Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office (OMB)

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

Organizational Setting

The purpose of the position of Ombudsperson is to make available the services of an impartial and independent person to informally address work-related conflicts and problems of FAO personnel, applying the principles of confidentiality and neutrality, and to recommend improvements to the work environment. The Ombudsperson fosters a harmonious and productive work environment at headquarters and in Decentralized Offices by seeking mutually acceptable solutions through informal means in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, as well as generally accepted international standards of practice for organizational ombudsmen and principles of justice and fairness. The position is independent and does not exercise managerial responsibilities except for the immediate office of the Ombuds Office.

The position is located in the Ombuds Office (OMB) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

TheOmbudsperson serves for a five-year term, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. Upon completion of their term of office, the Ombudsperson will not be eligible for other employment within FAO.

Reporting Lines

The Ombudsperson reports directly to the Director-General.

Summary of Duties and Functions

Provision of services to FAO personnel\:

• Act as a neutral interlocutor who explores with FAO employees their options and different avenues open to them to address and settle work-related grievances/conflicts, taking into account the interests, rights and obligations existing between the Organization and employees.
• Provide confidential, impartial and independent advice and counsel to individual employees and teams to handle employment-related situations.
• Assist all parties to informally resolve work-related issues or disputes through fact-finding, discussion or mediation, as appropriate, to prevent conflict escalation and promote fairness in the workplace. Assist employees alleging improper treatment and/or non-observance of their terms and conditions of employment.
• Provide mediation and conciliation services for work-related conflicts, helping parties reach mutually acceptable solutions. Promoting a harmonious, safe and engaging workplace.
• Provide training and raise awareness among employees about the importance of preventing and resolving conflicts/grievances at an early stage.
• Support the development of conflict resolution competencies among all employees with a particular focus on supervisors and managers.
• Identify the root cause of problems or conflicts, based on data analysis, research activities and ongoing interactions with staff and relevant stakeholders, and suggest changes in policies, procedures and practices for improvements.
• Report to Core Leadership on trends observed and provide practical recommendations for systemic improvement and publish an annual report on its activities to be made available to FAO personnel.
• Promote equality and non-discrimination in management processes and facilitate equal participation of employees in relevant work areas.
• Provide inputs as required on policy issues where Ombudsperson’s expertise and role could be useful.
• Travel to field offices as required to respond to conflicts or facilitate capacity building as a preventative measure.
• Keep abreast of new developments and best practices in Ombuds services in order to ensure continual enhancement of FAO policies, programmes and awareness initiatives.
• Participate in relevant United Nations (UN) and other international fora.
• Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in law, public administration, human resources, social sciences, or any related subject.
• Ten years of relevant experience as an ombuds, mediator or corporate manager, or as a human resources manager involved in conflict resolution in an international environment.
• A solid understanding of the nature of conflicts and methods of resolution and alternative conflict resolution.
• Capacity to uphold the highest levels of integrity, discretion, professionalism, neutrality and confidentiality.
• Excellent listening and problem-solving skills to gather information, analyze situations and assist in developing appropriate options and actions.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills for establishing connections and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• A solid understanding of the nature of conflicts and methods of resolution is essential.
• Effective communication skills, fairness, timeliness, and a strong sense of respect and empathy for individuals.
• Working knowledge (proficient - level C) of English and limited knowledge (intermediate - level B) of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Desirable experience and skills\:

• Formal qualification and/or certification in mediation, arbitration, and/or other forms of alternative conflict resolution is an asset.
• Familiarity with international organizations or United Nations common system rules.

Leadership Competencies
Results focus\: Takes accountability for the delivery of agreed results in service of FAO’s strategic framework - Leading, engaging and empowering others\: Coordinates, directs, facilitates and recognizes team efforts; creates an enabling environment and assists others to realize and develop their potential - Communication\: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication - Partnering and Advocating\: Promotes ideas and develops partnerships to advance the Organization’s work - Knowledge sharing and continuous improvement\: Continually seeks to improve the knowledge, skills and work processes of oneself and others - Strategic thinking\: Makes informed and coherent decisions aligned with broader goals and strategies.