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I was a Chief of Planning at the time and a member of the Country Management Team (CMT) when the Ethics Office contacted our office. Having encountered several ethical breaches myself, I was passionate about the subject. The Ethics Office set up calls with country office teams to discuss this new focus.
I remember one of the first calls where HQ staff provided examples of misconduct. First, they described a driver cheating on a logbook. Then, they cited a driver lying about dependents to claim extra paternity leave. Finally, they gave an example of a driver caught selling fuel.
As I looked around the room and saw our amazing drivers with frowns on their faces, I grew frustrated. I asked, "Why are all the examples of ethical breaches centered on drivers?" I pointed out that, at that very moment, there were active investigations into Representatives abusing their privileges—one of whom had recently been dismissed. I was aware of past instances of massive corruption where "heads rolled" at the Rep and Regional Director levels. So, why were the only examples of violations attributed to drivers? The HQ facilitator became frustrated and dodged the question. After the call, my own Representative took me aside and told me I should have kept those comments to myself.
That was almost 20 years ago, but I have never shaken off that frustration. I will never forget the frowns and side glances of our drivers as example after example pointed the finger at them. Why did we find it so difficult to use an example of a Representative cheating on entitlements or a Supply Division staffer running a side company to rig UNICEF bids? They faced dismissal and prison for their actions—yet the training only featured the drivers.
I remember one of the first calls where HQ staff provided examples of misconduct. First, they described a driver cheating on a logbook. Then, they cited a driver lying about dependents to claim extra paternity leave. Finally, they gave an example of a driver caught selling fuel.
As I looked around the room and saw our amazing drivers with frowns on their faces, I grew frustrated. I asked, "Why are all the examples of ethical breaches centered on drivers?" I pointed out that, at that very moment, there were active investigations into Representatives abusing their privileges—one of whom had recently been dismissed. I was aware of past instances of massive corruption where "heads rolled" at the Rep and Regional Director levels. So, why were the only examples of violations attributed to drivers? The HQ facilitator became frustrated and dodged the question. After the call, my own Representative took me aside and told me I should have kept those comments to myself.
That was almost 20 years ago, but I have never shaken off that frustration. I will never forget the frowns and side glances of our drivers as example after example pointed the finger at them. Why did we find it so difficult to use an example of a Representative cheating on entitlements or a Supply Division staffer running a side company to rig UNICEF bids? They faced dismissal and prison for their actions—yet the training only featured the drivers.
Any thoughts?
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