Topic 7: Preparing for departure
Standards for conduct
In Topic 4 you learned about socially responsible engagement from a fairly general perspective. In the following section you are asked to think about applying socially responsible engagement as a representative of your organisation in the field. You will find below a helpful list of reminders of what is expected of you and standards for conduct while on missions.
Integrity
- Acts without consideration of personal gain.
- Resists undue political pressure in decision-making.
- Does not abuse power of authority.
- Stands by decisions that are in the Organisation’s interest, even if they are unpopular.
- Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior.
Professionalism
- Shows pride in work and achievements.
- Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of specific assignments.
- Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
- Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
- Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
- Remains calm and stressful situations.
- Knows how to respect and delegate authority.
Respect for Diversity
- Works effectively with people from all backgrounds.
- Treats all people with dignity and respect.
- Treats men and women equally.
- Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making.
- Examines own biases and behavior to avoid stereotypical responses.
- Does not discriminate against and individual or group.
- Harassment in any shape or form is an affront to human dignity and must be avoided. Staff should not engage in and for of harassment and must be above and suspicion of it
Sexual exploitation, sexual abuse & human trafficking
Sexual exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power or trust for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting momentarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual abuse is the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal coercive conditions. Sexual activity with children (persons under the age of 18) is prohibited regardless of the age of majority or age of consent locally. Mistaken belief in the age of child is not a defence.
Exchange of money, employment, goods or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading exploitative behavior, is prohibited. This includes any exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries of aid programs.
Sexual relationships between staff and beneficiaries of assistance are strongly discouraged since they are based on inherently unequal power dynamics and undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of the United Nations.
Exploitation includes exploiting the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation.