VNG International’s main aim is to work towards better futures for citizens, through strengthening democratic local governance, which strives for togetherness, participation, and equal access to effective service delivery. We see this as a crucial condition for a peaceful, just, and sustainable society. With this mission in mind, we have formulated a code of conduct, which is in line with the values of our organization: belonging, making a difference, reliability, and growth.

Our values

We deliver on results to the best of our ability, within the agreed budget, in accordance with agreed deadlines. We promote a culture of belonging.

• We believe in what we do (making a difference).
• We deliver on promise, are honest, responsible and a trustworthy partner (reliability).
• We promote learning and enable growth of the people within and outside our organization (growth).

Our commitment

We have a high standard of integrity, avoid conflicts of interest, and deal carefully with available resources and (confidential) information. We want to cultivate an organizational culture that corresponds with our values and learn from mistakes. Our Quality Management System has been designed to live up to that expectation. Since 1999, VNG International has been ISO 9001 certified.

VNG International’s strength lies with the people who work for and with us. It is important to us that employees, experts, and partners feel at home and safe in our organization, wherever we work. We find it of utmost importance that our employees, experts, and partners use all responsibilities and resources appropriately. Discrimination, (sexual) intimidation, violence, corruption, or fraud are not tolerated, and we do all we can to prevent improper conduct and learn from our mistakes. We promote an atmosphere in which colleagues can hold each other accountable whenever they feel lines are being crossed. The protection and safety of our representatives are of utmost importance to us.

Therefore, all our staff, experts, and representatives commit to our values and policies, as laid down in our Code of Conduct.

Code of conduct VNG International

1. We are dedicated to the concepts of effective and democratic local government as formulated in the ‘European Charter for Local Self-Government’.
2. We know that we are the ambassadors of VNG International. Wherever we operate and in everything we do, we aim for the highest standards of performance and behaviour, and respect the ideals of honour, integrity, accountability and trustworthiness in all public and personal relationships.
3. This means amongst other things that we prohibit the use of illegal drugs, excessive consumption of alcohol, and apply a zero tolerance approach to (sexual) harassment and abuse, child abuse, child labour and human trafficking.
4. Corruption and bribery are prohibited under all circumstances. In case we have indications of fraud or corruption by a partner organisation, and in case there is a (potential) conflict of interest between our work for VNG International and any other activity or position in our professional or personal life, we will immediately report this to the VNG International project manager or line manager, in order to define the most appropriate response.
5. We are fair and do not discriminate, as is further detailed in our policy on diversity and inclusion.
6. We know that we are doing our work on the request of our clients and for the benefit of the partners. We listen carefully to our clients, partners and contracting agents in order to be able to understand and address their real needs. We respect cultural values, sensitivities and national laws of the country in which we work. We stick to contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities. We strive to make the most efficient use of the resources made available to us and reach optimal results.
7. We strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and integrity in both the process and the products of our professional work. We acquire and maintain professional competence, share information with our colleagues, and accept and provide appropriate professional review. We are straight and clear in our accountability for the results and failures of our work. We are open for criticism and see that as a stimulus for improving the quality of work.
8. We honour property rights including copyrights and patent and give proper credit for intellectual property. We honour confidentiality and we respect the privacy of others, also as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU.
9. We are aware that we sometimes work under difficult or dangerous circumstances and we fully comply with the safety and security policy.
10. We fully comply with, uphold and promote the principles of this code.

Related policies

Our Code of Conduct is supported by the following policies: