Switzerland: Intern – Office of the Ombudsperson

Position Title : Intern – Office of the Ombudsperson
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Intern, Grade OTHE
Type of Appointment : Internship, 6 months
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 09 March 2017

Reference Code: INT 2017/06

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration
and 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.

Context:

The Office of Ombudsperson serves as an independent function to address employmentrelated
problems of staff members. It operates in accordance with the Standards of Practice and
Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsperson 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 monitoring 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 is to be a
mechanism that helps the members of the IOM Staff to be treated fairly advocating civility and
mutual respect as the most productive avenue to successful problem solving and prevent
conflicts from escalating.

SUPERVISION

The Intern will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Ombudsperson and will
support his teamwork with other colleagues in the Field Missions and IOM Headquarters.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
The Intern will assist the Ombudsperson in the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Case management and assistance with the intake and follow-up of cases including the
   compilation of statistics and the preparation of regular reports.
2. Research in the identification of systemic issues to initiate the necessary enquiries with a
   view to advising/recommending possible preventive action to boost morale and improve the
   organizational climate.
3. Preparation of documents on trends and activities identifying patterns or problem areas in the
   Organization's policies and practices and for recommending revisions or improvements.
4. Research on topics related to the Ombudsperson function such as staff regulations and rules,
   administrative instructions, etc.
5. Outreach activities such as preparing and editing texts, brochures, articles and presentations.
6. Designing and conducting training programmes for the Organization in prevention, dispute
   and conflict resolution and other related topics for creating a trusting environment in which
   conflict is minimized.
7. Supporting the work of the Ombudsperson on 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. Undertake any other tasks as requested by the Ombudsperson.
   Required Qualifications and Experience:
   Education
   • An advanced university degree in Behavioural Sciences, Conflict Resolution, Law, Social
   Sciences, Human Resources or enrolled in a Master's degree or PhD-Programme in these
   areas.
   Experience
   • Background in current and emerging practices in mediation, dispute resolution, and familiarity
   with the functioning of international organizations and its administrative policies and procedures;
   • Capacity to timely understand the Organization’s structure and portfolios;
   • Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
   • Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
   • Motivation by professional concerns showing persistence when faced with difficult problems or
   challenges and remaining calm in stressful situations;
   • Practical experience of how to multi-task, prioritize and work independently;
   • Ability to keep matters strictly confidential and exercise good discretion in using information;
   • Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and
   professional backgrounds;
   • Computer literacy, especially database tools;
   • Strong organizational skills;
   Languages
   Fluency in English. Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is an advantage.
   Desirable Competencies:
   Behavioral
   • Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms
   • Client Orientation – works effectively well with client and stakeholders
   • Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others
   • Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience
   • Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services
   • Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of
   self and others.
   • Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of
   responsibility;
   • Professionalism - displays mastery of subject matter
   • Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs,
   perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
   • Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
   • Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs
   of IOM.
   Other:
   Applicants are encouraged to highlight their specific skills, experience and or achievements in
   their cover note. They are asked to do so carefully in order to enhance the value of the
   internship for both themselves and the Ombudsperson Office. In the Personal History Profile,
   candidates to the position should include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three
   references.
   • A monthly stipend will be paid.
   • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and additional queries will only be addressed if
   the candidate is shortlisted.
   • Depending on experience and location, IOM provides a small monthly stipend to help offset
   costs; please consider the cost of living in Geneva prior to applying.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 09 March 2017 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

For further information, please refer to:
http://www.iom.int/cms/en/sites/iom/home/about-iom-1/recruitment/how-to-apply.html
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly
completed.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application on
your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.

Posting period:
From 24.02.2017 to 09.03.2017