Conflict of Interest
The United Nations has no intention to infringe on the personal lives or affairs of its staff when there is no conflict between United Nations interest and its staff's legitimate personal interests. However, accepting an appointment with the United Nations and signing the Declaration (formerly Oath of Office) assumes certain responsibilities and obligations.
We have a responsibility to the United Nations to make decisions solely in the best interests of the Organization and without regard to any personal advantage. Staff members should not take any action or have any interest or investment that could conflict with their functions and responsibilities as international civil servants. In this particular connection, some staff members have formal final disclosure obligations and should consult ST/SGB/2006/6, "Financial Disclosure and Declaration of Interest Statements", for further guidance.
It is important to remember that even the appearance of a conflict of interest can be just as damaging to a staff member's and/or the Organization's reputation as an actual conflict of interest.
What could constitute a potential conflict of interest?
- Investing in a supplier or vendor;
- Giving or receiving gifts, gratuities, loans or other special treatment of value to/from third parties doing business with or wishing to do business with the United Nations, in a manner that is not in accordance with the United Nations Regulations and Rules. Third parties may include, but are not limited to, family members, Member States, vendors, suppliers and financial institutions;
- Having close family members who work for suppliers or vendors; and
- Employment outside the United Nations without senior management approval.
