Conflict Resolution Officer (UG) Dakar, Senegal (Open to internal candidates and previous IOM employees only) Full Time

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15077
Position Title: Conflict Resolution Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Dakar
Duty Station Country: Senegal
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Special Short term ungraded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Applications
Initial duration: 6 months
Closing date: 31 May 2025

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:
a) internal candidates; and,
b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time.

Context

The Office of the Ombudsperson (OOM) serves as an independent function to address employment related problems of staff members. It operates in accordance with the standards of practice and code of ethics of the International Ombudsman Association: “independence, neutrality, and impartiality, confidentiality and informality.” The role of the Ombudsperson is to mediate in conflicts of any nature related to conditions of employment, administration of benefits, managerial practices as well as professional and staff relations matters. As a dispute resolution practitioner, the Ombudsperson provides assistance in the informal resolution of conflicts and other issues and monitors trends and emerging issues. The Ombudsperson office acts as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) resource for staff members who may also wish assistance with respectful workplace environment issues. The purpose of the Ombudsperson function is to be a mechanism that helps IOM staff to be treated fairly, advocating civility and mutual respect as the most appropriate avenue to successful problem-solving preventing conflict from escalating and improving staff productivity and morale.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Ombudsperson, the Conflict Resolution Officer will provide technical support to the Ombudsperson programme; in particular, in a specific region, including but not limited to case management, research, preparation of statistics, reports and presentations.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee case management and provide assistance with the intake and follow-up of cases including the compilation of statistics and the preparation of regular bi-monthly and annual reports.

2. Research and identify systemic issues with a view to advise and recommend OOM possible preventive actions to boost morale and improve the organizational climate.

3. Prepare reports on trends and activities by identifying patterns or problem areas in the Organization’s policies and practices and recommend revisions or improvements.

4. Research topics related to the Ombudsperson function such as staff regulations and rules, administrative instructions, policies, etc. In addition, prepare draft policies, administrative procedures, and other operational documents related to the Ombuds function.

5. Conduct outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, brochures, articles, presentations, handbooks, speeches, talking points, and other documents as requested.

6. Implement training programmes in conflict prevention, dispute and conflict resolution and other related topics aiming at creating a trusting environment in which conflict is minimized and a respectful working environment is privileged. This includes organizing and supporting meetings and trainings to this effect. In addition, help organize meetings with other international organizations.

7. Provide substantive support to the work of the OOM on issues related to equity and fair treatment, e.g., gender issues to prevent discrimination and harassment and ensure equal treatment and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

8. Perform other duties as may be as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Behavioural Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Law, Social Sciences or Human Resources or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Ombuds Certification is desirable.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in professional conflict management practice, such as mediation, ombuds, conflict prevention and awareness in the workplace, working with people in conflict situations;
• Experience in case management, from intake to closure;
• Experience working in a multi-cultural setting and in regional contexts;
• Experience in providing and explaining information about policies and rules, and about the context of a concern;
• Experience building trust, doing outreach and providing feedback; and,
• Experience helping staff to develop options, and then assisting them to evaluate the pros and cons of all the choices for the issues at hand.

Skills

• Computer/software literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop with experience in maintaining a website;
• Knowledge of current and emerging practices in mediation and dispute resolution, particularly in the Ombudsperson function under IOA Standards of Practice;
• Ability to keep matters strictly confidential and exercise good discretion in using information;
• Has the skill for delivering respect by affirming the feelings of each person involved in a concern, while staying explicitly neutral on the facts of a case;
• Willing to act with courage;
• Capacity to respond as quickly as possible endeavoring to build rapport;
• Ability to master active listening;
• Capacity for earning trust, reframing issues, enlightening the context, and facts and feelings, that might have been overlooked;
• Excellence in communication and a willingness to grow; and,
• Ability to offer the option of referrals to other relevant units.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Open to internal candidates and previous IOM employees only.

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Tagged as: International Organization for Migration, Senegal