The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis.
The Role
The OECD is seeking a Mediator to facilitate, in coordination with the incumbent Mediator, the amicable settlement of individual disputes and relational conflicts within the Organisation and to support the Organisation’s process of informal conflict resolution in accordance with the Decision of the Secretary-General on Mediation (Annex XVI of the OECD Staff Regulations, Rules and Instructions).
The Mediator will be appointed by and report directly to the OECD Secretary-General, on the recommendation of the Executive Director and after consultation of the OECD Staff Association. The Mediator is fully independent from both the OECD Administration and the OECD Staff Association. The selected Mediator will work in close co-operation with OECD’s other Mediator. Anyone who is employed or has been employed by the Organisation may not be appointed as Mediator.
The Mediator will be engaged as an intellectual service provider and is expected to perform their duties on an as needed basis, within the limit of eight (8) days per month, except in exceptional circumstances duly authorised by the Head of Human Resource Management.
Job Description
Main Responsibilities
1. Resolution of Individual Disputes and Relational Conflicts
Examine requests for intervention submitted by staff members, former staff members or their beneficiaries, or the Head of Human Resource Management.
Facilitate amicable settlement of individual disputes in alignment with Annex XVI (conflict with supervisor, other staff members or the Organisation).
Offer ombudsman-style services by listening impartially to staff concerns, providing information on options and policies, and identifying systemic issues to support organisational learning.
Provide conflict coaching for individuals seeking to strengthen their communication, negotiation, and self-management skills to address conflicts independently.
2. Outreach, Prevention, and Systemic Feedback
Conduct proactive outreach to enhance visibility and awareness, as well as promote understanding of conflict resolution options and conflict coaching support.
Identify recurrent or systemic issues and communicate anonymised trends and recommendations to senior management to address underlying organisational causes.
Collaborate with HRM, Ethics, Staff Association and other support services while preserving confidentiality and independence.
3. Training and Capacity Building
Design and facilitate workshops on conflict dynamics and constructive communication.
Provide training for managers and staff on how to engage in early, informal conflict resolution and effective dialogue.
Develop tailored modules for leaders and teams.
4. Reporting and Governance
Prepare an annual report summarising activities, anonymised trends, and systemic observations.
Maintain full independence in handling cases and communications, ensuring confidentiality, impartiality, and neutrality.
The Mediator will carry out these missions in close collaboration with the incumbent Mediator, ensuring coherence, continuity and complementarity in the delivery of mediation and conflict coaching services across the Organisation.
Qualifications
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background
Advanced university degree, preferably in mediation, conflict resolution, social sciences, industrial relations, human resources management, psychology, or law, or equivalent substantive work experience.
Recognised training, qualifications and registration in the field of mediation would be expected.
Professional Background
Substantive professional experience mediating workplace disputes between employers and employees and between individual employees in a company or national or international administration.
Mediation expertise in an international and multi-cultural environment including as part of a judiciary procedure is desired.
Languages
Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and a good knowledge of the other.
Knowledge of other languages would be an asset.
The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:
Problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Communications and networking skills, capacity for listening and understanding.
Sensitivity to cultural diversity and to principles of equality in the workplace.
Impeccable professional ethical record.
An established reputation for integrity and for dealing fairly and responsibly with all constituents.
Ability to handle highly sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and inspire trust.
Ability to perform their duties in full independence and in a fully unbiased manner.
Additional Information
Closing Date
This vacancy should be filled as soon as possible, and applications should reach us no later than midnight Sunday, 04 January 2026 (Paris time).
Contract Duration
Intellectual services contract with a term of two years fixed-term, with the possibility of renewal for a three-year period.
Selection Process
For retained candidates, the selection process may include a video-recorded interview, job-based assessment and panel interviews.
What we offer
Remuneration will depend on the experience of the selected candidate, for each effective day of work within the limits of 8 days per month, except in exceptional circumstances duly authorised by the Head of Human Resource Management.
The OECD welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries *, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.
The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.