Support the development of project documents, administrative reports, power point presentations and webinars, to staff and senior management.
• Any other task related to carrying out successfully the Ethics Office mandate.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

• Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in political science, law, public administration, communication or other relevant areas. Consultants with bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
• At least 1 (one) year of experience for category C and at least 5 (five) years of relevant experience for category B with focus on ethics, compliance, UN administrative law, policy drafting and development, risk assessment and management, etc.
• Working knowledge of English (level C).

FAO Core Competencies Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong analytical and conceptual thinking, with ability to collect, collate and analyze data in an efficient manner;
• Strong demonstrated written skills with emphasis in legal policy drafting, report writing and editing
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, e.g. to provide advice and guidance, give presentations, and to network, consult and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to UN administrative law and the Standards of Conduct of the International Civil Service.
• Extent and relevance of experience in supporting or leading protection against retaliation assessments.
• Experience from a UN/Multilateral organization;
• High standards of ethics and ethical conduct, impeccable integrity, and respect for confidentiality;
• Proven ability to produce outputs independently with minimal supervision or guidance, while at the same time seeking innovative ways to mainstream Ethics across the Organization.

Selection criteria

• Relevant ethics experience within an international organization is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desired, and knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, or Russian is considered as an asset

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
• Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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