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

Discrimination

With this in mind, consider the following example:

Joffrey is a national of Country A and a manager at a department of the GS/OAS. Joffrey is contracting an external consultant to help with a certain project, and the nationality of the applicants is not a primary consideration. Joffrey receives two proposals from two different applicants, whose proposals complied with all selection criteria and have the exact same technical qualifications. One of the consultants is a national of Country B, and offers a lower price. The other consultant is a national of Country A, and offers a higher price. Joffrey decides to hire the consultant of Country A, solely because he prefers dealing with people who share his nationality.

➡️Does Joffrey’s decision comply with the Code of Ethics?

No, Joffrey’s decision seems to be discriminatory under the Code of Ethics.

💡Rationale: The information provided suggests that Joffrey’s decision to hire the candidate of Country A was based solely on nationality, even though the nationality was not relevant to the assignment. Moreover, Joffrey failed to take into consideration that a contract with the other consultant would have saved the Organization money. Based on these facts, Joffrey discriminated against the candidate of Country B on the basis of his nationality. He also acted against the duty of impartiality and procurement principles of transparency and competition.