Ombudsperson, Consultant

Introduction 

The Green Climate Fund (“GCF”) is a multilateral fund created to make a significant and ambitious contribution to the global efforts towards attaining the goals set by the international community to combat climate change. 
GCF will contribute to the achievement of the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In the context of sustainable development, GCF will promote the paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development pathways by providing support to developing countries to limit or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change, taking into account the needs of those developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. GCF is governed by a Board, composed of an equal representation of developed and developing countries. The Fund is operated by an independent Secretariat headed by an Executive Director. 

The Fund seeks to recruit an Ombudsperson Consultant to carry out the tasks, duties and responsibilities, deliver the set deliverables and provide support to the hiring unit as detailed below. The consultant will join GCF team in the GCF Headquarters on part-time basis. The assignment is for an initial 145 days over a 12-month period. The consultant will be required to work from the GCF Headquarters occasionally. 

Role

While maintaining neutrality, confidentiality and impartiality, the Ombudsperson shall provide assistance in the resolution of staff complaints related to the workplace, including, but not limited to, conditions of employment, administration of benefits, inter-personal disputes and/or conflicts, managerial practices as well as any other matters that may require, and could be resolved via, informal dispute resolution.
The Ombudsperson does not have decision-making powers or the authority to set aside decisions made by the GCF, but may guide parties in potential and ongoing conflicts, as well assist in identifying and keeping the Executive Director abreast of systemic issues whilst proposing and advising on possible relevant and sustainable measures to be taken to address them.
The Ombudsperson function is independent, and the jobholder shall report to GCF’s Executive Director. All discussions and contacts by staff members with the Ombudsperson shall be kept strictly confidential.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will be responsible for but not limited to:

The duties and responsibilities of the Ombudsperson will include but not be limited to:
• Establish a safe space for staff members to allow confidential communications on options and process before taking any action;
• Raise awareness and educate GCF staff on the role and functions of the Ombudsperson;
• Be accessible and offer consultations to individual staff members on various concerns or questions, such as policy issues, conditions of employment and the working environment;
• Listen and help staff members identify, understand and explore different options and solutions to address workplace matters and/or conflicts;
• Facilitate conflict resolutions, using, coaching, conciliation, mediation or other appropriate techniques;
• Facilitate team retreats and conduct training,coaching to staff particularly in areas of concern that have been identified as pervasive;
• Be a sounding board for new ideas, initiatives to improve workplace dynamics.
• Build staff loyalty and a culture of engagement that can save costs and improve workplace environment;
• On a case-by-case basis, make impartial and considered recommendations, as appropriate, on actions needed, considering the rights and obligations of the GCF and the staff member concerned;
• Perform outreach to diverse constituencies and stakeholders about alternatives to traditional conflict resolution; and
• Provide a monthly report to the Executive Director on systematic trends and risks in the GCF that will help senior management make informed business, policy and management decisions and liaise with internal bodies as relevant.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• An advanced degree in law, psychology, mediation, conflict resolution, or any other relevant field, is essential.
• A combination of the above with relevant dispute resolution certification and/or training and/or relevant experience is preferred;
• At least 13 years of relevant professional experience in multicultural and international work environments;
• At least five (5) years of experience as an Ombudsperson in a similar setting to the GCF;
• An understanding of the legal framework of international organizations, including dispute resolution mechanisms of international organizations;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated advanced ability in problem-solving, facilitation, negotiation and mediation;
• Highly credible, with integrity that is beyond reproach, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality;
• Fluency in English is essential; knowledge of Korean and other UN languages would be preferred and an advantage.
 

• Applications from women and national of developing countries are strongly encouraged 
• Candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply. However, the compensation and benefits package for this position will be determined on the basis of a local recruitment.
• Given the limited number of the assignment days and the requirement to work from the GCF Headquarters occasionally, preference will be given to candidates based in the Republic of Korea. 
• Please indicate your earliest availability to take up assignment, and notice-period required, if employed. 

• Closing date for applications is 16 December 2022, 23:59 Pm (KST).  Applications submitted after the closing date may not be considered.