Ethics Specialist

Responsibilities

Team Introduction:
The Ethics Office is a global team dedicated to upholding TikTok's commitment to integrity. We champion our Code of Conduct and foster a "Speak Up" culture where every employee feels safe, heard, and empowered to raise concerns. Our work goes beyond simply reacting to issues; we proactively identify and address systemic risks, strengthen our ethical framework, and build a more transparent and accountable workplace for everyone.

Position Summary:
As an Ethics Specialist, you will serve as a key guardian of the organization's ethical standards. You will independently manage fair, thorough, and empathetic investigations into alleged violations of the Code of Conduct, including bullying, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and other ethics-related matters. You will also support the consistent and proportionate application of disciplinary actions and remediation following substantiated findings, ensuring outcomes are aligned with policy, due process, and organizational values.

We are seeking a team member who can look beyond individual cases to the broader organizational context. You will translate investigation insights into actionable recommendations by identifying patterns, uncovering root causes, and informing improvements to policies, processes, and training. You will also contribute to ethics-related communications and awareness initiatives designed to prevent misconduct and strengthen ethical decision-making. Working closely with partners across HR, Legal, and other functions, you will not only help resolve individual concerns but also contribute to the continuous strengthening of our compliance program and the cultivation of a respectful, ethical workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:
Case Management
- Manage the end-to-end investigation process, from intake and planning to evidence analysis and reporting.
- Ensure all investigations are conducted with the highest degree of confidentiality, impartiality, and respect for privacy.

Quality and Organizational Capability
- Look beyond individual cases to identify root causes and systemic weaknesses in our processes, policies, or controls.
- Propose and help implement updates to our investigation SOPs, case standards, and documentation templates to improve quality and consistency.
- Provide legal advice and guidance on compliance matters to internal stakeholders, including senior management.
- Support the development and delivery of ethics related training, guidance materials and internal communications.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Trust
- Collaborate effectively with partners in HR, Employee Relations, Legal, Business Unit and other teams to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach.
- Serve as a trusted and accessible resource for employees, reinforcing confidence in our "Speak Up" channels and investigation process.
- Consistently uphold principles of procedural fairness throughout all interactions.
- Contribute to cross-functional initiatives such as policy and process development.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
- At least 5 years of experience conducting workplace investigations (e.g., within Ethics & Compliance, Employee Relations, Legal, HR, or relevant government agencies), preferably in an in-house or regulatory environment.
- Strong understanding of workplace standards and investigation practices, including procedural fairness and case management fundamentals.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct internal investigations, including whistleblower, fraud, and misconduct cases, while handling sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and concisely.
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and international teams.
- Proactive and adaptable, with a hands-on approach suited to a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Ability to communicate the purpose and value of ethics and compliance policies to employees at all levels, fostering understanding, engagement, and accountability across the organization.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in legal roles within global or regional organizations, preferably in the technology sector.
- Familiarity with cross-border compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Proven track record of managing complex internal investigations or whistleblower cases.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidelines.

Job Information

[For Pay Transparency] Compensation Description (annually)