Title: Conflict of interest
Course: Code of Ethics and conduct OAS - 3rd Edition > Section: Module 3. Application of the Code of Ethics

In your work, you may face opportunities, or gain knowledge of information, that might benefit you personally, or someone close to you, such as a family member, or a friend. Under these circumstances, you must always act in the best interests of the GS/OAS.  Competing personal, financial, or professional interests that you may have should never interfere in the performance of your duties at the OAS.

Let´s take a closer look at situations in which your personal interests might conflict with the interests of the GS/OAS, and how you should act.

Conflict of Interest applies to:

1. Relatives and intimate relationships
2. Financial interests
3. Corruption, gifts, gratuities, and awards

a) Relatives and intimate relationships

“Staff Members and Other Service Providers should not allow any intimate relationship with another Staff Member or Other Service Provider to interfere with the performance of their duties or to disadvantage others in the Workplace. Staff Members and Other Service Providers who are involved in an intimate relationship with another Staff Member or Other Service Provider must disqualify themselves from supervising or evaluating that person from participating in any process of taking or reviewing an administrative decision affecting the interests of that person.”

“GS/OAS restricts hiring of and contracting of services from Relatives of Staff Members, Relatives of other Service Providers, Relatives of Representatives to the Permanent Missions, and Relatives of other employees and officials of Member States. Staff Members and Other Service Providers who are spouses of another Staff Member or Other Service Provider must not serve in a superior or subordinate position with the other Staff Member or Other Service Provider.”

b) Financial interests:

You must not allow your personal financial interests interfere with the performance of your duties. But what does that mean according to the GS/OAS Code of Ethics?

“Staff Members may not engage nor accept remuneration for continuous or recurring employment outside of GS/OAS without prior written approval from the Secretary General. Staff Members must not participate in the management of or have financial interest in a business if it is possible that they will receive a benefit from their participation or financial interests as a result of their position or association with GS/OAS.”

In the conduct of your personal financial affairs you cannot benefit, nor appear to benefit from your affiliation with the GS/OAS, or from confidential information you access because of your position at the GS/OAS.

C) Corruptions, gifts and awards

You must not accept decoration, honors, awards, remuneration, favors, or gifts from any government if the Secretary General believes them to be incompatible with your status as international civil servants or with the interests of the OAS.

Staff and consultants must not accept any gratuity or favor from any commercial firm or individual doing or seeking to do business with the OAS, or any government.

Remember. Act in all situations in the best interests of the OAS without the interference of any personal, financial, or professional interest that you might have.