Your independent and confidential resource for resolving workplace concerns and disputes informally.
Our Office provides confidential and informal dispute resolution services to personnel at any level from UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNOPS, and UN Women, regardless of their type of contract. We offer a safe and neutral space to discuss workplace concerns and explore options for addressing conflict.
The Office of the Ombudsman takes every precaution necessary to protect the identity of the individual while working on a case. However, particularly in complex situations, resolving the matter may require engaging with the other parties involved. In these instances, the Ombudsman will explore with the individual how best to move forward when maintaining anonymity does not appear feasible.
In examining options, the Ombudsman will present them as objectively as possible. In every case, the Ombudsman will never disclose the identity of the individual without their approval. These preliminary discussions usually make clear whether the individual is granting the Ombudsman full permission to make inquiries on their behalf.
An Ombudsman cannot become an advocate to any party in a dispute and is also not in a position to find fault but rather to ensure that due process is followed. If the Ombudsman finds that justice has not prevailed in a given case, we would make a recommendation to the executive body. An Ombudsman does not implement a decision and is not a policy maker, but rather strives to find a fair resolution to a dispute brought to our attention.
The Office of the Ombudsman is independent in structure and function from other organizational entities and officials. The Ombudsman gives an account of the work of the Office to the organizations through the annual report. The Ombudsman also holds informal meetings with the Executive Heads of the organizations.
The Ombudsman does not receive any formal complaints and does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedure related to workplace disputes or concerns.
Listening and
Discussing Options
An Ombudsman will listen to your workplace concerns in a confidential space and will help you identify the options available to address your concern.
Conflict Coaching
An Ombudsman can coach you on how to deal with a particular workplace situation. We will help you develop the skills and strategies needed to address a workplace conflict on your own terms.
Mediation
A confidential process in which a neutral mediator facilitates a dialogue helping parties in dispute talk through their issues, explore options, and work toward a mutually acceptable resolution.
Shuttle Diplomacy
When parties are unable or unwilling to interact directly, for whatever reason, an Ombudsman may act as the intermediary, conveying each party’s concerns, positions and interests. Often, shuttle diplomacy constitutes or is part of a mediation process.
Feedback about Systemic Trends
Our Office collects and analyses data derived from its casework. The Office publishes its annual report.
Learning Sessions
Our Office offers a range of learning and skills development sessions designed to strengthen healthy workplace relationships and support constructive conflict management.
Latest Annual Report
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Annual Report 2024
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Annual Report 2023
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Mediation Highlights
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If you are a contract holder from UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNOPS and UN Women, and need assistance on how to resolve a conflict or want help clarifying what options you have to address a dispute, get in touch with us.
Mission and ToRs
Principles
History
Team
How we help
Listening and discussing options
Conflict coaching
Mediation and global mediation panel
Shuttle diplomacy
Feedback about systemic trends
Capacity building
RWF programme
Reports
Outreach
Newsletters
Useful information
Media
Testimonials
FAQ
323 East 44th Street 2 UN Plaza, 7th floor New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: +1 646 781 4083 Fax: +1 212 906 6281 Email: ombudsmediation@fpombudsman.org
© 2026 Office of the Ombudsman for the United Nations Funds and Programmes