Regional Ombudsman

Organizational Context

The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) is headquartered in New York and operates seven regional branches. This role leads the Santiago Regional Office, which provides informal conflict resolution services to UN personnel in its designated area. UNOMS serves as an informal pillar of the UN's internal justice system, offering impartial and neutral services to address work-related concerns.

Job Purpose

The Regional Ombudsman leads the Santiago office, delivering independent, impartial, and confidential informal conflict resolution services to UN staff and affiliated personnel regarding employment-related concerns. This involves advising on resolution options, facilitating dialogue, conducting mediations, and providing conflict coaching. The role also involves engaging with regional leadership to address staff concerns, promoting awareness of services through outreach, and identifying systemic issues for upward feedback. The Ombudsman is responsible for reporting, supervising regional staff, and contributing to office-wide initiatives, including travel to provide services and training within the region.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the Santiago Regional Ombudsman Office, ensuring effective service delivery. Provide impartial, confidential, and informal conflict resolution services for employment-related concerns. Advise personnel on resolution options, considering organizational and individual rights. Facilitate dialogue, mediate disputes, conduct shuttle diplomacy, gather information, and offer conflict coaching. Engage with regional leadership and stakeholders to address staff concerns. Design and deliver outreach initiatives and skill-building activities to promote conflict competence. Identify and report systemic issues affecting workplace harmony. Coordinate with UNOMS Headquarters, consult on sensitive matters, and prepare activity reports. Supervise regional staff, manage performance, and support professional development. Undertake travel for in-person services and training. Contribute to office-wide projects and policy development.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressive experience, including at least five years at the international level in dispute resolution, human resources management, or law, is required. Experience in providing informal workplace conflict resolution services, working with conflict resolution in the region, and experience within the UN or similar international organizations are desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, leadership, communication (written and verbal), client orientation, managing performance, judgement, and decision-making. Ability to provide informal conflict resolution, mediation, and conflict coaching. Knowledge of UN system and international organizations is desirable. Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

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