Ombudsperson

Reference #: ADB-HR-13-0258

Position Title: Ombudsperson

Department: Office of the Ombudsperson

Location: Manila, Philippines

Recruitment Type: International

Closing Date: 27 May 2013 , 5:00 p.m. (1700 Manila Time, 0900 GMT)

Job Purpose:

The Asian Development Bank is recruiting an individual with extensive experience and success in conflict resolution to fill the Ombudsperson position. The President of the ADB appoints the Ombudsperson after consultation with the Staff Council.

The ADB Ombuds Function
The ADB ombuds function is an informal grievance procedure for staff members whereby an independent Ombudsperson will, through informal means, act as an impartial source of assistance in the resolution of staff complaints in the work place. The Ombudsperson may also give advice and make recommendations for the improvement of the overall working environment in ADB.
The Ombudsperson has a mandate to consider staff-related issues and to seek to resolve such issues informally. In exercising his or her duties, the Ombudsperson will act independently of Management, and any department or office of ADB.
Except for information in the possession of the Office of Anticorruption and Integrity (OAI), whistleblower and witness protection information held by the Human Resources Division (BPHR), medical records which are not available without the express consent of the person concerned, and documents covered by attorney-client privilege, the Ombudsperson has access to all records concerning staff relevant to the exercise of his or her duties. The Ombudsperson has direct access to the President of the ADB for the performance of his or her duties. He or she will also have access to the Vice Presidents, Managing Director General, and all other staff, who are expected to cooperate with the Ombudsperson and to provide all information relevant and necessary for the exercise of the Ombudsperson’s functions.
The Ombudsperson will keep all discussions held with him or her strictly confidential. The Ombudsperson will also keep all dealings with persons who seek his or her services strictly confidential.

Expected Outcomes

The Ombudsperson may consider a conflict of any nature related to employment by ADB. The Ombudsperson will be neutral and will not be an advocate for any party. The Ombudsperson will, in the exercise of his or her judgment, advise staff of their options, and of the different avenues open to them. He or she will facilitate conflict resolution, using conciliation, mediation or any other appropriate means for the primary objective of settling conflicts between parties, and obviating recourse to the formal grievance process. The Ombudsperson will not have decision-making powers, but will make suggestions and recommendations, as appropriate, on actions needed to settle conflicts in an impartial and fair manner, taking into account the rights and obligations of ADB and the staff member concerned.
On complaints relating to harassment, the Ombudsperson is available to provide confidential advice to staff members who believe they may be experiencing harassment and to assist in mediating between parties.
The Ombudsperson will issue an annual report to the President. The report will include an overview of the Ombudsperson’s activities and comments on ADB’s policies, procedures, and practices that have come to the Ombudsperson’s attention.
The Ombudsperson is also responsible for:
- Formulating, implementing, managing, and monitoring the plans, goals, budget, and programs of the Ombuds Office
- Maintaining a data collection, analysis, and reporting process that protects confidentiality, and making regular reports based on anonymous aggregate data
- Developing and executing a communication plan, including outreach activities and opportunities for interaction in ADB Headquarters and field offices, to promote awareness and understanding of the ombuds function and the standards of practice, role, and responsibilities
- Monitoring of the Ombuds Office’s practices and the manner of service delivery, in order to ensure that the Ombudsperson remains confidential, independent, impartial, informal, and consistent
- Maintaining a network of working associations with relevant conflict resolution-related resources within ADB
- Staying current in Ombudsperson practices
- Heading the Ombuds Office and ensuring the overall quality of its work
- Managing the performance of the Ombuds Office and staff providing clear direction and regular monitoring and feedback on performance
- Providing coaching and mentoring to staff and ensuring their on-going learning and development

Educational Requirements:

A university degree, preferably in social sciences, law or related fields, and at post-graduate level or its equivalent.

Relevant Experience And Other Requirements:

- Suitability to undertake the responsibilities mentioned above at the required level
- At least 15 years of successful professional experience in multicultural and international work environment – including a minimum of five years in workplace conflict resolution in related international organizations or public organizations or private organizations, preferably as an Ombudsperson
- A thorough understanding of the nature of conflict, the causes of conflict, and methods for conflict resolution
- Experience dealing with discrimination and/or harassment
- Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiation and mediation skills
- Demonstrated success in organizational change management
- Demonstrated competency in building and maintaining internal and external networks with allied functions
- Demonstrated success in working collaboratively
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and inspire trust, and recognized integrity and judgment
- Respect and compassion for individuals
- Respect for the mission and objectives of the ADB
- Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and sensitivity to cross-cultural factors in communications and interpersonal relations
- Ability to listen patiently and empathetically without forming hasty judgments and to deal
with multiple open-ended and pending issues
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams
- Not be risk-averse and should have the willingness and ability to challenge even the highest levels of the organization in an effort to foster fair and just employment practices
- Desire and ability to serve in an exclusively advisory position with no implied power and minimal need for public acknowledgement
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
- International experience working in several countries

Core Competencies:

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Immediate Reporting Relationships / Other Information:

The position reports to: President, Asian Development Bank
The following staff positions report to the Ombudsperson: National Staff and Administrative Staff
This is an internationally recruited, three-year fixed term appointment, which may be renewed once, after consultation with the Staff Council. After serving as an Ombudsperson, the individual shall be ineligible for employment or engagement in ADB in any capacity.

Women are encouraged to apply.

Click here for further details and application