Ombuds Specialist

Organizational Setting

FAO is committed to fostering an organisational culture of ethics and a harmonious and inclusive work environment, anchored in the values of integrity, accountability, transparency, mutual respect and professionalism. The Ombudsperson is a designated neutral, who is independent and operates outside the management framework of the Organization.

The objective of the Office of the FAO Ombudsperson is to support a culture at FAO that is respectful and civil, and in which mutual understanding can be reached and differences resolved through dialogue and fair processes. The Office provides guidance on work related problems and concerns, and is a confidential, informal, neutral and impartial forum to help promote fair treatment.

This position is home-based with a focus on the African region.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the FAO Ombudsperson.

Technical Focus

The incumbent shall have the professional capacity and technical knowledge to provide alternative conflict resolution services to FAO personnel staff globally but with a specific focus on the African region.

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the general supervision of the FAO Ombudsperson the Ombuds Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provide alternative dispute resolution services to FAO personnel. • Inform, and where necessary guide, parties in potential or active disputes. Assist in initiating the mediation process when needed; • Conduct mediation by helping all parties to resolve workplace conflicts in a voluntary and confidential process, acting as a neutral third-party, facilitate and help conflicting parties to discuss issues and negotiate an agreement; • Maintain neutrality and impartiality towards all parties and confidentiality within the process, gather information as appropriate, and help parties identify and understand issues and interests, explore options, and generate solutions to which all parties agree, draft agreements when requested; • Assist in identifying systemic issues encountered during Ombuds and mediation processes and make proposals towards relevant actions to be taken; • Participate in developing and delivering outreach and learning activities on conflict management to help all parties to efficiently utilize the services of the office; • Develop relationships with clients and advise on all aspects of the office’s services; • Offer creative and expert advice on the best service or dispute resolution technique to meet the client’s needs and requirements; • Where required, assist in following up with the parties to receive feedback and to advise clients of further services; • Perform any other task related to the successful management of the Ombuds Office.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING:

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in law, public administration, human resources, social sciences or other relevant area. Training or equivalent experience in the area of alternative conflict resolution or mediation would be an asset. • At least two years of relevant experience as a mediator/Ombudsperson/corporate manager, or as a human resources manager involved in conflict resolution in an international environment. Experience in conflict/dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution is highly desirable. • Working knowledge of English and French. For PSA.SBS working knowledge of French is required.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Familiarity with international organizations’ or UN Common System’s rules. • Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills, as well as conceptual thinking • Demonstrated knowledge of current best practices in organizational Ombudsperson functions and alternative conflict resolution tools and ability to adhere to professional ethical principles (independence, impartiality, confidentiality and informality). • Demonstrable report and presentation writing skills • Ability to collect, collate and analyse data in an efficient manner • Proven ability to produce outputs independently with minimal supervision or guidance.