Ethics
IFAD upholds the highest standards of ethical behaviour.
In our mission to empower rural people, IFAD aims to do no harm while doing good. We uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and have zero tolerance for fraud, corruption or other prohibited practices. We strive to prevent the misuse of project funds and mitigate any negative consequences on people who rely on IFAD-funded or managed projects.
IFAD's anticorruption policy is integrated into our legal framework (Project Procurement Guidelines and General Conditions for Agricultural Development Financing) and applies to all recipients of IFAD financing, including staff, consultants and external parties, such as suppliers.
When IFAD determines that prohibited practices have occurred, we apply disciplinary measures and pursue the recovery of any losses, in accordance with the provisions of IFAD rules and regulations.
These practices are prohibited for external parties, as well as internal IFAD staff and consultants. Additionally, IFAD staff and consultants are required to adhere to the standards of behaviour prescribed by IFAD’s Code of Conduct. This includes provisions relating to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
IFAD’s legal framework requires staff, consultants and project parties to promptly notify IFAD of any allegations of fraud or corruption.
IFAD's Office of Audit and Oversight (AUO) will investigate allegations to gather all relevant evidence and determine the facts, so that IFAD can take appropriate action.
If you suspect misconduct or wrongdoing, please contact the following secure and confidential channels managed by AUO's Investigation Section:
Please provide as much information as possible, including who, what, when and where. You may report allegations anonymously. However, we encourage you to provide your contact details in case we need more information.
If you choose to remain anonymous or provide insufficient information, note that AUO may not be able to take appropriate action.
Please be assured that the information you provide will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
IFAD takes measures to prevent retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports suspected fraud, corruption or misconduct, or who has otherwise cooperated with an investigation. It is important to state, however, that IFAD’s ability to guarantee personal or professional security for persons other than IFAD staff is limited. (For IFAD staff, please see the IFAD's Whistleblower Protection Procedures). The best protection is to be as discreet as possible about making a complaint.
If an allegation is malicious, IFAD may take appropriate action to prevent reputational damage to those subject to deliberately false allegations.
AUO maintains strict confidentiality related to allegations. This means that, if requested, the complainant’s identity will remain known only to the AUO Investigation Section, even if the investigation later proves that the complainant was mistaken, provided the person making the complaint did so in good faith.