July 08, 2025

Job Posting: United Nations, Switzerland

The Office of the UN Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS) has reopened its search for an Ombudsperson to be based in Geneva. The full-time position will be provide services to two UN organizations: the International Telecommunication Union and the World Intellectual Property Organization. (Rahele Malanca has been serving as the WIPO Ombuds since April 2023.) The appointment will be for an initial one-year term and be based at the headquarters of ITU and WIPO. 

Applicants must have advanced university degree in a relevant area (or the equivalent combination of education and experience), ten years of relevant experience (including five years at the international level), fluency in English and French, and training in mediation. Knowledge of another UN language is preferred. No salary information is provided. Applications are due by August 1, 2025. (UN Careers.)

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4 comments:

  1. Anonymous7/08/2025 6:47 AM

    The link to the job board does not appear to work, so here is a link direct to the vacancy: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/260186?language=en
    The advertisement does specify that UN staff are allowed to apply ("lateral transfer"), but I can't work out if this is limited to just staff from UNOMS -- which would make sense in terms of independence.

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    Replies
    1. Tom Kosakowski7/08/2025 7:37 AM

      Thanks! I've updated the link.
      I think the position is open to external applicants. There's nothing in the announcement that seems to limit it to only internal (or even just UNOMS) applicants.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous7/09/2025 11:57 AM

      I agree. But what I meant was the possibility of lateral transfer of any staff from the UN family of organizations to my mind raises questions about independence of the ombuds.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11/28/2025 1:08 AM

      In fact, as long as UNOMS is involved, they always choose their own people. There is no chance for anyone else to get a job until the current Ombuds leaves. They hired their own person at the UNDP ombudsman, as they were involved in the recruitment process, an HR person with no experience in conflict resolution. As for this job, they will definitely choose one from their own team, even those without the 5 years International experience. Wait and see!

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