Ombudsman for the UN Funds & Programmes, D-1, Integrated Office of the United Nations Ombudsman, New York, USA

Contract

This is a D-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 242,484 USD and 305,990 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Dedication

Note: If you previously applied to this job and remain interested, there is no need to re-apply.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job orqanizational context

The position of Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes functions as a complementary part of the integrated Office of the United Nations Ombudsman. The incumbent addresses grievances raised by staff and related personnel of the Funds and Programmes. He/she has direct access to the Executive Heads of the Funds and Programmes. The Ombudsman is subject to UN Staff Regulations, Rules as well as applicable Policies of UNCEF as the organization responsible for the administrative oversight for this position.

If you have earlier applied to this position, you do not need to re-apply.

How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job

Principal responsibility for Ombudsperson system of informal grievance procedures established within UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN-Women foster harmonious and productive work environment. This post requires seasoned UN experience to help in facilitating the planning and development of the organizations' global and national level outreach/engagement strategy to promote conciliation between staff members, staff members and supervisors, and staff members and the organization by seeking mutually acceptable solutions, through informal means. The terms of office for the Ombudsperson for the Funds, Programmes and Entities shall be determined by the executive heads of their respective organizations. Upon completion of the term of office, the Ombudsperson shall not be eligible for other employment in the funds, programmes and entities in which he/she served as Ombudsperson.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

• Provide an impartial, independent and informal conflict-resolution mechanism for the settlement of employment-related problems for staff members and related personnel of the funds and Programmes;
• Provide confidential advice and assistance to individuals affected by harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination;
• Explore with staff members and related personnel the options and different avenues open to them, taking into account the rights and obligations existing between the organization and staff members;
• Undertake informal, independent fact-finding on issues brought to the attention of the Office, as required;
• Liaise with relevant actors in the various United Nations offices to achieve solutions to employment-related problems raised by their respective staff members;
• Maintain regular contact with the Executive Heads of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS and UN Women.
• Foster a close working relationship with the United Nations Ombudsman; Identify and analyze policies, procedures and practices with the organizations that cause tension or conflict and interpret trends;
• Actively participate in the development of practices, procedures standards and policies of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman;
• Liaise with the Mediation Division, Office of the United Nations Ombudsman, as required, in mediations that relate to staff members of the Funds and Programmes and in overriding matters of policy;
• Prepare an annual report providing practical recommendations for systemic improvement which will be submitted to the respective Executive Boards and will form a part of the annual report of the United nations Ombudsman submitted to the General Assembly;
• Raise awareness among staff members and related personnel about the functions and mandate of the Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes within the framework of an overall information and communication plan of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman;
• Ensure that the distinct aid and work environment of staff members of the Funds and Programmes is appropriately reflected in the working arrangements, practices and policies of the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman; Supervise the substantive work of case officers;

• Travel to field offices of the Funds and Programmes, as required, to respond to conflict or to raise awareness as a preventative measure, or supervise the travel of case officers of the Office of the UN Ombudsman to such field offices; Perform other duties as required.

  Impact of Results:

The objective of the services of the Ombudsman for the Funds and Programmes is conciliation by seeking mutually acceptable solutions through informal means. The purpose of such an informal procedure is to foster a harmonious and productive work environment, thereby contributing to greater organizational and operational efficiency. His/her services are available to staff members and related personnel of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS and UN-Women. Staff members and related personnel of the Funds and Programmes may contact the Funds and Programmes Ombudsman for help on any work-related problem where a perspective outside of formal channels might be helpful.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Law, Labour Relations, Sociology, Human Resources or related technical field;
• Being a certified Ombudsperson and a member of the Ombudsman Association or an equivalent professional association will be an asset;
• This post requires seasoned UN experience. At least thirteen (13) years of progressively responsible professional work in conflict resolution. Experience in the field of mediation/conciliation or counselling within a multi-lateral international development setting;
• UN field experience which is considered an asset;
• Team management/leadership experience;
• Fluency in English and knowledge of another language which is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

Core competencies

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (3)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3)
• Works Collaboratively with others (3)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (3)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (3)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (3)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (3)

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts (3)
• Analyzing (3)
• Relating and Networking (3)
• Applying Technical Expertise (3)
• Leading and Supervising (3)
• Decision-Making (3)
• Alternative dispute resolution*
• Professionalism*
• Building trust*
• Technological awareness*

*as this is an "inter-agency" position, UNDP competencies have been added as well.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.