For The Record

Overview of UNDP’s whistleblower policies

Until very recently, several senior managers, with well defined roles, had the responsibility to assure ethical behavior within UNDP. Together they performed most of the functions of an Ethics office. UNDP’s basic line management system incorporated the standards embodied in the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and the 2001 Standards of Conduct for the International Civil Service. These included protection against retaliation and related responsibilities, codified by UNDP in 2005 in our guidelines on Workplace Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority. UNDP recently reinforced these protections by issuing a “Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct,” which further addresses the reporting of allegations, protection against retaliation, action against retaliators, investigation procedures, rights of subjects/participants during investigation, and disciplinary measures. It makes specific reference to the provisions of the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin of 2005. In addition, for the past three years, UNDP’s Office of Audit and Performance Review has maintained a hotline for anonymous and confidential reporting.

In short, contrary to some of the criticism directed at UNDP this past year, UNDP has had policies and procedures in place to protect employees from retaliation, some of which predated the policies initiated by the Secretary-General in 2005. Moreover, all personnel (staff and non staff), regardless of level or legal status, are encouraged to bring concerns and claims under these procedures, and all such claims are treated with appropriate seriousness.

Most recently, in accordance with the new policies issued by the Secretary-General on November 30 2007, UNDP has added the new position of Ethics Officer, and has appointed an experienced officer. As he is close to retirement we are conducting a global search for someone who could occupy the position longer-term. In addition to overseeing the key components of UNDP’s ethical standards and mechanisms, this Ethics Officer will work together with the Director of the Ethics Office in the Secretariat, the new United Nations Ethics Committee, and the Ethics Officers of the other UN Funds and Programs further harmonizing the overall ethics regime of the wider UN system. From a staff point of view, there is now a “two step system”. In other words, staff from UNDP and the other Funds and Programmes can now appeal to the Chair of the new UN Ethics committee to have their individual case reviewed by the UN Ethics Office, if they believe that they have not been treated appropriately by the Ethics Officer of their own organization.