Regional Ombudsman

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) was established as an informal pillar of the United Nations internal system of administration of justice. Its mission is to provide staff members and affiliated personnel with access to impartial and neutral services to address work-related concerns. UNOMS has seven regional branches, with the Beirut office serving the designated area of coverage. The organization is headquartered in New York, USA, and operates globally to ensure that personnel have the necessary support to resolve conflicts and issues in the workplace.

Job Overview:
The Regional Ombudsman in Beirut is tasked with leading and managing the Regional Ombudsman Office, ensuring effective delivery of conflict resolution services to UN personnel. This role involves providing independent, impartial, and confidential services to address employment-related concerns. The Ombudsman will advise staff on available options for resolution, facilitate dialogue, conduct mediations, and engage with leadership and stakeholders to address work-related issues. The position also requires designing outreach initiatives to promote awareness of conflict resolution services and conducting training to enhance conflict competence among staff. The Ombudsman will analyze systemic issues affecting workplace dynamics and provide feedback to senior management, maintaining close coordination with the headquarters office. Regular travel within the region is expected to provide in-person services and training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Ombudsman is responsible for leading the office, ensuring effective service delivery, and providing conflict resolution services. Key duties include advising staff on resolution options, facilitating dialogue and mediation, conducting outreach initiatives, and identifying systemic issues affecting workplace dynamics. The Ombudsman will prepare periodic reports on case trends and outreach activities, supervise regional staff, and contribute to office-wide initiatives and policy development. Regular travel to peacekeeping operations is required to provide services and training, and the Ombudsman will perform other related duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates must have a combination of mediation training, conflict coaching training, and ombudsman training. The role requires a strong understanding of conflict resolution principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or organizational development is required. A first-level university degree may be accepted with additional qualifying experience. Specific training in mediation and conflict resolution is also necessary for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience is required, including at least five years at the international level in dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or a related field. Experience in providing informal conflict resolution services in the workplace is desirable, as is experience with conflict resolution in the region and within the United Nations or similar international organizations.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in either English or French is required, with Arabic being desirable. Candidates must meet the minimum required levels for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages as per the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year and is limited to the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from underrepresented member states. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Staff members are subject to mobility requirements and may be assigned to different duty stations as needed.