Ursula Wellen, Head of Ethics Office and Ethics Advisor

Professional Overview

Ursula Wellen is a highly respected ethics professional with extensive experience advising international organizations on complex ethical and compliance matters. As the Head of Ethics Office and Ethics Advisor at the International Monetary Fund, she is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive ethics programs to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency across the organization.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Head of Ethics Office and Ethics Advisor at the International Monetary Fund since January 2022, Ursula has been instrumental in strengthening the organization's ethical framework. She oversees the development and implementation of ethics policies, provides guidance and training to staff, and investigates potential violations to ensure the IMF maintains its reputation for ethical conduct. Under her leadership, the Ethics Office has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the organization.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Ursula held senior ethics positions at prominent international organizations. She served as the Head of Ethics at the OECD from 2020 to 2022, where she led the development of ethical guidelines and standards for the organization. Before that, she was the Principal Advisor, Ethics at UNICEF, where she developed and implemented ethics strategies to support the organization's mission. Ursula's earlier experience includes serving as the Chief Counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Senior Legal Advisor at the OECD, and Counsel at the International Monetary Fund.

Academic Background

Ursula holds a Juris Doctor degree from a prestigious university, where she graduated with distinction. Her legal expertise and specialized knowledge in ethics, compliance, and governance have been instrumental in her career success.

Areas of Expertise

• Ethics program development and implementation

• Compliance and integrity management

• Organizational culture and change management

• Policy drafting and implementation

• Investigations and dispute resolution

• Stakeholder engagement and communication

Professional Impact

Ursula's contributions have had a significant impact on the organizations she has served. At the OECD, she spearheaded the development of the organization's first-ever Ethics Charter, which has been widely recognized as a model for effective ethics governance. At UNICEF, she played a key role in strengthening the organization's ethical framework, leading to improved transparency and accountability. Throughout her career, Ursula has been recognized as a thought leader in the field of organizational ethics, frequently speaking at conferences and contributing to industry publications.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, exceptional leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to ethical standards, Ursula Wellen is poised to continue making a lasting impact as the Head of Ethics Office and Ethics Advisor at the International Monetary Fund. Her expertise and strategic vision will be invaluable in ensuring the organization upholds the highest ethical principles and maintains the trust of its stakeholders worldwide.