The Ethical Compliance Office (ECO) at An-Najah National University serves as the central authority responsible for promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across all university activities.
The University has established this dedicated Office to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of ethical standards across academic, administrative, research, and community functions. The Office plays a key role in embedding ethical values into institutional practices while ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices.
Leadership and Oversight
The Ethics and Compliance Office at An-Najah National University established to ensures the integration of ethical principles across all institutional operations through a structured and integrated governance framework. This framework promotes transparency, accountability, and consistency while aligning with international ethical standards, supporting the University’s sustainability, governance, and compliance objectives.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Governance and Independence
The Ethics and Compliance Office is led by a Director of Ethics and Compliance who holds institutional responsibility for overseeing ethical practices across the University.
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Reports to the Director of the Sustainability Office.
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Operates with functional independence to ensure impartiality and objectivity.
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Provides institution-wide oversight of ethical compliance systems.
Scope and Responsibilities
The Office serves as the central authority for all ethical matters and is responsible for:
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Developing, implementing, and enforcing ethical frameworks, policies, and codes of conduct.
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Advising University leadership on ethical risks and governance issues.
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Ensuring alignment with international standards and best practices.
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Overseeing reporting systems, investigations, and compliance mechanisms.
Operational Structure
Ethics Compliance Unit
- Monitors adherence to ethical standards, policies across faculties and units .
- Conducts audits and compliance reviews.
Ethics Training and Awareness Unit
- Designs and delivers training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
- Develops guidelines, toolkits, and educational materials.
Reporting, Whistleblowing, and Grievance Unit
Manages confidential reporting channels for ethical concerns.
Handles whistleblowing and grievance cases with full protection and confidentiality.
Ensures fair and timely resolution.
Ethics Advisory and Review Unit
Provides expert guidance on complex ethical issues.
Supports committees reviewing academic, research, and administrative ethics cases.
Ensures impartial, evidence-based decision-making.
Core Functions and Processes
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Policy Developmen and Review:Continuous development and updating of ethical frameworks and guidelines.
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Monitoring and Risk Management: Systematic tracking of compliance and identification of ethical risks.
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Capacity Building: Mandatory and specialized training programs for staff and students.
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Confidential Reporting and Case Management: Secure systems for reporting ethical concerns with whistleblower protection.
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Investigation and Resolution:Independent, evidence-based investigations with fair and timely outcomes.
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Investigation and Resolution: Conducting or coordinating fair, independent investigations and recommending appropriate actions.
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Performance Monitoring: Periodic reporting on compliance, institutional risks, and key performance indicators.
Ethics & Compliance Steering Committee
Prof. Abdel Naser Zaid | University President
Chair of Ethics & Compliance Steering Committee
Dr. Abdulsalam Alkaiyat
Vice President for Academic Affairs
D. Saed Al-Koni
Vice President for Administrative Affairs
Prof. Waleed Sweileh
Dean of Scientific Research and World University Rankings
Dr. Noor Adas
Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science
Dr. Mohammad Najjar
Director of the Human Resources Department
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A high-level advisory and governance body supporting the CECO and University leadership.
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Comprised of senior academic leaders, administrative executives, and representatives from key faculties.
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Responsibilities:
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Provide strategic guidance on institutional ethics and compliance priorities.
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Reports to the University President (or Vice President) while maintaining functional independence.
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Review and approve major ethical policies, codes, and frameworks .
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Monitor the effectiveness of ethical programs and initiatives .
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Ensure alignment with University values, international standards, and accreditation requirements .
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Advise on complex or sensitive cases and emerging ethical risks.
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