IMPORTANT: This JPO Position is funded by the Government of Finland and open only to nationals of Finland. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies
Background
The UNFPA Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme is intended to provide on-the-job training for young professionals who wish to obtain practical experience in development assistance. Learn more about the JPO Programme https://www.undp.org/jposc
How you can make a difference
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The Ethics Analyst will work within the Ethics Office, providing support in promoting ethical conduct and integrity throughout UNFPA. They will assist in implementing and administering various ethics programs and initiatives, ensuring compliance with UN regulations and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. The Ethics Office consists of two international and one national staff members. It liaises closely with other Divisions in house and the Ethics Offices in the UN System, especially those in the United Nations Secretariat and in the UN Funds and Programmes. More information on UNFPAโs activities worldwide can be found on the organizationโs website (www.unfpa.org).
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. To find out more, click here.
Content and methodology of supervision:
As part of the UNFPA JPO programme overall framework, the JPO will benefit from the following supervision modalities:
โ Structured guidance provided by the supervisor, especially in the beginning of the assignment, with the purpose of gradually increasing the responsibilities of the JPO
โ Establishment of a work plan, during the first month of the assignment, with clear key results
โ Effective supervision through knowledge sharing and performance/development feedback throughout the assignment
โ Easy access to the supervisor, who is also the Head of the Ethics Office
โ Participation in Unit/Team/Office meetings to ensure integration and operational effectiveness
โ Guidance and advice in relation to learning and training opportunities within the field of expertise
โ If more than one supervisor; clear agreement of the roles and responsibilities between the relevant parties
โ Annual performance appraisal and development with the supervisor.
In addition, the following specific supervision arrangements will apply:
โ The Ethics Analyst works under the daily supervision of the UNFPA Ethics Adviser.
โ The JPO will be integrated in a highly professional and fast paced work environment and receive mentorship from a supervisor who has over 25 years of professional experience in the United Nations system, and over 10 years of experience specifically in the area of Ethics.
โ The JPO may receive additional guidance from the Ethics Officer, P-4.
โ The JPO Focal Point at the UNFPA Headquarters provides additional guidance on career development and administrative issues.
โ The supervisor ensures an optimal introduction and induction and forms an integral part of the continuous professional development of the JPO.
โ Job-related guidance will be provided in a timely, constructive and appropriate manner on a continuous basis. All necessary information, rules, policies, equipment and other tools required will be provided.
Learning Elements
Core Knowledge Areas:
โ UN Ethics Framework: Thorough understanding of the UN's ethical standards, regulations, and policies, including the Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service, the Financial Disclosure Programme, and the Policy for Protection against Retaliation.
โ Conflicts of Interest: In-depth knowledge of different types of conflicts of interest, including financial, personal, and perceived conflicts, and how to identify, assess, and manage them.
โ Assessments of complex cases: Familiarity with techniques and procedures, including interviewing witnesses, gathering relevant information, and preparing reports.
โ Ethics Training and Outreach: Understanding of effective methods for developing and delivering ethics training programs and raising awareness of ethical standards among staff.
โ Policy Development: Knowledge of the policy development process, including research, drafting, consultation, and implementation.
โ Providing Advice: Providing competent advice to staff in a compassionate manner, following a victim-centered approach, to empower colleagues to take informed decisions, while respecting the impartiality of the Ethics Office.
Skills Development:
โ Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex ethical dilemmas, identify key issues, and develop practical solutions in accordance with UN regulations and best practices.
โ Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Effective communication (both written and oral), active listening, and the ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
โ Interviewing Skills: Ability to conduct interviews with sensitivity and tact, gather information effectively, and maintain confidentiality.
โ Training and Facilitation Skills: Ability to design and deliver engaging training programs and workshops on ethical conduct and integrity.
โ Report Writing Skills: Ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-structured reports and recommendations.
Additional Learning Opportunities:
โ The use of Duty-related Travel and Training Allocation (DTTA) is provided by the sponsoring Partner Country for work-related learning activities, such as participation in seminars, workshops or other learning-related activities in the duty station or abroad, such as detail assignments (https://www.undp.org/jposc/training-allowance-dtta)
โ Mentoring and Coaching: Guidance and support from experienced senior Ethics Officers.
โ Networking: Building relationships with colleagues in other UNFPA units and UN system organizations, as well as external experts.
โ Professional Development: Attending conferences, workshops, and training programs related to ethics.
โ Self-directed Learning: Staying abreast of emerging ethical issues and trends through research and reading.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide ethics advice and guidance: Assist staff members in understanding and complying with UN ethical standards and regulations, including conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, outside activities and gifts, and protection against retaliation. Conduct preliminary reviews and assessments of Protection against Retaliation Requests: Participate in initial assessments of alleged retaliation against whistleblowers, gathering information, conducting interviews with witnesses, the complainant and the administration, and preparing reports and draft recommendations for further action. Support the financial disclosure program: Assist in the administration and review of financial disclosure statements, identify potential conflicts of interest, and recommend appropriate measures to mitigate risks. Contribute to ethics training and outreach: Assist in developing and delivering ethics training programs and awareness-raising activities for UNFPA staff at various levels. Assist with policy development and implementation: Contribute to the development and review of ethics policies, procedures, and guidelines, ensuring alignment with UN standards and best practices, and review draft policies from other UNFPA divisions to assess alignment with ethical norms and standards. Conduct research and analysis: Gather information and prepare reports on emerging ethical issues and trends relevant to the UN's work.Perform other duties as assigned: Undertake any other tasks or projects as requested by the supervisor or the Ethics Officer.
Competencies
Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, Embracing diversity in all its forms, Embracing change. Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact Functional Skill Set: Aligning human resources management with the organization's strategic direction; Addressing the rights and needs of staff members; Excellent drafting and presentation skills; Strong research skills; Ability to negotiate persuasively on a range of problems and to take and defend decisions that include sensitive, complex and contentious issues.Required Skills and Experience
Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in law, public administration, international relations, or a related field.
Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in ethics, compliance, investigations, or a related area.
Languages:
Native Finish or Swedish. Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.Nationality of candidate: This JPO Position is funded by the Government of Finland and open only to nationals of Finland. For detailed information on the JPO Programme and recruitment positions and criteria, including nationality and age of candidates, please visit https://www.undp.org/jposc/current-vacancies
Age of candidate: not older than 32 years of age at the time of application
Skills:
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information. Commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and ethical conduct.Attachments:
Please attach the following:
โข A brief motivation letter in English that explains why you're the perfect candidate for the position by using examples of your interests and achievements
โข Copy of your passport
โข Copy of your Bachelor and Master degree
Approximate start date: 1 Aug 2025
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.