Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.
For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
- Internal candidates
- Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
The Office of the Ombudsperson (OOM) serves as an independent function to address employment-related problems of staff members. It operates in accordance with the standards of practice and code of ethics of the International Ombudsman Association: “independence, neutrality, and impartiality, confidentiality, and informality.” The role of the Ombudsperson is to mediate in conflicts of any nature related to conditions of employment, administration of benefits, managerial practices, as well as professional and staff relations matters. As a dispute resolution practitioner, the Ombudsperson provides assistance in the informal resolution of conflicts and other issues and monitors trends and emerging issues. The Ombudsperson office acts as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) resource for staff members who may also wish assistance with respectful workplace environment issues. The purpose of the Ombudsperson function is to be a mechanism that helps IOM staff to be treated fairly, advocating civility and mutual respect as the most appropriate avenue to successful problem-solving, preventing conflict from escalating and improving staff productivity and morale.
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Ombudsperson, the Conflict Resolution Officer will provide technical support to the Ombudsperson programme; in particular, in a specific region, including but not limited to case management, research, preparation of statistics, reports and presentations.
- Oversee case management and provide assistance to colleagues in the designated region (or as assigned) with the intake and follow-up of cases, including the compilation of statistics and the preparation of regular bi-monthly and annual reports. Utilize OOM’s internal and independent case management practices and system.
Research and identify systemic issues with a view to advising OOM leadership on possible preventive actions and contribute to overall feedback to be shared by OOM leadership, following OOM’s feedback practices.
Prepare reports on trends and activities by identifying patterns or problem areas in the Organization’s policies and practices and consult with supervisor on recommendations, revisions or improvements.
- Research topics related to the Ombudsperson function such as staff regulations and rules, administrative instructions, policies, etc. In addition, prepare draft policies, administrative procedures, and other operational documents related to the Ombudsperson function.
- Conduct outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, brochures, articles, presentations, handbooks, speeches, talking points, and other documents as requested.
- Implement training programmes in conflict prevention, dispute and conflict resolution, and other related topics aiming at creating a trusting environment in which conflict is minimized, and a respectful working environment is privileged. This includes organizing and supporting meetings and trainings to this effect. In addition, help organize meetings with other international organizations.
- Provide substantive support to the work of the OOM on issues related to equity and fair treatment, e.g., gender issues, to prevent discrimination and harassment and ensure equal treatment and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Education
Master’s degree in Behavioural Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Law, Social Sciences, Human Resources, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
- Ombuds Certification is desirable.
Experience
- Experience in professional conflict management practice, such as mediation, ombuds, conflict prevention and awareness in the workplace, working with people in conflict situations;
- Experience in case management, from intake to closure;
- Experience working in a multi-cultural setting and in regional contexts;
- Experience in providing and explaining information about policies and rules, and about the context of a concern;
- Experience building trust, doing outreach and providing feedback; and,
- Experience helping staff to develop options, and then assisting them to evaluate the pros and cons of all the choices for the issues at hand.
Skills
- Computer/software literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop with experience in maintaining a website;
- Knowledge of current and emerging practices in mediation and dispute resolution, particularly in the Ombudsperson function under IOA Standards of Practice;
- Ability to keep matters strictly confidential and exercise good discretion in using information;
- Has the skill for delivering respect by affirming the feelings of each person involved in a concern, while staying explicitly neutral on the facts of a case;
- Willing to act with courage;
Capacity to respond as quickly as possible, endeavoring to build rapport;
- Ability to master active listening;
- Capacity for earning trust, reframing issues, enlightening the context, and facts and feelings that might have been overlooked;
- Excellence in communication and a willingness to grow; and,
- Ability to offer the option of referrals to other relevant units.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
Notes
Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.