Regional Ombudsman

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) was established as part of the 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 operates through seven regional branches, with the Santiago office serving as one of these key locations. The organization is headquartered in New York, USA, and aims to promote a fair and just workplace environment across the United Nations system.

Job Overview:
The Regional Ombudsman in Santiago is tasked with leading and managing the Regional Ombudsman Office, ensuring effective delivery of conflict resolution services to UN personnel in the region. This role involves providing independent, impartial, and confidential conflict resolution services, advising staff on available options for addressing employment-related concerns, and facilitating dialogue and mediation to resolve disputes. The Regional Ombudsman will also engage with leadership and stakeholders to address work-related issues, design outreach initiatives to promote awareness of conflict resolution services, and analyze systemic issues that may contribute to workplace tensions. The position requires regular travel within the region to provide in-person services and training, as well as the preparation of periodic reports on case trends and outreach activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Ombudsman include leading the office in Santiago, providing conflict resolution services, advising staff on resolution options, facilitating mediations and dialogues, engaging with leadership to address concerns, designing outreach initiatives, analyzing systemic issues, coordinating with the UNOMS Headquarters, preparing activity reports, supervising regional staff, and contributing to office-wide initiatives and policy development. The role also involves undertaking regular travel for outreach and training purposes, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in fields such as public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or related areas. A first-level degree with additional relevant work experience may be accepted. Additionally, a combination of mediation training, conflict coaching training, and ombudsman training is required. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of conflict resolution principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex workplace issues.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, human relations, law, management, organizational development, counseling, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree in these fields with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

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 providing informal conflict resolution services in the workplace is desirable, as is experience working with conflict resolution in the region and within the United Nations or similar international organizations.

Languages:
English and Spanish are required for this position, with both languages needing to be at UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to availability of the post or funds, and budgetary approval. Staff members are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.