Consultant for Informal Conflict Resolution

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

UN Secretariat, through the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS), seeks a Consultant for Conflict Resolution to provide confidential mediation and ADR services to UN employees and affiliated offices. The consultant acts as a neutral third party to facilitate discussions and resolve workplace conflicts.

The role involves outreach and skill-building activities to promote informal conflict resolution, with expertise in mediation techniques and advisory support to

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in conflict resolution, law, social sciences, or related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in dispute resolution, management, or legal fields.
• Experience in an international organizational setting is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide alternative dispute resolution services to UN Secretariat employees and affiliated offices.
• Conduct voluntary and confidential mediation sessions as a neutral facilitator.
• Maintain strict neutrality, impartiality and confidentiality.
• Gather information to identify issues, interests, options and solutions.
• Deliver outreach initiatives to raise awareness of informal conflict resolution services.
• Conduct skill-building activities to enhance staff conflict competence.
• Advise visitors on available UNOMS services and follow-up support.

Skills

Mediation

ADR

Conflict Resolution

Neutrality

Impartiality

Confidentiality

Communication

Problem-Solving

Collaboration

Outreach

Skill-building

Advisory Services

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in conflict resolution or related field

Job description

Organizational context: The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) serves as the informal pillar of the internal justice system, providing impartial and neutral services to address work-related concerns of UN employees. This role operates under the general authority of the UN Ombudsman and immediate supervision of the Regional Ombudsman or Chief of Service.

Job purpose: The Consultant for Conflict Resolution provides alternative dispute resolution services to UN Secretariat employees and other offices served by the informal justice system. The role involves conducting confidential mediations to help parties resolve workplace conflicts, acting as a neutral third party to facilitate discussions and negotiations. Additionally, the consultant promotes awareness of informal conflict resolution services through outreach and skill-building activities, offering expert advice on dispute resolution techniques and collaborating to solve employment-related problems. The position aims to enhance conflict competence among staff and provide accessible support for resolving workplace issues.

Responsibilities: Provide alternative dispute resolution services to UN Secretariat employees and affiliated offices. Conduct voluntary and confidential mediation sessions, acting as a neutral third party to facilitate discussions and negotiations between conflicting parties. Maintain strict neutrality, impartiality, and confidentiality throughout all interactions. Gather relevant information, help identify issues and interests, explore options, and generate solutions. Deliver outreach initiatives to raise awareness of informal conflict resolution services and conduct skill-building activities to enhance staff conflict competence. Offer expert advice on appropriate dispute resolution techniques tailored to individual needs. Collaborate to resolve employment-related problems and advise visitors on available UNOMS services, including follow-up support.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in conflict resolution, law, social sciences, or a related field is required. A first university degree with relevant qualifications and experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Work experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in dispute resolution, management, or legal fields is required. Experience working within an international organizational setting is desirable.

Skills: Mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Conflict Resolution, Neutrality, Impartiality, Confidentiality, Communication, Problem-Solving, Collaboration, Outreach, Skill-building, Advisory Services.

Required languages:

Desired languages: English, French