Mediation and Technical Support Specialist (70% Part time) (Open to Tier 1 & 2 Applicants) (Home Based)

Background

UNDP works in some 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. 

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work, carried out at HQ, Regional, and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan. 

The Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) is responsible for developing UNDP’s corporate policies and guidance in support of the organization’s Strategic Plan. Together with the Crisis Bureau, BPPS forms the Global Policy Network (GPN), which connects countries to global expertise, knowledge, and best practices to achieve sustainable development results.

Within BPPS, the Effectiveness Group oversees key programming policies, including UNDP’s Social and Environmental Standards (SES), which are supported by an Accountability Mechanism composed of the Stakeholder Response Mechanism (SRM) and the Social and Environmental Compliance Unit (SECU). The Stakeholder Response Mechanism ensures that concerns related to the social and environmental impacts of UNDP-supported projects are addressed in a systematic, transparent, and timely manner. The Mediation and Technical Support Specialist will work in support of the SRM Lead Advisor, contributing to the effective implementation of the SRM and related accountability processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Mediation and Technical Support Specialist will be responsible for the performance of the following duties and responsibilities: 

Lead Mediation, Facilitation and Dispute Resolution

•  In collaboration with SECU advise complainants in a comprehensive manner on the different avenues of grievance redress available to them (SRM/SECU) and provide a comprehensive overview over the SRM process. 
• Provide mediation, facilitation and dispute resolution  services on behalf of UNDPs Corporate SRM (SRM) and at the request of SRMs lead advisor. 
• Identify, recruit and manage mediators and/or third party neutral consultants contracted by SRM to mediate complaints
• Monitor implementation of mediation outcomes
• Ensure SRM public case registry is regularly updated
• Provide routine case update reports to SRMs Lead Advisor and in terms of any agree reporting protocol
• Maintain strict neutrality, impartiality and confidentiality, in accordance with UN/ UNDP standards and professional mediation ethics.
• Comply with all relevant SRM reporting requirements 

Provide Technical Support to SRM Lead Advisor

• As requested by SRMs Lead Advisor, provide technical support regarding SRMs participation in IAMnetwork, and the UNAMnet
• Colloborate with the SRMs Lead Advisor in identifying and implementing an appropriate system for recruiting local mediators across the globe to support the work of SRM
• Contribute to  any policy review process, ensuring contemporary accountability themes and principles are enshrined in any policy developments
• Ensure cutting edge mediation and dispute resolution techniques are deployed by SRM, including consideration of other mediation units within the UN system

Facilitate Capacity Building and Knowledge Development

• Develop knowledge products for Country Offices to ensure capacity building for the implementation of CO SRMs
• Develop  a capacity building strategy to be conducted for CO SRMs, in coordination with SES.

Lead Case Management Systems

• Advise on appropriate case management systems for Corporate SRM and CO SRMs.
• Building SRMs internal understanding of case management systems with the UN to enable deployment of the most appropriate mechanism.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the SRM

Institutional Arrangement

• The Mediation and Technical Support Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Stakeholder Response Mechanism- Lead Advisor 
• The incumbent will work remotely from his/her home base.
• The incumbent will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment. 
• The incumbent is responsible for providing her/his own working station (i.e. laptop, internet, phone, scanner/printer, assignment-specific software, etc.) and must have access to a reliable internet connection. 
• Given the global scope of the work to be undertaken during this assignment, the incumbent is expected to be reasonably flexible with his/her availability taking into consideration different time zones. 
• If required, the incumbent will be required to support and participate in missions to field offices. In such cases, UNDP will cover the related travel and subsistence expenses.

Competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Law, Public Administration, Political, Social Sciences, Humanities, Development Studies, Business  Management or any other relevant disciplines is required. 

OR

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned field of study, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.  

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of extensive international experience in mediation, negotiation, facilitation, dialogue in multi-stakeholder development contexts, including proven field experience mediating complex disputes among governments, international organizations, private sector, communities, and civil society.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in IT software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management and ERP systems.

Desired Skills:

• Proven experience in mediation and conflict resolution on climate change, environmental, and natural resource issues, including providing technical advice and conducting environment-sensitive conflict analysis 
• Previous work experiences within international organizations (e.g., UN agencies, World Bank, INGOs) on dispute resolution, and/or mediation is highly desirable
• Experience in working with independent accountability mechanisms is an asset 

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required. 
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.  

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.