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

UNDP•New York, NY

4d•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.
Fluency in English is required.

Nice To Haves

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
Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

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