CONSULTANCY – TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNRWA is a United Nations agency established by the General Assembly in 1949 and is mandated to provide assistance and protection to a population of some 5.5 million registered Palestine refugees. Its mission is to help Palestine refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and the Gaza Strip to achieve their full potential in human development, pending a just solution to their plight. UNRWA’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is the largest UN operation in the Middle East with more than 30,000 staff. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.
Consultant – Conflict Resolution Officer/Mediator
(Beirut- Lebanon)
BACKGROUND
The Regional Ombudsman was established at UNRWA as the informal pillar of the internal system of administration of justice to make available to staff the services of impartial and neutral persons to address work-related concerns.
Organisatioanl Setting and Reporting
The position is located in Lebanon Field office as part of the Regional Ombudsman Office. The Conflict Resolution Officer reports directly to the Regional Ombudsman in Jerusalem.
Description of Duties and Responsibilities
Within delegated authority the Conflict Resolution Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Assist in providing an impartial, independent and informal conflict resolution services for addressing the 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 (UNDT);
•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 Regional Ombudsman and/or the Conflict Resolution Officer 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 resolutions as required;
•Perform other duties as assigned.
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 is required.
§ Excellent command of spoken and written English.
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; is conscientious
§ Take 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 timeline 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 is USD 1,705.60 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 remotely with potential travel to a field of operation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements via consultancy@unrwa.org indicating the title of this consultancy “**Conflict Resolution Officer/Mediator**” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 September 2021.
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 interview will be contacted. UNRWA is a non-smoking environment.
01 September 2021
How to apply
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV or UN Personal History Form demonstrating clearly the knowledge and experience required to meet the consultancy requirements via consultancy@unrwa.org indicating the title of this consultancy “**Conflict Resolution Officer/Mediator**” in the subject line of the message. The deadline for the submission of applications is 15 September 2021.