Chief Ethics Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The post is located in the WIPO Ethics Office, Sector of the Director General. 

Purpose Statement

The Chief Ethics Officer is accountable for providing leadership on all matters relating to ethics at WIPO. The role of the Chief Ethics Officer, who shall have the independence required for the effective discharge of his/her responsibilities, is to ensure that staff members and other personnel observe – and perform their functions with – the highest standards of integrity through proactively fostering a culture of ethics, transparency and accountability. The incumbent serves as the Organization's reference point for ethics and related issues, such as improprieties, complaints of retaliation, financial disclosure, conflicts of interest, gifts, honors and other favors, and provides expert advice to staff and the Administration on corporate governance issues related to the WIPO Code of Ethics.

b.    Reporting Lines

The Chief Ethics Officer enjoys functional and operational independence in the performance of his/her functions.  The incumbent reports directly and administratively to the Director General.

2.      Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.   Advise staff and other members of personnel, managers and the Director General, on the ethical standards of the Organization, providing guidance on ethics-related issues, conflicts of interest and mutuality any relevant matters.

b.   Lead, coordinate and oversee the design, development and implementation of an effective WIPO ethics program to enhance integrity, compliance and the ethical conduct of the Organization’s business both internally and externally.

c.          Undertake the responsibilities assigned to the office under the policy to protect against retaliation for reporting misconduct and for cooperating with duly authorized audits or investigations.  Administer the Organization’s financial disclosure and declaration of interests policy and related programs.

d.   Enhance appropriate compliance and ethical business conduct across the Organization and with external partners (including clients, vendors and other external entities) through the provision of authoritative advice, leadership and oversight, ensuring the correct interpretation of ethics and compliance strategies, programs and policies.

e.   Establish/develop/maintain partnerships with key WIPO units (including the Human Resources Management Department, the Office of the Ombudsperson and the Office of the Legal Counsel) and managers and with ethics professionals in other organizations to promote and foster WIPO’s ethical standards within the Organization and with its external partners (including clients, vendors and other external entities).  This includes liaising with the Internal Oversight Division on governance / internal control issues and risks.

f.    Carry out research, provide policy advice and develop practical solutions that help to mitigate ethical risks in the Organization.

g.   Develop standards, education, outreach and training programs on ethics, including information sessions, workshops, e-learning training and briefings, in order to increase awareness and enhance ethical standards in collaboration with competent departments and, as appropriate, with UN common system counterparts, and ensure delivery.

h.   Direct the activities and manage the resources of the Ethics Office.  Represent WIPO at the relevant inter-agency, international and regional meetings.

i.    Submit to the Independent Advisory Oversight Committee for review and advice the proposed workplan of the Ethics Office, updates on the implementation of such workplan, and any proposed ethics policies, as well as seek the Committee’s advice in cases of significant impairment to his/her independence and objectivity, including conflicts of interest.

j.    Perform other related duties as required.

3.      Requirements

Education (Essential)

Advanced university degree in law, international relations, public administration, science and technology, or other relevant field.  A first-level university degree in any of the relevant fields as listed above with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience (Essential)

At least ten years of relevant professional experience, including in the field of corporate or business ethics and related fields, preferably in the international arena. 

Experience in the development and implementation of standards, policies, compliance frameworks and programs.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience working with ethics and compliance in an international organization and/or an intergovernmental organization.

Experience in dealing with ethical risks related to data-driven technology.

Language (Essential)

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English or French and good knowledge of the other language.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other UN official languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Discretion, integrity, impartiality and confidentiality.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.  

Ability to draft reports and briefing papers and to present complex information in a clear, effective and impactful manner, drawing on different communication methods to influence colleagues and senior management.

Knowledge of current industry best practices relating to corporate ethics, integrity and business conduct/practice.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Ability to facilitate discussions and bring a consensus view.

Supervisory skills to supervise administrative assistance.

Excellent facilitation and negotiation skills.

Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.

Job Related Competencies (Desirable)

Interest in the risks and opportunities posed by data-driven technology.