OPEN TO INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CANDIDATES

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

Context                                                               

The position of the Ombudsperson within the Office of the Director General 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. The role of the Ombudsperson is to mediate in conflicts of any nature related to employment with IOM, inter alia matters pertaining to conditions of employment, administration of benefits, managerial practices as well as professional and staff relations matters. The successful candidate will have direct access to the Director General and Deputy Director General, as needed, for the performance of his/her functions. As a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner, the successful candidate's two main functions will be to: (1) provide assistance in the informal resolution of conflicts and other issues and (2) monitor trends and emerging issues. By representing the Organization's commitment to fundamental fairness, he/she should consider the interests and rights of all parties to a dispute with the aim of achieving fair outcomes.

Core functions/ responsibilities

• Assist staff members individually to resolve problems or grievances relating to the terms and conditions of their employment, their working conditions and/or their relations with supervisors and colleagues.
• Advocate civility and mutual respect as the most productive avenue to successful problem solving and prevent conflicts from escalating.
• Review a wide variety of problems, such as situations requiring communication or negotiation, help and advise on which policies, procedures or regulations apply in any particular situation.
• Endeavour to effect reconciliation or ameliorate conditions through fact-finding, discussion and involvement of all interested parties, in problems or grievances brought to his/her attention.
• Maintain strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to his/her attention by not sharing records of people's names, affiliations or grievances.
• Maintain close liaison with and/or consult, as required, with the administrative services concerned (e.g. Department of Human Resources Management, Legal Services, the Occupational Health Unit, the Gender Issues Coordination, the supervisor concerned, the Office of the Inspector General and the Staff Association Committee).
• Initiate the necessary enquiries with a view to advising/recommending to the Director General on possible preventive action, if or when he/she identifies problems liable to impair staff morale.
• Report to supervisor concerned, and/or to the Director General and/or to the Chairman of the Staff Association Committee in contentious cases when unable to effect reconciliation and if he/she considers it appropriate.
• Prepare periodic reports on organizational trends and activities identifying patterns or problem areas in the Organization's policies and practices and recommend revisions or improvements; based on anonymous aggregate data, submit a yearly report on his/her activities to the Director General and to the Staff Association Committee containing statistical information and trends on the number of cases or problems, including an overall assessment of the work done and general comments on any relevant aspect of the Ombudsperson's functions.
• Serve as an organizational resource in formulating or modifying policy and procedures, raising issues that may surface as a result of a gap between the stated Page 3 / 4 goals of the Organization and the actual practice; make appropriate recommendations for policies or practices that would reduce or eliminate recurring problems; identify problems or trends that affect the entire Organization and recommend strategies and practices for turning conflict to synergy in the Organization.
• Design and conduct training programmes for the Organization in dispute and conflict resolution and other related topics which will create a trusting environment in which conflict is minimized, in collaboration with the Staff Development and Training Unit, and with the Staff Association Committee.
• Support the work of the Gender Issues Coordination to prevent and address sexual and gender discrimination and harassment and ensure equal treatment and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Desirable Competencies

Behavioural

a) takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism; b) works effectively with all clients and stakeholders; c) promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly; d) takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management; e) plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility; f) displays mastery of subject matter; g) contributes to a collegial team environment; h) creates a respectful office environment free of harassment and retaliation, and promotes the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA); i) incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation; j) displays awareness of relevant technological solutions; k) works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

Technical

a) effectively applies understanding and principles of conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution; b) maintains confidentiality and discretion in appropriate areas of work; c) provides sound and clear advice on a range of responsible options to resolve problems, in accordance with Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsman Association and IOM’s Staff Regulations and Rules; d) considers the legitimate concerns and interests of all individuals affected by the matter under consideration; e) effectively applies knowledge of relevant Human Resources theories and practices, and recognizes their application within existing IOM processes.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

a) completed advanced university degree in Behavioural Sciences, Law, Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Human Resources or other related fields or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience; b) ten years work experience (or twelve years for candidates with first level university degree) in an international organization with some experience involving mediation and conflict resolution; c) knowledge of the Ombuds function including current and emerging practices in mediation, dispute resolution, and familiarity with international organizations' administrative Page 4 / 4 policies and procedures; d) experience in dealing with discrimination and harassment; e) field experience an asset.

Languages

Fluency in speaking English and knowledge of French or Spanish a distinct asset

NOTES:

The employment conditions are subject to the relevant provisions of IOM's Staff Regulations and Staff Rules. The Ombudsperson’s term of appointment shall not normally exceed five years. The staff member who has served as the Ombudsperson shall not be considered for any other appointment within the Organization following his or her term as the Ombudsperson.

1. A written exam may be part of the selection procedure.
2. The tenure of contract of staff members holding a regular contract will remain unchanged.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment system, by August 01, 2011 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

For further information, please refer to: http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/how-to-apply

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly filled in and submitted with a cover letter not more than one page specifying the motivation for applications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application in your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.

Posting period:

From 18.07.2011 to 01.08.2011