Ombudsman

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 194

• Its primary mission is to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.8 million registered Palestine refugees. UNRWA operates in five areas: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, aiming to help these refugees achieve their full potential in human development while awaiting a just resolution to their plight. The agency is the largest UN operation in the Middle East, employing over 30,000 staff members and is funded almost entirely through voluntary contributions from UN member states, regional bodies, business foundations, and individual donations. UNRWA is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of one of the most vulnerable communities in the world, and it encourages individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work to apply for positions within the organization.

Job Overview:
The Ombudsman position at UNRWA involves acting autonomously while reporting administratively to the Commissioner-General. The incumbent will provide support to all UNRWA staff across various duty stations by reviewing, examining, and analyzing conflicts or perceived conflicts raised by staff members. The role requires proposing alternative resolutions while maintaining confidentiality. The Ombudsman will also build outreach and conflict management competence for both Headquarters and Field Offices by developing staff awareness and providing training and coaching on effective conflict prevention and management strategies. This position is crucial in fostering a respectful and harmonious workplace at UNRWA. The Ombudsman will provide mediation services and assist parties in working towards conflict resolution, ensuring that the parties involved retain control over the final decision. Additionally, the incumbent will identify and analyze systemic issues, reporting findings to the Commissioner-General, and providing feedback on policies, procedures, and practices to enhance workplace respect and harmony. Regular reports on the activities of the Office of the Ombudsman will also be issued to the Commissioner-General, and coordination with the UN Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) on relevant matters will be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ombudsman will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Provide support to UNRWA staff by reviewing and analyzing conflicts or perceived conflicts, proposing alternative resolutions while maintaining confidentiality.
• Develop and implement training and coaching programs to enhance conflict management skills among staff at Headquarters and Field Offices.
• Offer mediation services to assist parties in resolving conflicts, ensuring that they maintain control over the resolution process.
• Identify and analyze systemic issues within the organization, reporting findings to the Commissioner-General and providing constructive feedback on policies and practices.
• Issue regular reports on the activities of the Office of the Ombudsman to the Commissioner-General.
• Coordinate with UN Ombudsman and Mediation Services on substantive matters related to conflict resolution.
• Initiate action on concerns identified through direct observation and analysis of workplace dynamics.
• Foster a culture of respect and harmony within the workplace by promoting awareness and understanding of conflict management strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an accredited institution in fields such as public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, law, management, organizational development, counseling, or related areas. Additionally, candidates are required to declare any current or past affiliations with non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, political organizations, or military, which could impact their neutrality and objectivity in performing their duties for UNRWA. This declaration will not automatically disqualify candidates but is necessary for transparency.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) from an accredited educational institution in relevant fields such as public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, human relations, law, management, organizational development, or counseling. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of conflict resolution and human resource management within the context of UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least ten years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience, demonstrating a proven track record in dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or a related field. It is also required that candidates have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and their country of citizenship. Furthermore, candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience at the international level with the UN, private sector, governmental, or international organizations. Experience with informal dispute resolution in the workplace is considered desirable, as it aligns with the responsibilities of the Ombudsman role.

Languages:
For this position, English is the required working language, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and while it is not mandatory, proficiency in French is considered an asset. Additionally, Arabic is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and mediation within the diverse UNRWA staff.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of five years, non-renewable, with a discretionary option for a second five-year term potentially available. Applications must be submitted in English through UNRWA's online e-recruitment system, Inspira, and late applications will not be accepted. The Personal History Profile (PHP) must be completed accurately, detailing full work experience and educational qualifications. UNRWA personnel must include their contract type and grade level in their applications. The organization is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. UNRWA also welcomes applications from qualified candidates with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process when requested. The agency maintains a non-smoking work environment and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.