Org. Setting and Reporting
The Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) is headquartered in New York, USA with regional branches located in Bangkok, Beirut, Entebbe, Geneva, Nairobi, Santiago and Vienna. UNOMS was established as the informal pillar of the United Nations internal system of administration of justice. Its mandate is to provide staff members and affiliated personnel with access to impartial and neutral services to address work-related concerns. This position is located in the Front Office of UNOMS. The incumbent will report to the United Nations Ombudsman.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Special Assistant to the United Nations Ombudsman will be responsible for the following duties: • Coordinate overall programmatic and administrative support to the Head of Entity, United Nations Ombudsman and Assistant Secretary-General. • Support strategic and operational planning by advising the United Nations Ombudsman and the Chief of Service on matters relating to the effective direction of office operations, assisting with the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the office work plan and actively contributing to the development of solutions to operational issues that may arise. • Monitor and ensure that the Delegation of Authority Framework is carried out in compliance with organizational requirements and provide advice and guidance in this regard. • Establish the strategic objectives and specific commitments of and monitor implementation of the compact between the Secretary-General and the United Nations Ombudsman and advise on any necessary action to meet targets. • Coordinate and collate input to management and inter-governmental bodies, especially on budgetary, administrative and legal matters. • Ensure meetings are organized and followed up adequately. Coordinate input for all meetings from within the Office. Prepare agendas for the meetings and share summaries with the team members as appropriate. • Provide operational support and guidance to the Office's regional branches on administrative and budgetary matters. • Support the Chief of Service in daily operations, including with coordination and information management; prepare related materials for the Chief of Service. • Act as focal point for administrative activities including related to human resources, budgetary matters, and special projects under the Office's work programme. • Represent the Office as focal point on assigned issues by attending the various meetings, conferences and participating in the working groups; make presentations on assigned topics/activities; accompany and support the United Nations Ombudsman to meetings, as needed. • Contribute substantively and operationally to the delivery of the three key areas of the Office's conflict resolution programme, which includes case work, systemic analysis and outreach & skill-building. • Perform other related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of the Organization's human resources policies and procedures. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to network and maintain excellent relationships with a wide variety of partners and stakeholders. Ability to work in an international setting and operate effectively across organizational boundaries; respect for and understanding of diversity, including its impact on workplace issues and conflict and possible resolution. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent degree) in social science, international relations, conflict resolution, public administration, human resources, management or related fields 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.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in public administration, finance and budget, human resources management, or a related area is required. Experience providing support to a senior manager and working in a front office setting is required. Experience working in the United Nations common system or a similar international organization is desirable. Experience in coordinating high-level meetings and preparing executive-level written materials, including briefing notes, talking points, statements, reports and meeting summaries, and representing an office in meetings or working groups is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French and Spanish are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).
Required Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III
Desirable Languages
LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IISpanishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professional's programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • Individual contractors and consultants (Affiliate Personnel) who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered. • Applicants who have reached the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply for job openings. • At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. • For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 August 2026, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, China (People's Republic of), Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Grenada, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.
