Ombuds Officer - Outreach & Communication (P4)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply, and has been recognized as a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

Job Overview:
The Ombuds Officer will be situated in the Office of the Ombudsperson and Mediation Services (OBD) at WFP HQ in Rome, Italy. This role is pivotal in promoting informal conflict resolution as a key component of WFP’s internal justice system. The officer will be responsible for developing outreach strategies, enhancing conflict prevention and resolution skills through training, and providing professional mediation and conflict resolution services. The position also entails offering informal conflict resolution services to all employees, identifying systemic issues and trends to facilitate workplace culture change, and ensuring that the office's role and services are well understood and accessible to all staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Ombuds Officer will develop and oversee the implementation of the OBD’s outreach and communication strategy, aimed at promoting awareness of its role and services in informal conflict resolution. This includes increasing the visibility of the Office and its services, overseeing the production of informational and educational materials, and designing communication campaigns for specific events. The officer will lead OBD’s Capacity Building Programme, manage collaborations with stakeholders, and ensure the integration of updated frameworks into training materials. Additionally, the officer will identify workplace trends, provide strategic advice to senior management, prepare briefings for the Ombudsperson, and engage with employees in confidential meetings to explore options for addressing workplace concerns. The role also requires taking responsibility for an equitable and inclusive workplace that incorporates all dimensions of WFP's diversity and inclusion framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Conflict Resolution, Social Sciences, Law, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Communications, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be accepted. The role requires at least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conflict resolution, mediation, organizational communications, or related areas. Proven experience in leading communication strategies and outreach efforts, particularly within large international organizations, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in developing and delivering capacity-building programs related to conflict prevention and resolution, as well as providing mediation or informal conflict resolution services in line with international ombuds standards.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field is required. Candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant work experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include studies in areas such as Conflict Resolution, Social Sciences, Law, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or Communications, which are pertinent to the responsibilities of the Ombuds Officer role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as conflict resolution, mediation, and organizational communications. Candidates should have a strong background in leading communication strategies and outreach efforts, ideally within a large international organization. Experience in developing and delivering capacity-building programs, particularly those related to conflict prevention and resolution, is also necessary. Furthermore, candidates should have experience in providing mediation or other informal conflict resolution services in accordance with international ombuds standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English (Level C) is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (Level B) of a second official UN language, which could include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese, as these are recognized working languages within WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement in WFP, although this position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning incumbents will not be subject to the regular reassignment process unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a one-year probationary period. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. Candidates will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.