Head of Ombuds & Mediation Services  

The IDB Group is a community of diverse, versatile, and passionate people who come together on a journey to improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our people find purpose and do what they love in an inclusive, collaborative, agile, and rewarding environment. 

About this position 

We are looking for the Head of the Office of Ombuds and Mediation Services (OMN). Reporting directly to the President, the Head of OMN plays a critical role in fostering a culture of dialogue, openness to considering different perspectives, and in creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to speak up, innovate and advance all within an inclusive work environment. 

Ombuds services are confidential, impartial, and informal services by which employees are assisted in the resolution of work-related issues and/or grievances. Ombuds services are part of the informal conflict resolution mechanisms of the Bank. They require independence from staff and Management, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest or undue influence. 

What you’ll do:   

• Provide and supervise the provision of Ombuds services to IDB Group employees. Carry out and manage formal and informal employee mediations for the timely and constructive resolution of workplace problems.
• Oversee the execution of the Office’s work program, to include outreach and training and anti-harassment coordination activities, and enhance the coordination of the different activities, resources, and initiatives within the Office and with internal partners.
• Foster and be a role model for an inclusive and equitable work environment, promoting employee engagement.
• Facilitate the resolution of workplace issues through informal means, including mediation and facilitated dialogue, listening, providing and receiving information, identifying and reframing issues, exploring options, undertaking informal fact-finding.
• Promote good practices in personnel management and greater organizational and operational efficiency to foster a harmonious and productive work environment.
• Alert management of systematic trends and issues that should be addressed to improve the working environment and make recommendations for change.
• Serve as a conflict resolution subject-matter expert advisor to senior management, other Business Units, and the Board of Executive Directors.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to their attention and take every reasonable step to safeguard confidentiality and privileged information.

What you’ll need 

• Education: Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Administration, Law, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Psychology, Counseling or other social sciences, or advanced university degree in another field with additional years of related work experience and/or relevant training/courses/certifications in mediation, alternative dispute resolution or conflict management.
• Experience: At least 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the fields of workplace conflict resolution, mediation and/or dispute resolution, preferably with exposure to an international organization context. Proven track record as a dispute resolution practitioner, ombudsperson and/or mediator. At least 5 years leading teams in multicultural environments and/or international organizations. Proven expertise in establishing or improving effective conflict resolution systems. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven experience working with all levels of staff and internal and external counterparts, including Management and the Board of Executive Directors.
• Languages:  Proficiency in Spanish and English, spoken and written, is required. Additional knowledge of French and Portuguese is preferable. 

Key skills 

• Mentor and develop
• Promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 
• Focus on clients 
• Communicate and influence 
• Innovate and try new things 

Requirements

• Citizenship: You are a citizen of one of our 48-member countries. We may offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your eligible dependents.
• Consanguinity: You have no family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.  

Type of contract and duration 

• International staff contract. The Head of the Ombuds and Mediation Services Office shall serve for a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term.

What we offer 

The IDB Group provides benefits that respond to the different needs and moments of an employee’s life. These benefits include: 

•  A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
• Leaves and vacations: 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender- neutral parental leave.
• Health Insurance: IDB Group provides employees and eligible dependents with a robust medical benefits program that covers medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
• Pension plan: defined benefit pension plan that provides financial security and support employees in planning for their future.
• We offer assistance with relocation and visa applications for you and your family when it applies.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
• Health and well-being:  Access to our Health Services Center that provides preventive care and health education for employees.
• Development support: We offer tools to boost your professional profile, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training and learning opportunities, language classes, mobility options, among others.
• Other perks: Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, Spouse Career Program, and others. 

Our culture 

 At the IDB Group, we work so everyone brings their best and authentic selves to work, willing to try new approaches without fear, and where they are accountable and rewarded for their actions. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are at the center of our organization. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and encourage women, LGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. 

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job interview process. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] to request reasonable accommodation to complete this application. 

Our Human Resources Team reviews carefully every application.  

About the IDB Group 

The IDB Group, composed of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), IDB Invest, and the IDB Lab, offers flexible financing solutions to its member countries to finance economic and social development through lending and grants to public and private entities in Latin America and the Caribbean. 

About IDB 

The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance, and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region. 

Follow us: 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/inter-american-development-bank/

https://www.facebook.com/IADB.org

https://twitter.com/the_IDB 

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