Conflict Resolution Officer/Mediator – Consultant – (Local) At UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

Result of Service

UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from both women and men.
UNRWA encourages applications from qualified women. Only those applicants shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.

Work Location

Jordan, West Bank, and Gaza

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

•Assist in providing an impartial, independent and informal conflict resolution service for addressing work-related concerns of staff members and related personnel of the Agency;
•Assist in conducting mediations, facilitated dialogues and other conflict resolution processes, including mediations referred by the UNRWA Dispute Tribunal;
•Explore with staff members and area personnel their options and the different avenues open to them, taking into account the rights and obligations existing between UNRWA and staff members or area personnel when required;
•Participate in informal and independent fact-finding as required on issues brought to the attention of the Ombudsman or the Conflict Resolution Office/Mediator at the Field Office;
•Assist in identifying and analyzing policies, procedures and practices that cause tension or conflict and participate in analyzing trends;
•Participate in drafting periodic activity reports which provide statistical overview, analysis of the issues and trends observed for further systemic analysis;
•Offer information to staff members and related personnel about the functions and mandate of the Ombudsman within the framework of the overall information and communication plan;
•Travel to conduct outreach and provide conflict resolution services as required;
•Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) from an accredited educational institution in conflict resolution, law, administration, management, human relations, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in conflict resolution, mediation, law, public administration, human resources, or related area.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Familiarity with the Agency’s fields of operation.
• Familiarity with the UN environment and systems.
• Experience working in an international setting.
• Experience in alternative conflict resolution.

COMPETENCIES
• Professionalism: Ability to provide effective advice on a broad range of work-related concerns; ability to provide advice in a range of conflict resolution and mediation issues; knowledge of UNRWA policies, rules, and regulations; knowledge of third-party neutral conflict resolution and mediation principles; shows respect and empathy for individuals; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; demonstrates conscientiousness; takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timelines for delivery of products or services to client.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• The Consultant would be expected to work full time in accordance with the Agency’s working schedule.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
• The duration of the consultancy is 6 months, extendable according to performance and availability of funds.
• The monthly remuneration for this consultancy starting USD 1,825.40 equivalent to grade 17 level. Remuneration will depend on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
• The Consultant will be paid monthly.
• The incumbent will be expected to work in full-time attendance in the office with the possibility to work remotely and potentially to travel to fields of operation.

Languages

LANGUAGES
• Excellent command of spoken and written Arabic is required.
• Working knowledge of English is desirable.

Additional Information

The positions are located at multiple duty stations within the UNRWA’s areas of operations, Jordan, West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as part of the Office of the Ombudsman for UNRWA. The Conflict Resolution Officer/Mediator reports directly to the Ombudsman for UNRWA who is based in Jerusalem.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.