UN Ethics, Integrity and Accountability Training Course

This course equips participants with practical skills to uphold ethics, integrity, and accountability in the United Nations system. It focuses on UN standards of conduct, ethical decision-making, conflicts of interest, protection from retaliation, safeguarding, and accountability to stakeholders.

Target Groups

• UN staff and managers
• Programme, operations, and administration officers
• Human resources and ethics focal points
• Implementing partner and NGO staff
• Consultants and contractors working with the UN
• Leaders and supervisors
• Managers and supervisors seeking to strengthen organizational practice in this field
• Consultants and professionals supporting related organizations

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the core values and standards of conduct in the UN
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to workplace dilemmas
• Identify and manage conflicts of interest
• Prevent and respond to harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority
• Understand protection against sexual exploitation and abuse and safeguarding duties
• Use reporting channels and protect those who report
• Handle gifts, hospitality, and outside activities appropriately
• Maintain confidentiality and responsible use of information
• Promote accountability to colleagues, partners, and affected populations
• Lead by example and foster an ethical culture

Course Modules

Module 1: Ethics and Integrity in the UN System

• UN Charter values
• Standards of conduct
• Integrity and professionalism
• Roles of the ethics office
• Accountability framework

Module 2: Ethical Decision-Making

• Ethical dilemmas
• Decision-making models
• Applying values
• Case studies
• Seeking guidance

Module 3: Conflicts of Interest and Outside Activities

• Types of conflicts
• Disclosure and management
• Gifts and honors
• Outside activities
• Post-employment restrictions

Module 4: Respectful Workplace

• Harassment and discrimination
• Abuse of authority
• Diversity and inclusion
• Prevention and response
• Support mechanisms

Module 5: PSEA and Safeguarding

• Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse
• Obligations of personnel
• Reporting duties
• Victim-centered approaches
• Safe recruitment

Module 6: Reporting and Protection from Retaliation

• Reporting channels
• Whistleblower protection policies
• Confidentiality
• Retaliation complaints
• Investigation and outcomes

Module 7: Information, Property, and Resource Use

• Confidentiality
• Responsible use of resources
• Social media conduct
• Data protection
• Intellectual property

Module 8: Accountability to Stakeholders

• Accountability to affected populations
• Transparency
• Feedback mechanisms
• Donor and public accountability
• Managing complaints

Module 9: Ethical Leadership and Culture

• Leading by example
• Creating psychological safety
• Addressing misconduct
• Training and communication
• Measuring integrity culture

Module 10: Practical Exercises and Capstone Project

• Analyzing ethical dilemmas in case studies
• Handling conflict of interest declarations
• Role-playing reporting and response scenarios
• Designing an integrity awareness activity
• Presenting an ethics and accountability action plan