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 the services of impartial and independent body to address work-related issues of staff members and non-staff personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).

The Office is looking for an 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 Officer, the intern will be involved in the preparation of the mediation unit’s training materials, projects, and coordination of various events.
• 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.

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

• Under the supervision of the Mediation Officer, the intern will assist with engaging on-call external mediators, managing, and supervision thereof, including by developing necessary templates, and materials.
• Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist, the intern will assist with developing a global arbitration panel, arbitration materials, and training for non-staff personnel.

3. Other support as required.

Professionalism

Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise good 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.

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.

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.

To qualify for consideration the following conditions must be met:

1.     (a) Be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) or law (such as a master’s programme, or higher);

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme in ADR or law (such as bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

(c) 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

(d) 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. 

2.     Knowledge and/or understanding in ADR is highly preferred and some work experience will be an advantage. 

3.     A strong interest in the area of mediation and arbitration is required, which could be demonstrated by education, training, or experience.

4.     Fluent written and spoken English is required.