Job Title: Conflict Resolution Officer
Organization: Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS)
Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda
Job Opening Number: 22-Ombudsman-OMBUDSMAN-185478-R-Entebbe (X)
Report to: Regional Ombudsman
Grade: P4
About UNOMS:
The United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) works to intervene in the intersection where creativity meets conflict and helps to channel these conflicts into productive solutions. We do this through conflict coaching, by giving feedback to UN offices, by using shuttle diplomacy, mediation and other tools of informal dispute resolution. We also seek to track the root causes to these difficulties and propose changes to minimize them in the future and to create a more harmonious workplace at the UN.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Regional Ombudsman as First Reporting Officer and the Regional Coordinator as Second Reporting Officer, the Conflict Resolution Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Handle cases of staff members and other personnel with access to the Office of the Ombudsman and Mediation Services (visitors) with a view to resolving any workplace concerns. Such handling of cases must be guided by a full understanding of the principles of confidentiality, independence, neutrality and impartiality.
- Review and analyse the matter, identify and discuss options for next steps in the framework of the UN system and its rules, including providing relevant information and referrals.
- Provide conflict coaching with a view to helping the visitors resolve their issues without referral to higher levels or formal means.
- Conduct informal fact-finding with the agreement of the visitor. This involves contacts with other parties involved, such as supervisors, human resources personnel and administrators.
- Undertake shuttle diplomacy between the visitor and the respective parties involved, aiming for improved and direct communication or otherwise a better understanding of positions allowing to find mutually acceptable solutions.
- Mediate and facilitate the negotiations of the parties involved as a third-party neutral.
- Conduct regular official visits to provide in-person informal conflict resolution services to staff members serving in the locations/missions covered by the Entebbe Branch. Hold discussions with senior management as required.
- On a flexible basis, and depending on need, conduct extended official visits to provide in-person informal conflict resolution services to staff members serving in any other locations/missions as required by UNOMS.
- As part of the Ombudsman’s mandate to support organizational improvement through the identification of systemic issues and trends, and developing options of addressing them:
- Support in providing continuous feedback into the system identifying systemic issues arising from the cases handled, trends observed and lessons learned;
- Contribute to writing the Office’s annual report to the General Assembly with respect to the trends and systemic issues identified and suggest recommendations for addressing them.
- Make presentations to various audiences as part of outreach efforts and deliver conflict competence workshops supported by UNOMS.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field of conflict resolution and within the Organization, especially in the field of human resources policies and practices. Maintain a highly professional and client oriented Ombudsman practice within UNOMS.
- Perform any other duties or special projects to support UNOMS in carrying out its functions, as assigned, including research and contributions to various activities.
- Act as Officer in Charge of the Regional Branch as required and support in supervising junior staff.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal candidate for the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services Conflict Resolution Officer job must hold an Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in conflict resolution, law, administration, human resources, social sciences or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in conflict resolution, law, administration, human resources management, social sciences or a related field is required.
- Experience working with conflict resolution issues arising in field operations is desirable.
- Experience in alternate dispute resolution is desirable.
- Experience in managing staff performance, mentoring and coaching others is desirable.
- Experience in researching data, preparing reports, conducting presentations and making recommendations to Senior Leadership is desirable.
- Languages: fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Demonstrated professional competence in conflict resolution, seeking fair and equitable solutions to and prevention of employment related problems. Knowledge of alternate dispute and conflict resolution mechanisms. Knowledge of the Organization’s human resources policies and procedures. Ability to network and maintain excellent relationships with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders. Ability to work in an international setting and operate effectively across organizational boundaries; respect for and understanding of diversity, including its impact on workplace issues and conflict and possible resolution. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
- Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.
NB: The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates desiring to serve the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) as the Conflict Resolution Officer should express their interest by visiting the UN recruitment website and clicking Apply Now.
Deadline: 15th September 2022
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