Ombuds Officer (outreach & Communication) P4 - Rome, Italy

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building peace through food assistance. The Ombudsperson and Mediation Services (OBD) office, located at WFP HQ in Rome, Italy, plays a crucial role in fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace by promoting informal conflict resolution and providing professional mediation services.

Job Purpose

The Ombuds Officer (Outreach & Communication) will lead the promotion of informal conflict resolution within WFP's internal justice system. This involves developing and implementing comprehensive outreach and communication strategies to raise awareness of the OBD's services and its role in conflict prevention. The role includes designing and delivering capacity-building programs to enhance staff conflict resolution skills, providing professional mediation and conflict resolution services, and identifying systemic issues to drive positive workplace culture change. The officer will also oversee the production of educational materials, manage communication campaigns, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective engagement and alignment with WFP policies.

Responsibilities

The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a professional to lead the promotion of informal conflict resolution within its internal justice system. This role involves developing and implementing outreach strategies to raise awareness of the Ombudsperson and Mediation Services (OBD) and its offerings, including the Respectful Workplace Allies program. The position requires overseeing the creation of informational and educational materials on conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, and designing communication campaigns for key events like International Ombuds Day. A significant part of the role is leading the capacity-building program for all WFP employees, developing new training formats, and ensuring they align with updated WFP policies. This includes designing targeted initiatives for Respectful Workplace Advisors. The professional will also be responsible for identifying systemic workplace issues and trends, providing early warning feedback to senior management, and coordinating the drafting and dissemination of the OBD’s Annual Report. Furthermore, the role entails providing comprehensive ombuds services, including confidential consultations, coaching, and mediation, in compliance with international standards. This involves safeguarding independence, impartiality, neutrality, confidentiality, and informality while engaging with employees to explore and address workplace concerns, empowering them to resolve issues autonomously.

Work Experience

Requires at least 8 years of progressive professional experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or organizational communications. Experience in leading communication strategies, outreach efforts, and developing/delivering capacity-building programs is also necessary. Proven experience in providing mediation or informal conflict resolution services aligned with international ombuds standards is essential.

Skills

Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Organizational Communications, Training Development, Outreach Strategy, Capacity Building, Report Writing, Partnership Building, Project Management, Interpersonal Skills

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