Ombudsman

EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory

Heidelberg, Germany

Staff Category: Staff Member
Contract Duration: 5 years
Grading: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Closing Date: 9 April 2014
Reference Number: HD_00468

Job Description

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is one of the highest ranked scientific research organisations in the world. The Headquarters Laboratory is located in Heidelberg (Germany), with additional sites in Grenoble (France), Hamburg (Germany), Hinxton (UK) and Monterotondo (Italy).

Currently EMBL has 1,800 members of personnel from appr. 80 nations and the official languages are English, French and German.

EMBL is looking for an Ombudsman to provide guidance in the application and interpretation of the EMBL Code of Conduct, whilst promoting a culture of ethical behavior and integrity in accordance with its principles. The mission of the Ombudsman is to help personnel address workplace issues in a safe, supportive and confidential setting making sure that the principles of confidentiality, neutrality, independence and informality are followed. All members of personnel have access to the services of the Ombudsman on a voluntary basis.

The Ombudsman will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Providing confidential and neutral assistance to employees and managers for the informal resolution of interpersonal issues through conflict resolution methods;
• Collaborating with the parties to reach a fair solution in cases of conflict or disagreement through fact-finding, mediation and discussion;
• Consulting with managers to develop cooperative strategies for complaint resolution;
• Helping create workplace well-being by promoting cross-cultural awareness and fostering ethical behavior, fairness, respect and good governance throughout the Organisation;
• Making appropriate recommendations for policies and practices that would reduce or eliminate recurring grievances;
• Collaborating in the design of training programs for managers and employees in conflict resolution, negotiation skills and related topics;
• Advising the Senior Management and Staff Association on issues and trends affecting staff;
• Preparing annual reports on the activities of the Ombudsman for the Director General while maintaining confidentiality of communications, using anonymous data to identify problem areas in organizational policies and practices, and outlining organizational issues to be considered by the Organisation.

The position of the Ombudsman is functionally independent and the postholder receives administrative supervision of the Director General. Upon completion of his/her service, the Ombudsman shall separate from the Organisation and may not serve in any other capacity as member of personnel.

Qualifications and Experience

Specific career background or academic degree is desirable but less important than acquiring and demonstrating a set of skills important for this position. These skills will include active listening, communicating successfully with a diverse range of people, remaining nonjudgmental, problem solving and analytical ability, and conflict resolution skills. The Ombudsman will exhibit the above-mentioned skills and establish a reputation for integrity, confidentiality and knowledge of EMBL processes across functions.

Therefore, the following qualifications and skills are essential:

• Practical knowledge of organisational development and disciplines related to general management, strategic thinking, and human resource management;
• Extensive experience in senior positions with a substantial administrative element;
• Demonstrated ability to bring leadership to strategic, organizational and managerial work;
• High degree of integrity;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills including knowledge of managing difficult team situations;
• Excellent analytical skills as well as capability of anticipating implications of analyze situations;
• High level of service orientation.

The Ombudsman should have a very good knowledge of English and at least one other of EMBL’s official languages (French and German). A good knowledge of the third is highly desirable.

In addition, the Ombudsman must have completed or be willing to undertake formal training in mediation and conflict management and other relevant skills and will be an active member of a relevant professional organisation.

Application Instructions

Please apply online through www.embl.org/jobs.

Additional Information

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation.