alinea’s whistleblower policy

1.1 Purpose

The following Whistleblower Policy has been established to provide guidance to Alinea International employees and sub-contractors on how to deal with known or suspected improper conduct within the organization. The objectives of this Policy are to:

Create awareness of the Policy and available whistleblower protections
Act as a reference guide to potential whistleblowers wishing to make a disclosure
Define the structure of the whistleblower system, including reporting and investigation procedures, whistleblower protections, and confidentiality, among others
Improve the communication and transparency in the processes associated with whistleblowing and assure protection against derogatory consequences, namely reprisals and detrimental action
Complement the current communication channels between employees, sub-contractors and immediate managers, and hierarchical channels flowing to the President and Senior Management team
Provide guidance to all parties involved in either whistleblowing or whistleblower protection.

1.2 Scope

Alinea requires all employees and sub-contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. All employees and sub-contractors of Alinea are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations of Canada and the countries where we operate. Any allegations of known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources will be dealt with in accordance with this Policy, and reasonable steps will be taken to protect those who come forward with allegations. Alinea’s Whistleblower Policy covers both internal and external whistleblowing, and establishes the controls and procedures for dealing with allegations of malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is intended to encourage employees and sub-contractors to report known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources and to enable Alinea’s Senior Management team to address and correct inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of all Board of Directors’ members, the Senior Management team, employees and sub-contractors to report concerns about known or suspected malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is applicable to all employees and sub-contractors of Alinea International.

1.3 Reporting Procedures

Alinea recognizes the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. Our internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and prevent malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. As detailed in Alinea’s Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals, employees and sub-contractors are encouraged to share complaints and/or concerns regarding ethical or legal violations with their immediate managers. If the employee or sub-contractor is not comfortable speaking with their immediate manager or is not satisfied with the response, they are encouraged to speak with the Gatineau or Calgary Office Managers, the Vice Presidents or, as required, the Chief Financial Officer. All members of the Senior Management team are required to report complaints and/or concerns about suspected ethical or legal violations in writing to Alinea’s Ethics Committee who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints and/or concerns. In the event that the complaint and/or concern is about the President, it should be raised by the employee or sub-contractor to their immediate manager or the Ethics Committee who will determine how the investigation will proceed. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Alinea’s Ethics Committee is responsible for acknowledging receipt of the suspected violation and notifying the whistleblower of the outcome of the investigation. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Personal grievances or complaints related to employment are not covered under Alinea’s Whistleblowing Policy. For cases such as this, employees and sub-contractors are advised to first refer to Alineas Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals when considering a disclosure under the Whistleblowing Policy. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

1.4 Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure reprisals are not made against the whistleblower. Alinea is committed to safeguarding the identity of the whistleblower and to protecting the whistleblower against detrimental action taken in reprisal for allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the workplace is supportive of suspected allegations being made. Any employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

1.5 Review

Alinea is committed to implementing ‘best practice’ policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources (as defined by this Policy) and the management and protection of whistleblowers making allegation(s). This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the objectives of relevant legislation and remains effective for Alinea, and may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. For allegations of fraud, securities law, or human rights concerns, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Company’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Company’s Ethics Committee directly.

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English version follows

Puesto Especialista en Desarrollo Rural – Sistema de Regalías provenientes de la explotación de recursos naturales no renovables
Nombre del proyecto FSSP Colombia & Ecuador
Tipo de empleo Consultoría
Ubicación del puesto Quito, Ecuador – Remoto, con posibilidad de viajes locales.
Reporta a Gerente de proyecto FSS
Remuneración Los honorarios están sujetos a negociación y no superarán las tarifas de mercado establecidas.
Nivel de esfuerzo/dedicación 40 días en 4 meses. 10 días x mes
Ciudadanía Aspirantes con permiso de trabajo en Ecuador
Requisitos de idiomas Dominio del español – Competencia en inglés
Plazo de aplicación 24 de enero de 2025

Instrucciones para aplicar:

Lea detenidamente los términos de referencia de la convocatoria.
Haga clic en el enlace «Aplicar ahora» para cargar su CV y carta de motivación.
Sólo nos pondremos en contacto con los candidatos seleccionados. No se admiten llamadas telefónicas.

En Alinea International valoramos la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión, la accesibilidad y la pertenencia en todo lo que hacemos. Somos un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y se opone a toda forma de discriminación. Buscamos y alentamos activamente las solicitudes de personas de diversos orígenes reconociendo que una fuerza de trabajo inclusiva enriquece nuestra organización y logra resultados más inteligentes e innovadores.

Alinea está comprometida con la protección de niños y adultos vulnerables. Debido a la naturaleza de nuestro trabajo, todos los candidatos serán sometidos a comprobaciones de diligencia debida y a extensas verificaciones de antecedentes cuando proceda.

Alinea International es una empresa global de consultoría que se especializa en el diseño, la implementación y la evaluación de proyectos de desarrollo sostenible en diversos sectores. Con sede principal en Canadá, Alinea tiene un enfoque basado en la colaboración, trabajando estrechamente con gobiernos, organizaciones internacionales, la sociedad civil y comunidades locales para abordar desafíos complejos y promover el desarrollo inclusivo. Alinea International ha llevado a cabo más de 1000 proyectos en todo el mundo en sus 35 años de trayectoria. www.alineainternational.com.

Sobre el proyecto
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) es el ministerio gubernamental responsable de gestionar la política exterior, el comercio internacional y la cooperación para el desarrollo. Para ello GAC cuenta con sus Embajadas alrededor del mundo y en el caso de Ecuador está representada por su Embajada en Ecuador (la Embajada). GAC apoya el desarrollo de Ecuador mediante varios mecanismos de asistencia internacional que incluyen proyectos regionales, multi-país y locales. El objetivo de estas iniciativas es reducir la pobreza, avanzar en la igualdad de género, apoyar los esfuerzos por proteger el medio ambiente y la acción por el clima y consolidar la paz mediante el aprovechamiento de nuevas e innovadoras iniciativas y alianzas para alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible junto con el gobierno nacional y actores locales.

Con este enfoque, Canadá ha venido implementando la Política Feminista de Asistencia Internacional de Canadá en Ecuador con un enfoque en los siguientes frentes: equidad de género y empoderamiento económico de mujeres y niñas, apoyo a Ecuador en sus esfuerzos por responder a la crisis migratoria venezolana, refuerzo de la capacidad del Estado para restablecer la estabilidad y la seguridad, apoyo a la protección de la biodiversidad, la transición energética y la acción por el clima en Ecuador.

Alinea International ha sido contratada por Global Affairs Canada (GAC) para implementar el Proyecto de Servicios de Apoyo de Canadá (FSSP por sus siglas en inglés) en Colombia y Ecuador. En Colombia, Alinea International implementa sus proyectos a través de la Fundación Alinea, entidad sin ánimo de lucro legalmente constituida en Colombia.

Contexto
En Ecuador, los gobiernos locales enfrentan desafíos significativos para acceder y gestionar los fondos provenientes de las regalías de los sectores extractivos, lo que limita su capacidad para desarrollar e implementar proyectos que beneficien a las comunidades. A pesar de que las regalías están destinadas a financiar infraestructura, programas sociales y actividades de mitigación ambiental, la falta de claridad en las normativas, procesos administrativos complejos y una débil articulación interinstitucional dificultan su implementación efectiva. Además, existen brechas en la capacidad técnica de los municipios para diseñar, ejecutar y monitorear proyectos financiados con estos recursos. Ante este panorama, se hace relevante identificar los cuellos de botellas que impiden el manejo efectivo de estos recursos en favor de las comunidades.

Sobre la posición
Con sede en Quito, la persona seleccionada como especialista en sistema de regalías brindará asesoría especializada a la Embajada de Canadá. Esto se llevará a cabo bajo la supervisión del Gerente del FSSP, en colaboración cercana con el Coordinador del FSSP y en cooperación con el equipo de GAC en Ecuador.

Responsabilidades:

Realizar los productos establecidos para la consultoría.
Disponibilidad de viajar conforme a requerimientos de GAC y Alinea International.
Acompañar al personal de la Embajada cuando sea necesario para brindar asesoramiento técnico.
Implementar el plan de la consultoría acordado con Fundación Alinea y GAC para incorporar el correcto desarrollo de la consultoría.
Proponer un plan de acción y mejoras a la situación actual del Sistema de Regalías provenientes de la explotación de recursos naturales no renovables actualmente vigente.
Realizar reportes de los avances y del acompañamiento y asesoría brindada.
Realizar informes a solicitud de Fundación Alinea y/o GAC.
Apoyar en el monitoreo y seguimiento de la implementación de los entregables relacionados.
Proporcionar cualquier otro servicio relacionado, según sea necesario.

Cualificaciones requeridas:
Educación

Título profesional en Administración Pública, Economía, Ciencias Políticas, Derecho o áreas relacionadas.
Título de posgrado en calidad de especialización o maestría en áreas afines a la especialidad de la consultoría.

Experiencia

Al menos 5 años de experiencia profesional específica en análisis de políticas públicas, financiamiento local o desarrollo económico y social.
Al menos 5 años de experiencia profesional trabajando con gobiernos locales, agencias de cooperación internacional u ONG’s.

Habilidades y conocimiento

Excelente redacción.
Conocimiento excelente del contexto local.
Conocimiento comprobado sobre los sectores extractivos y las regalías en América Latina, con un énfasis particular en el contexto ecuatoriano.
Competencia en mapeo y análisis de actores y normativas.
Capacidad para evaluar propuestas de proyectos y dar seguimiento a iniciativas en curso.
Habilidad para construir alianzas estratégicas
Adaptación a diferentes contextos y funciona eficazmente en ellos.
Habilidades sólidas de análisis y pensamiento crítico, investigación, comunicación y redacción de informes, demostradas a través de experiencia profesional o publicaciones.
Capacidad para trabajar de manera efectiva en un entorno de equipo dinámico (tanto de forma independiente como en equipo).
Habilidad para relacionarse y trabajar con funcionarios y comunidades, coordinación de escenarios interinstitucionales para identificar sinergias, desafíos, dificultades y acciones estratégicas en la implementación del proyecto, capacidad para elaborar documentos técnicos y reportes claros y concisos, y uso de herramientas de Outlook.
Excelente manejo del español y dominio avanzado del inglés en habilidades de lectura, escritura y expresión oral.

Deseable

Conocimiento de Sistemas de Regalías vigentes en otros países de la región.

Para descargar los términos de referencia haga clic aquí https://www.alineainternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Spanish_ToRuralDevelopmentRegalias_FSSP-ECU.pdf

English Version

Job Title Specialist on Rural Development – Royalty System from the Exploitation of Non-Renewable Natural Resources
Project Name FSSP Colombia & Ecuador
Job type Consultancy
Location of Position Quito, Ecuador – Remote
Reporting to FSSP Program Manager
Remuneration To be determined with candidate under local market standards
Indicative LOE/Time Frame 40 days in 4 months / 10 days per month
Citizenship Allowed to work in Ecuador
Language Requirements Spanish – Proficiency in English
Application Deadline January 24, 2025

Application Instructions:

Carefully read the terms of reference for the call.
Click on the “Apply Now” link to upload your CV and cover letter.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusiveness, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.

Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.

Alinea International is a global consulting firm specializing in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development projects across various sectors. Headquartered in Canada, Alinea takes a collaborative approach, working closely with governments, international organizations, civil society, and local communities to tackle complex challenges and promote inclusive development. Over its 35-year history, Alinea International has successfully completed more than 1,000 projects worldwide. Visit: www.alineainternational.com

About the project

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is the governmental ministry responsible for managing foreign policy, international trade, and development cooperation. To achieve this, GAC operates through its Embassies around the world, and in the case of Ecuador, it is represented by its Embassy in Ecuador (the Embassy). GAC supports the development of Ecuador through various international assistance mechanisms that include regional, multi-country, and local projects.
The objective of these initiatives is to reduce poverty, advance gender equality, support efforts to protect the environment and climate action, and consolidate peace by leveraging new and innovative initiatives and alliances to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals alongside the national government and local actors.
With this approach, Canada has been implementing the Feminist International Assistance Policy of Canada in Ecuador with a focus on the following areas: Gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls, Support for Ecuador in its efforts to respond to the Venezuelan migration crisis, Strengthening the State’s capacity to restore stability and security, and Support for biodiversity protection, energy transition, and climate action in Ecuador.

Alinea International has been contracted by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to implement the Field Support Services Project (FSSP) in Colombia and Ecuador. In Colombia, Alinea International implements its projects through the Alinea Foundation, a nonprofit organization legally established in Colombia.
Context In Ecuador, local governments face significant challenges in accessing and managing funds from extractive sector royalties, limiting their ability to develop and implement projects that benefit communities. Although royalties are intended to finance infrastructure, social programs, and environmental mitigation activities, unclear regulations, complex administrative processes, and weak inter-institutional coordination hinder their effective implementation. Furthermore, there are gaps in municipalities’ technical capacity to design, execute, and monitor projects funded by these resources. In this context, identifying bottlenecks that prevent the effective management of these resources to benefit communities becomes crucial.

The Role

Alinea is recruiting for a Technical Specialist based in Quito to work along with the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador. The selected Royalties Specialist will provide specialized advice to the Embassy of Canada. This will be carried out under the supervision of the FSSP Manager, in close collaboration with the FSSP Coordinator, and in cooperation with the GAC team in Ecuador.

Responsibilities
• Deliver the established outputs for the consultancy.
• Be available to travel as required by GAC and Alinea International.
• Accompany Embassy staff as needed to provide technical advice.
• Implement the consultancy plan agreed upon with Alinea Foundation and GAC to ensure proper execution of the consultancy.
• Propose an action plan and improvements to the current Royalties System derived from the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources.
• Prepare progress reports on the support and advice provided.
• Draft reports upon request from Alinea Foundation and/or GAC.
• Support the monitoring and tracking of the implementation of related deliverables.
• Provide any other related services as needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Economics, Political Science, Law, or related fields.
• Postgraduate degree (specialization or master’s) in areas related to the consultancy’s focus.

Experience
• At least 5 years of specific professional experience in public policy analysis, local financing, or economic and social development.
• At least 5 years of professional experience working with local governments, international cooperation agencies, or NGOs.

Skills and Knowledge
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong knowledge of the local context.
• Proven expertise in extractive industries and royalties in Latin America, with a particular focus on the Ecuadorian context.
• Proficiency in stakeholder mapping and regulatory analysis.
• Ability to evaluate project proposals and monitor ongoing initiatives.
• Strong capacity for building strategic alliances.
• Adaptability to different contexts and effectiveness in diverse settings.
• Solid skills in analysis and critical thinking, research, communication, and report writing, demonstrated through professional experience or publications.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment (independently and collaboratively).
• Competence in engaging with officials and communities, coordinating inter-institutional settings to identify synergies, challenges, difficulties, and strategic actions for project implementation, drafting technical documents and clear, concise reports, and using Outlook tools.
• Excellent command of Spanish and advanced proficiency in English for reading, writing, and speaking.

Desirable
• Knowledge of existing Royalties Systems in other countries in the region.

To download the terms of reference, click here https://www.alineainternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3.-Spanish_ToRuralDevelopmentRegalias_FSSP-ECU.pdf