Conflict Resolution Officer

Position Title : Conflict Resolution Officer
Duty Station : Panama City, Panama
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P3
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 06 March 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

The Office of the Ombudsperson (OOM) serves as an independent function to address employment related problems of staff members. It operates in accordance with the standards of practice and code of ethics of the International Ombudsman Association: “independence, neutrality, and impartiality, confidentiality and informality.” The role of the Ombudsperson is to mediate in conflicts of any nature related to conditions of employment, administration of benefits, managerial practices as well as professional and staff relations matters. As a dispute resolution practitioner, the Ombudsperson provides assistance in the informal resolution of conflicts and other issues and monitors trends and emerging issues. The Ombudsperson office acts as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) resource for staff members who may also wish assistance with respectful workplace environment issues. The purpose of the Ombudsperson function is to be a mechanism that helps IOM staff to be treated fairly, advocating civility and mutual respect as the most appropriate avenue to successful problem-solving preventing conflict from escalating and improving staff productivity and morale.

Under the direct supervision of the Ombudsperson, the Conflict Resolution Officer (Ombudsperson) will provide technical support to the Ombudsperson; in particular, in the Americas (LATAM and NACAC) as well as francophone countries in Western Africa and MENA, including case management, research, and preparation of statistics, reports and presentations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Oversee case management and provide assistance with the intake and follow-up of cases including the compilation of statistics and the preparation of regular bi-monthly and annual reports.
2. Research and identify systemic issues with a view to advise and recommend possible preventive actions to boost morale and improve the organizational climate.
3. Prepare reports on trends and activities by identifying patterns or problem areas in the Organization’s policies and practices and recommend revisions or improvements.
4. Research topics related to the Ombudsperson function such as staff regulations and rules, administrative instructions, policies, etc. In addition, prepare draft policies, administrative procedures, and other operational documents related to the Ombuds function.
5. Conduct outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, brochures, articles, presentations, handbooks, speeches, talking points, and other documents as requested by the Ombudsperson.
6. Implement training programmes in conflict prevention, dispute and conflict resolution and other related topics aiming at creating a trusting environment in which conflict is minimized and a respectful working environment is privileged. This includes organizing and supporting meetings and trainings to this effect. In addition, help organize meetings with other international organizations.
7. Provide substantive support to the work of the Ombudsperson on gender issues to prevent discrimination and harassment and ensure equal treatment and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
8. Perform other duties as may be as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Behavioural Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Law, Social Sciences or Human Resources or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in mediation and preventing conflict from escalating in the workplace; • Experience working in a multi-cultural setting;
• Experience in providing and explaining information about policies and rules, and about the context of a concern; and
• Experience helping staff to develop options, and then assisting them to evaluate the pros and cons of all the choices for the issues at hand.

Skills

• Ombuds Certification is desirable;
• Computer/software literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop with experience in maintaining a website;
• Knowledge of current and emerging practices in mediation and dispute resolution;
• Ability to keep matters strictly confidential and exercise good discretion in using information;
• Has the skill for delivering respect by affirming the feelings of each person involved in a concern, while staying explicitly neutral on the facts of a case;
• Capacity to respond as quickly as possible endeavoring to build rapport;
• Ability to master active listening;
• Capacity for reframing issues, enlightening the context, and facts and feelings, that might have been overlooked; and,
• Ability to offer the option of referrals to other relevant units.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.