Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Maura Pizzo is an experienced Ethics Specialist with a strong background in upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity within international organizations. Her expertise spans across various roles within the United Nations system, focusing on effectively implementing conduct and discipline policies, supporting the work of ethics offices, and driving communication and protection initiatives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Maura currently serves as an Ethics Specialist at UNICEF, where she is responsible for ensuring compliance with the organization's ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity. In this role, she actively contributes to the development and implementation of policies, provides guidance to staff members, and investigates reported ethical breaches.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Maura held several notable positions within the United Nations system. She served as a Conduct and Discipline Specialist at United Nations Peacekeeping, where she played a pivotal role in addressing misconduct and ensuring accountability. Preceding this, Maura worked in the Ethics Office at UNESCO, contributing to the promotion of ethical practices and decision-making processes. She also gained experience in communication and protection initiatives while working at OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).
Academic Background
Maura holds a Master's degree in International Relations, with a focus on Ethics and Diplomacy. Her academic background has provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in upholding ethical principles within the international arena.
Areas of Expertise
- Ethics and compliance management
- Conduct and discipline investigations
- Policy development and implementation
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Capacity building and training
- Gender-sensitive and protection-oriented approaches
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Maura has made significant contributions to fostering ethical cultures within international organizations. Her achievements include the successful implementation of conduct and discipline policies, the investigation of reported ethical breaches, and the development of comprehensive training programs to enhance staff awareness and competencies. Maura's dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making has had a tangible impact on the organizations she has served.
Conclusion
Maura Pizzo is a seasoned Ethics Specialist with a proven track record of driving positive change and upholding the highest ethical standards within the international development and humanitarian sectors. Her extensive experience, coupled with her strong academic background and commitment to ethical principles, positions her as a valuable asset in promoting integrity and fostering a culture of accountability within global organizations.