Conflict Resolution Officer. – Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) | - 2015

Grade: P3
Job Opening Number: 15-OMB-UNOMS-41108-R-ENTEBBE (X)
Report to: Regional Ombudsman

Key Duties and Responsibilities: Under the general authority of the United Nations Ombudsman and the immediate supervision of the Regional Ombudsman, the Conflict Resolution Officer will be responsible for the following duties in the region:

Support in providing an impartial, independent and informal conflict resolution mechanism for the settlement of employment–related concerns for staff members and related personnel;
Provide assistance to staff members and related personnel their options and the different avenues open to them, taking into account the rights and obligations existing between the Organization and staff members or related personnel when required;
Actively participate in informal and independent fact-finding as required on issues brought to the attention of the office;
Render support in identifying and analysing policies, procedures and practices that cause tension or conflict and participate in analyzing trends;
Actively participate in drafting periodic activity reports for the Office of the Ombudsman at Headquarters providing practical recommendations for systemic changes;
Conduct presentations and workshops to increase awareness of informal resolution services and focus on skills to prevent or better manage conflict;
Travel to field offices as required;
Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate for the United Nations Career vacancy should hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in conflict resolution, law, administration, management, human relations or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in conflict resolution, legal, managerial, or related field is required.
Past experience in alternate dispute resolution is desirable.
Prior UN work experience is desirable.
Past experience in field missions is desirable.
Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Personal Competencies:

Professionalism: Ability to provide effective advice on a broad range of work related concerns. Ability to provide advice in a range of conflict resolution and mediation issues; knowledge of UN policies, rules and regulations; knowledge of third party neutral conflict resolution and mediation principles; shows respect and empathy for individuals; Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.