Regional Ombudsman

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) is a vital component of the United Nations' internal justice system, established to provide impartial and neutral services to staff members and affiliated personnel. UNOMS was founded to ensure that employees have access to informal conflict resolution mechanisms, thereby promoting a harmonious work environment. The organization operates globally, with its headquarters located in New York, USA, and has seven regional branches, including the one in Santiago, Chile. UNOMS aims to address work-related concerns effectively and confidentially, ensuring that all personnel can navigate their workplace challenges with support and guidance.

Job Overview:
The Regional Ombudsman in Santiago is tasked with leading the office and ensuring the effective delivery of conflict resolution services to UN personnel in the region. This role involves providing independent and confidential support to staff members facing employment-related issues. The Ombudsman will advise personnel on their rights and available options for resolution, facilitating dialogue and mediation to resolve disputes. The position requires engaging with leadership and stakeholders to address concerns raised by staff, designing outreach initiatives to promote awareness of conflict resolution services, and identifying systemic issues that may contribute to workplace tension. The Ombudsman will also prepare reports on case trends and outreach activities, supervise regional staff, and contribute to office-wide initiatives and policy development efforts. Regular travel within the region is expected to provide in-person services and training.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Regional Ombudsman is responsible for leading and managing the Regional Ombudsman Office in Santiago, ensuring effective service delivery. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing independent, impartial, and confidential conflict resolution services to staff members and affiliated personnel.
• Advising on available options for resolution, considering the rights and obligations of the Organization and its personnel.
• Facilitating dialogue, conducting mediations, and providing conflict coaching.
• Engaging with leadership and stakeholders to address work-related concerns.
• Designing and delivering outreach initiatives to promote awareness of conflict resolution services.
• Identifying and analyzing systemic issues affecting workplace dynamics.
• Coordinating with the UNOMS Headquarters on sensitive matters.
• Preparing periodic activity reports with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Supervising regional staff, including performance management and professional development. 1
• Undertaking regular travel for in-person services and training. 1
• Contributing to office-wide initiatives and policy development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a combination of mediation training, conflict coaching training, and ombudsman training. Additionally, they should demonstrate a strong understanding of conflict resolution principles and practices, as well as the ability to navigate complex workplace issues. The role requires a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and neutrality while effectively managing disputes and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in public administration, dispute resolution, human resources management, law, management, organizational development, counseling, or related fields is required. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s) in the specified 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 in providing informal conflict resolution services in the workplace is desirable, as is experience working with conflict resolution in the region. Familiarity with the United Nations or similar international organizations is also preferred.

Languages:
English and Spanish are required for this position, as they are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and service delivery. Knowledge of French is an asset but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and involves a significant level of responsibility and leadership. The Regional Ombudsman will be expected to engage in regular travel within the region to provide services and training. The role is critical in fostering a positive work environment and addressing the needs of UN personnel, ensuring that all staff members have access to the necessary support for conflict resolution.