Internship – Mediation Unit of the Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes


The Office of the Ombudsman for United Nations Funds and Programmes (the “Office”) is established as an informal pillar of the system of administration of justice within the United Nations to make available the services of impartial and independent body to address work-related issues of staff members and non-staff personnel of the UN Funds and Programmes (UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, UNFPA, and UN Women).

The Office is looking for an intern to support the mediation unit of the Office in carrying out the activities described below. Support the mediation unit’s training and project activities: Under the supervision of the Mediation Officer, the intern will be involved in the preparation of the mediation unit’s training materials, projects, and coordination of various events. Support the mediation unit’s mediation casework: Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist/Manager of the Mediation Unit, the intern will assist the Mediation Specialist/Manager of the Mediation Unit with mediation cases, including by developing necessary templates, conducting initial intake calls, drafting letters, conducting legal research, shadowing mediations, drafting correspondence, and analyzing mediation surveys. Support the mediation unit’s development of the Global Mediation Panel: Under the supervision of the Mediation Officer, the intern will assist with engaging on-call external mediators, managing, and supervision thereof, including by developing necessary templates, and materials. Under the supervision of the Mediation Specialist, the intern will assist with developing a global arbitration panel, arbitration materials, and training for non-staff personnel. Other support as required.

Professionalism Demonstrated understanding of informal resolution of workplace disputes and the functioning of international organizations. Ability to keep matters confidential and exercise good discretion in using information. Conscientiousness in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Applicant is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remains calm in stressful situations. Applicant is/can become familiar with Office software, actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals; Applicant solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Communication Ability to draft clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Planning and Organizing Ability to establish priorities, to coordinate one’s own work plan and meet deadlines. Applicant adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work.

To qualify for consideration the following conditions must be met: Education J.D. degree from a U.S. law school is required (top 10 schools are preferred); recent law graduates are highly encouraged to apply. Experience: Although applicants are not required to have any work experience in alternative dispute resolution, up to two years of professional experience is a strong asset. A strong interest in the area of mediation and arbitration is required, which could be demonstrated by past work experience, education or training. Language: Fluent written and spoken English is required for the internship. Application: Please apply by submitting the following materials to mediation@fpombudsman.org: Resume (not more than 2 pages) Cover letter (one page) Transcripts. Conditions: All the expenses connected with the internship will be borne by the intern, sponsoring Government or institution; UNDP accepts no responsibility for costs arising from accidents and/or illness or death incurred during the internship; The intern must provide proof of enrolment in health insurance plan; The intern is responsible for obtaining necessary visas and arranging travel to and from the duty station where the internship will be performed; Interns are not eligible to apply for, or be appointed to, any post in UNDP during the period of the internship or for six months immediately following the expiration date of internship; The intern must provide proof of enrollment in health insurance plan; Interns are not staff members and may not represent UNDP in any official capacity; * Stipend in the amount of US$1500 per month. In addition, a lump sum of up to US$1000 may be paid to interns that are recruited from outside the duty station to cover travel costs. Deadline for application :13-Jul-20 (Midnight New York, USA) More Information and Application details.