Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Org. Setting and Reporting

At the United Nations, the ombudsman function is that of an organizational ombudsman. As a neutral and independent party, an ombudsman assists United Nations employees to address their work-related concerns and helps to resolve conflict through informal means. The incumbent will report to the United Nations Ombudsman.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 
1. Manage and direct the work of the UN Ombudsman and Mediation Services by: 
• Formulating, implementing and reporting on the substantive work programme of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS); 
• Overseeing the management of activities undertaken by the Office, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Office and with other entities as appropriate; 
• Overseeing and ensuring the implementation of the provisions contained in the compact of the Head of Department with the Secretary-General; 
• Determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; 
• Serving as the main point of contact for the members of the integrated office, the Ombudsmen of the Funds and Programmes and UNHCR; 
• Coordinating and overseeing the preparation of reports on budget and programme performance for presentation to intergovernmental bodies and; representing the UN Ombudsman and UNOMS at meetings related to such reports. 

2. Serve as Ombudsman, providing alternative dispute resolution services by exploring with staff the options and different avenues open to them taking into account the interests rights and obligations existing between the Organization and staff members. 
• Receive comments on policies, procedures and practices; with the aim to review, analyse and interpret trends, identifying problems and issues.  Oversee the preparation of analytical studies regarding systemic problems leading to workplace conflict. 

3.  Assist the ASG in ensuring that the leadership of the Organization is made aware of current and foreseeable trends and developments with regard to root cause s of conflict and make recommendations in this regard. 

4.   Oversee the programmatic and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of UNOMS, including: 
• supervising the preparation of the office work plan, budgets, human resources management activities and coordination of the outreach programme; reviewing and formulating policies and establishing important guidelines related to the functioning of UNOMS New York and regional offices; recruiting staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance; managing, guiding, developing and training staff under his/her supervision including evaluation of staff performance; developing training policies and plans, ensuring the effective utilization, supervision and development of staff;  fostering  teamwork and communication among  all staff including those in the regional branches and across organizational boundaries 

5.  Manage and oversee the work of the seven (7) regional branches by: overseeing the operations of the regional offices, including matters of stakeholder outreach and activities, conflict competence efforts, office space, security, travel, training, leave and attendance; communicating any concerns to the mission’s management as necessary; providing guidance and advise to the regional offices in ongoing case matters as needed; carrying out weekly operations meetings and consultations with the regional ombudsmen to ensure that emerging issues and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. 

6.  Perform other duties, as assigned, and travel, as needed

Competencies

Professionalism: 
Proven strategic and analytical skills that lead to the formulation of options and recommendations. Proven ability to provide seasoned specialized advice in a broad range of managerial, financial, and administrative areas. Proven abilities to represent the Organization before UN legislative committees, strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. The ability to generate vision and to communicate broad and compelling organizational direction.   The ability to produce and oversee the timely preparation of reports.   The ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations.  Knowledge of alternative dispute resolution tools and ability to apply them effectively.  The ability to act as a neutral third party when assisting staff with work-related disputes while maintaining confidentiality. 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 . 

Teamwork: 
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 

Planning and Organizing: 
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 

Leadership: 
Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 

Managing Performance 
Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, international relations, dispute resolution, law, finance, accounting, social sciences or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in alternative dispute resolution is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, administration, dispute resolution, legal affairs, financial management, budget, logistics or related field. Managerial experience in programme management desirable.  Experience in managing decentralized operations is desirable. At least 5 years of experience in a UN or related international Organization is desirable.  Experience with informal conflict resolution is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For this post English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another UN official language is highly desirable.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.