Maintaining Integrity in Everything We Do
What is the mission of the Ethics Office?
The mission of the Ethics Office is to promote a culture of ethics and integrity in PAHO. This includes providing guidance, advice and training to help you make the right ethical decisions and assuring compliance with all applicable rules and policies on the values, principles and standards of conduct of the Organization. Top
Who does the Ethics Office report to?
The Ethics Office is an independent entity that does not have any direct reporting relationship in PAHO, except for administrative purposes. To assure and maintain its independence, the Ethics Office reports directly to PAHO's Governing Bodies through the Executive Committee. This means that it has complete authority and autonomy and operates without any constraints in carrying out its mission. Top
What is the level of authority of the Ethics Office?
The Ethics Office has full authority to provide decisions on ethical issues, such as whether family members or relatives can be employed or contracted by the Organization; whether you can engage in outside activities and employment, accept gifts or participate in political activities; and in any situation where there is - or appears to be - a conflict of interest.
The Ethics Office is also responsible for investigating alleged misconduct, harassment and violations of the PAHO Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct. Its role in investigations is limited to findings of fact. Decisions on any administrative or disciplinary action following the completion of an investigation are a management function and are taken by the Human Resources Manager, Director of Administration or Director. Top
What is the level of confidentiality of the Ethics Office?
The Ethics Office has complete access to all records and staff of the Organization. It has a duty to protect the confidentiality of information that is brought to its attention and can only share this information with people who have a legitimate need to know. Nonetheless, the Ethics Office has the responsibility to initiate an investigation whenever there is a sufficient basis to do so, even if the person reporting the information would prefer that no action be taken. Top
Who can use the services of the Ethics Office?
The Ethics Office is accessible to everyone who works for PAHO, irrespective of the type or duration of appointment, and to family members, clients, stakeholders and vendors. It can be contacted directly or anonymously, through the Ethics Help Line, which guarantees the reporting person's anonymity. Top
When should you contact the Ethics Office?
You should contact the Ethics Office to:
- Ask questions about PAHO's Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct and related policies;
- Inquire whether a particular situation raises ethical issues;
- Get guidance on conflict of interest concerns;
- Obtain assistance on an ethical dilemma;
- Provide information about possible violations of the Code of Ethical Principles and Conduct, policies or law; or
- Report concerns about activities that may place PAHO's reputation at risk.
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How can the Ethics Office be contacted?
By Telephone: To help you make the right decisions, you can call toll free the Ethics Help Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week (anonymously if you wish) to ask questions about situations you think may raise ethical concerns.
You can also call the Ethics Help Line to report an illegal or unsafe situation in you workplace, or if you suspect that someone is engaging in unethical behavior, such as theft of funds or property, misuse of resources, violence or threatening behavior or conflict of interest. | 
