Background

The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes offers informal conflict-resolution services to all contract holders from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS, and UN Women. The Ombudsman does not advocate for any party in a conflict but neutrally assists in finding an amicable solution.

 

The Office is now looking for a consultant to train the office staff on restorative mediation, particularly on the workplace context (e.g., after investigation processes, significant reorganizations, and change management), as well as handle restorative mediation cases that may arise from time to time.

Duties and Responsibilities

With general oversight by the Mediation Specialist, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties and deliverables:

  • Offer training to our office on restorative mediation in a workplace context.
  • Handle workplace conflicts through restorative practices.  

The training will take place online or in a hybrid mode, and the dates will be mutually agreed.

Competencies

Professionalism:

·       Has a thorough understanding of and significant experience in the mediation process.   Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, and observes deadlines.

Communication:

·       Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Client Orientation:

·       Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients”; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Judgement/Decision-making:

Identifies the key issues in a complex situation; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the organization; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

A degree in law, conflict management or other relevant social sciences. A master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) would be an asset.

 

Min. years of relevant Work experience

At least 15 years of relevant work experience as a mediator, ADR expert, or restorative justice professional with at least 5 years of practical experience in restorative practices. Important note: please include in your resume a link to a sample of your work.

 

Required  skills and competencies

The applicants should have proven experience in providing training on restorative mediation.

 

Desired additional skills and competencies

Experience in the United Nations is an asset.

 

Required Language(s) (at working level)

Fluency in English is required.