Regional Ombudsman

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) is headquartered in New York, USA. This position leads the Regional Ombudsman Office in Santiago, one of seven regional branches of UNOMS. UNOMS was established as the informal pillar of the United Nations internal system of administration of justice. Its mandate is to provide staff members and affiliated personnel with access to impartial and neutral services to address work-related concerns. The Santiago Regional Office delivers informal conflict resolution services to UN personnel within its designated area of coverage. The Regional Ombudsman reports directly to the Chief of Service and operates under the overall supervision of the United Nations Ombudsman.

Responsibilities

The Regional Ombudsman is responsible for the following: Lead and manage the Regional Ombudsman Office in Santiago, ensuring the effective delivery of services within the assigned area of coverage. Provide independent, impartial, confidential and informal conflict resolution services to staff members and affiliated personnel on employment-related concerns. Advise staff members and affiliated personnel on available options and avenues for resolution, taking into account the respective rights, obligations and interests of the Organization and its personnel. Facilitate dialogue, conduct mediations, undertake shuttle diplomacy and information-gathering, and provide conflict coaching to support constructive resolution of disputes involving staff members and affiliated personnel. Engage, as an independent and neutral actor, with leadership and other stakeholders in offices within the region to help address work-related concerns raised by staff members and affiliated personnel. Design and deliver outreach initiatives to promote awareness of informal conflict resolution services and conduct skill-building activities to strengthen conflict competence among staff members and affiliated personnel. Identify, analyze and raise awareness of systemic issues, including policies, procedures and practices that may contribute to workplace tension or conflict affecting staff members and affiliated personnel, and provide upward feedback to senior management, as appropriate. Maintain close coordination with the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services at Headquarters, consulting as necessary on sensitive matters and systemic trends. Prepare periodic activity reports, including qualitative and quantitative data on case trends, outreach activities and systemic observations. Supervise regional staff, including performance management, professional development and team leadership. Undertake regular travel, including virtual visits to offices within the region to provide in-person services, outreach and conflict competence training. Contribute to office-wide initiatives, projects and policy development efforts. Perform other related duties as required.Show full description ▼