Jobs - 53705- Ombudsman for the UN Funds and Programmes (2 Posit

Ombudsman for the UN Funds and Programmes (2 Positions)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Mar-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

D-1

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The position of Ombudsman* for the Funds and Programmes functions as a complementary part of the integrated Office of the United Nations Ombudsman. The incumbent addresses grievances raised by staff and related personnel of the Funds and Programmes. He/she has direct access to the Executive Heads of the Funds and Programmes. The Ombudsman is subject to UN Staff Regulations, Rules as well as applicable Policies, of the organization responsible for administrative oversight as the contracting organization.

The objective of the services of the Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes is conciliation by seeking mutually acceptable solutions through informal means. The purpose of such an informal procedure is to foster a harmonious and productive work environment, thereby contributing to greater organizational and operational efficiency. His/her services are available to staff members and related personnel of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS and UN Women. Staff members and related personnel of the Funds and Programmes may contact the Funds and Programmes Ombudsman for help on any work-related problem where a perspective outside of formal channels might be helpful.

*The word “Ombudsman” is Scandinavian and means “representative” or “proxy.” The term is gender-neutral in origin and is used by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) to communicate to the widest possible community. Variations of the term exist (i.e. ombuds, ombudsperson) and are common among those practicing in the ombudsman field.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes is responsible for the following duties:

Provide an impartial, independent and informal conflict-resolution mechanism for the settlement of employment-related problems for staff members and related personnel of the funds and Programmes;
Explore with staff members and related personnel the options and different avenues open to them, taking into account the rights and obligations existing between the organization and staff members;
Undertake informal, independent fact-finding on issues brought to the attention of the Office, as required;
Liaise with relevant actors in the various United Nations offices to achieve solutions to employment-related problems raised by their respective staff members;
Maintain regular contact with the Executive Heads of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS and UN Women.
Foster a close working relationship with the United Nations Ombudsman;
Identify and analyze policies, procedures and practices with the organizations that cause tension or conflict and interpret trends;
Actively participate in the development of practices, procedures standards and policies of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman;
Liaise with the Mediation Division, Office of the United Nations Ombudsman, as required, in mediations that relate to staff members of the Funds and Programmes and in overriding matters of policy.
Prepare an annual report providing practical recommendations for systemic improvement which will be submitted to the respective Executive Boards and will form a part of the annual report of the United nations Ombudsman submitted to the General Assembly;
Raise awareness among staff members and related personnel about the functions and mandate of the Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes within the framework of an overall information and communication plan of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman;
Ensure that the distinct aid and work environment of staff members of the Funds and Programmes is appropriately reflected in the working arrangements, practices and policies of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman;
Supervise the substantive work of case officers;
Travel to field offices of the Funds and Programmes, as required, to respond to conflict or to raise awareness as a preventative measure, or supervise the travel of case officers of the Office of the UN Ombudsman to such field offices;
Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: conversant with the Funds and Programmes and their mandates, operational structures and requirements;
Alternative dispute resolution: demonstrates problem-solving skills and the ability to act impartially, independently and with complete confidentiality and integrity in the informal settlement of employment-related conflict, demonstrates negotiation and mediation skills;
Judgment/decision-making; demonstrates balanced judgment, analytical and decision making skills; enhances partnerships with all stakeholders to establish, expand and maintains the work of the Office;
Leadership: contributes to the improvement of policies and operational objectives by drawing on expert knowledge of ombuds issues, theory and practice as well as experience gained from actual cases;
Management: displays good management skills, including the ability to identify priority resources for completing tasks;
Building trust: creates a safe, confidential environment in which people can talk and explore possible actions without fear of repercussion; shows respect and compassion for individuals;
Client orientation: identifies the client needs and develops appropriate solutions with them; establishes and maintains productive working relationships with clients;
Teamwork: operates effectively across organizational boundaries and in a team; establishes and maintains effective working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity to and respect for diversity and gender balance;
Communication: communicates with clarity through effective spoken, written and presentational skills and, most importantly possesses excellent listening skills;
Technological awareness: Effective computer skills, including proficiency in spreadsheet applications and relevant software packages.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in administration, counseling, dispute resolution, human relations, law, management, organizational development or other relevant discipline required.
Work Experience: Fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience, including five at international level in dispute resolution, managerial or legal fields. Extensive professional training and experience in alternative conflict resolution as well as knowledge and experience of the field are highly desirable.
Languages: Fluency in English with proficiency in another United Nations official language is required.