Job Opening
Job Opening ID: 224597
Job Network : Management and Administration
Job Family : Ombudsman
Category and Level : Professional and Higher Categories, P-4
Duty Station : BEIRUT
Department/Office : Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services
Date Posted : Dec 29, 2023
Deadline : Jan 7, 2024

Org. Setting and Reporting
This temporary position is located in Beirut and provides informal conflict resolution services to United Nations employees in offices and peacekeeping missions in the region.

The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS), provides independent, confidential, and neutral conflict resolution services to UN employees in the Global Secretariat.

The incumbent reports to UNOMS Headquarters in New York.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Service, the Conflict Resolution Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Handle cases of employees (visitors) with access to UNOMS 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 analyze cases received; 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 visitors resolve their issues without further escalation.
• Contact other relevant parties such as supervisors, human resources personnel and administrators with the visitor’s agreement.
• Undertake shuttle diplomacy between the visitor and other parties involved to find mutually acceptable solutions.
• Conduct mediations and facilitated conversations between the parties, as appropriate.
•Engage with all relevant stakeholders, as required.
• Conduct regular official visits to provide in-person informal conflict resolution services to employees serving in the location, and,
• As needed, conduct extended official visits to provide in-person informal conflict resolution services to employees serving in any other locations/missions.

2. In accordance with the Office’s mandate to support organizational improvement through the identification of systemic issues and trends, and developing options of addressing them:
• Provide support in identifying systemic issues arising from the cases handled, trends observed, and lessons learned.
• Contribute by giving input to the Office’s annual report to the General Assembly with respect to the trends and systemic issues identified and suggest options for addressing them.

3. Make presentations to various audiences as part of outreach efforts and deliver conflict competence workshops supported by UNOMS.

4. Keep up to date regarding human resources policies and practices, as well as developments in the field of conflict resolution.

5. Maintain a highly professional and client-oriented ombudsman and mediation within UNOMS.

6. Perform any other duties or special projects to support UNOMS in carrying out its functions, as assigned, including research and contributions to various activities.
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.
Education
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.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
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 in workplace dispute resolution is required.

Experience in conflict coaching is desirable.

Experience in researching data, preparing reports, conducting presentations and making recommendations to Senior Leadership is desirable.

Experience in mediation (alternate dispute resolution ADR) is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language at this duty station. For the position advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.