Mediation Intern – Office of the Ombudsman for UN Funds & Programmes

Background

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes (the “Office”) is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the United Nations to make available impartial and independent conflict resolution services to address work-related issues of the personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Office is seeking a mediation intern to support the Mediation Unit of the Office in carrying out the activities described below.

1. Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities:

• Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist/Manager, the intern will be involved in the preparation of the mediation unit’s training materials, projects, and coordination of various events.
• The intern will assist in developing a communication strategy for the Conversation with the Mediator programme.
• The intern will support various tasks related to conflict management, administration of contact database, communication, creation of templates, and the like.

2. Support the mediation unit’s mediation casework:

• Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist/Manager of the Mediation Unit, the intern will assist the Mediation Specialist/Manager of the Mediation Unit with mediation cases, including by developing necessary templates, conducting initial intake calls, drafting letters, conducting legal research, shadowing mediations, drafting correspondence, and analyzing mediation surveys.

3. Support the mediation unit’s development of the Global Mediation Panel:

• The intern will assist with engaging on-call external mediators, managing, and supervision thereof, including by developing necessary templates, and materials.
• The intern will assist the Mediation Officer in reviewing the invoices.

4. Other administrative and substantive support as required.

Competencies

1) Professionalism
Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise sound discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals. Applicant solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.

2) Communication
Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.

3) Planning and Organizing
Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.

Required Skills and Experience

Eligibility (Candidates must meet one of the following educational requirements):
 

1. Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or law (such as a master’s programme, or higher);
2. Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in ADR or law (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);
3. Have recently graduated with a university degree in ADR or law (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year from graduation; or
4. Be enrolled in a postgraduate professional traineeship program in ADR or law and undertake the internship as part of this program.

Master’s degrees in Human Resources, Organizational Behaviour, Psychology, Counselling, and other social sciences may be considered. 

Experience:

• Good knowledge of ADR systems and disciplines is highly preferred, and some work experience will be an advantage.
• A strong interest in the area of mediation is required, which could be demonstrated by education, training, or experience.

Language Skills:

• Fluent written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

 

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

• Duration: 3 months (an extension of another 3-month period may be considered)
• Modality: Full-time
• Location: New York; the intern will have to cover his/her own travel cost if applicable.

 

• UNDP will not pay interns for internship but will provide a stipend in the amount of USD 1,000 per month for in-office work in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the individual or the sponsoring Government or institution;
• UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship;
• Interns are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed;
• Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship;
• Interns must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan;
• Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity;
• Interns are expected to work full time but flexibility is allowed for education programmes;
• Interns need to obtain financing for subsistence and make own arrangements for internship, travel, VISA, accommodation, etc.

Please apply by submitting the following materials as Attachments in the application:

• Resume (not more than 2 pages)
• Cover letter (one page)
• Transcripts