Ombudsman – (1805989)

Grade: P5

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract duration: 2 years

:

Job Posting: Dec 21, 2018, 1:32:45 PM

Closing Date: Jan 11, 2019, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location: Congo-Brazzaville

Organization: AF/ORD Office of the Regional Director

Schedule: Full-time

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that the deadline for receipt of applications indicated above reflects your personal device’s system settings.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Within his/her region, the Regional Ombudsman:- Facilitates conflict resolution through informal means, including mediation, in cases related to a wide range of staff issues and disputes that may emerge in the workplace- Monitors trends in support of early detection of issues of potential significance at institutional level, and advises on appropriate remedial and preventive action.- Supports preventive action, helping individuals, managers, teams and departments avoid preventable mistakes.- Encourages dialogue and facilitates the exchange of information across the Region to improve workplace climate and a healthy work environment.- Provides all personnel with the skills and tools to address issues and conflict in a constructive way.- Minimizes risks and serves as an early warning system that identifies potential sources of conflict.- Provides a safety net when formal systems fail or are perceived as inadequate.- Contributes to developing and strengthening a workplace and culture that uphold the values of the Organization, its ethical and functional integrity, respect for the dignity, diversity and rights of staff, in compliance with the Organization’s rules and regulations and the Code of Conduct for International Civil Servants.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The Regional Ombudsman shall:- Hear and advise staff members with problems or grievances relating to the terms and conditions of their employment, their working conditions and/or their relations with colleagues, supervisors or supervisees, with a view to enhancing the overall working environment.- Assist staff facing a problem to reach a fair solution through fact finding, mediation, discussion and involvement of all parties; the Regional Ombudsman will not have decision making authority but will advise and may make recommendations on issues involved to the parties concerned.- Intervene where he/she deems necessary; ensuring that all reasonable steps have been taken through normal channels for due process, justice and fairness to prevail.- Provide information, guidance and referral as may be appropriate.- Identify systemic issues, including trends, issues and concerns on policies, procedures, overall performance of duties and responsibilities and work climate, without breaching confidentiality or anonymity.- Provide upward feedback by advising the Regional Director and/or other stakeholders in the region on corrective and preventive action as may be appropriate, in particular as regards those systemic issues.- Advise the internal justice mechanism of the Region and relevant formal or informal stakeholders in the formulation of solutions and mechanisms for conflict resolution and relevant preventive measures, including mediation, counseling and relevant capacity development activities (e.g. trainings).- In collaboration with the Ombudsman in HQ, manage/coordinate mediations in his/her region, if required, by external service providers. The ombudsman in HQ would provide individual support by offering advice, and fostering the exchanges of practices and training.- Develop an annual work plan which takes account of the needs of his/her region and is aligned with the objectives of OMB and the concerns of the region`s main stakeholders.- Submit to OMB, in the first part of each year, a report covering his/her activities in the region. The report will provide information on the number of cases and types of issues addressed, the extent to which issues were resolved, as well as general comments on any aspect of the Organization relevant to the functions of the Ombudsman and Mediation Services (OMB). This regional report should be an integral part of OMB Annual Report. – Maintain an active understanding of professional developments in their area of work by continuing professional membership of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA), participating, to the extent possible, in the initiatives of the Network of Ombudsmen from the United Nations and Related International Organizations (UNARIO).Ensure regular evaluation of the impact of the Regional Ombudsman through surveys of the perceptions of staff in

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Advanced university degree or equivalent in public health, management, administration, social science, law, organizational development or related area.

Desirable: Accreditation as a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP) by the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). Accreditation as a certified mediator. Training and/or equivalent experience in the area of alternative dispute resolution or mediation in major business/corporate conflicts.

Experience

Essential: At least ten (10) years of relevant work experience, including (a) at least five (5) years as a mediator/ombudsman/conflict resolution manager or leader or as an expert in conflict resolution and/or in mediation management and (b) at least five (5) years experience in managing projects and staff as well as in planning activities of various natures with several staff and experts involved. Experience in organizing and conducting staff training and awareness raising events in conflict resolution and mediation management.

Desirable: Previous experience of management in international, intergovernmental organization, government or national public institutions.

Skills

1. Demonstrates a full commitment to the mission and values of the Organization by aligning the area of work with the strategic direction of the Organization. Is fully conversant with and behaves consistently in accordance with the rules, principles and environment that define the scope and standards of his/her professional practice, e.g.(a) UN system, WHO structure, ethical values, administrative rules and regulations, and the Code of Conduct for International Civil Servants.(b) Conforms to the principles of practice of the International Ombudsman Association: accessibility, confidentiality, independence, impartiality, neutrality, reasonableness.2. Has demonstrated experienced and mature professional judgment:(a) In assessing and balancing the respective importance of administrative, personal, technical and communication aspects of a given conflict situation.(b) In assessing practical conditions and context within which rules and principles have to be applied, e.g. dealing with confidentiality versus imminent risk of serious harm.3. Leads by example towards a culture of learning based on respect. Establishes a culture of learning, encouraging through one’s own behaviors and initiatives, to keep up-to-date on trends in developments in the field.4. Has excellent leadership and managerial skills and a strong understanding of management practices and the functioning of a major international organization. Displays, through leadership and decisions, understanding of political systems and underlying drivers. 5. Is able to support staff in knowing and managing themselves, their communication and relations with colleagues better, thus enhancing the working environment and opportunities for improved dialogue and partnerships across the Organization.6. Has excellent communication skills and ability to interact effectively with staff members at all levels. Instills a culture that encourages effective communication in multicultural environments.7. Has extensive experience in the application of principles and techniques of conflict management and resolution in the workplace, alternative dispute resolution, counseling, coaching and cross cultural awareness. Practical knowledge of organizational development and disciplines related to general management, strategic planning, organizational change, and human resource management. Has experience in negotiation, high level intervention, and extensive organizational development

WHO Competencies

Teamwork

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Communication

Producing results

Promoting innovation and organizational learning

Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Intermediate knowledge of French.

Desirable: Beginners knowledge of portuguese.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 85,543 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 3942 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

-This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

-Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

-A written test may be used as a form of screening.

-In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

-Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

-For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

-WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

-WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

-WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link: http://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

-Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.