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Hello, I’m Shireen Dodson, United Nations Ombudsman
My team of conflict-resolution experts and I are committed to improving the way all United Nations employees work together. We offer you a safe place to discuss any workplace concerns and explore possible options to address them.
We are ready to listen to you!
Our first step is to listen to you to understand your specific, work-related concerns and help you review options. Depending on your preference, we may then offer individual conflict-coaching sessions. Alternatively, we could also offer to facilitate difficult conversations, conduct mediations, or tailor group interventions to address conflicts within teams. We are here to support you with the option(s) you choose.
Do you need assistance to speak with your manager? Are you expecting to have a difficult conversation with a colleague? Is your team suffering from an open or hidden conflict? Do you have a question about benefits or the application of a policy, but don’t know whom to ask? We can help you with any type of work-related conflict or concern, big or small. Early intervention can help prevent the situation from escalating. We can support you even if you have already filed a formal complaint.
If you are a current or former employee of the United Nations Secretariat, regardless of your type of contract or duty station, you can reach out to us. Our regional offices located around the globe can provide you with services at any time in the six UN official languages. You can contact us at any time using this email address unoms@un.org. Reach out to us today, and we will respond to you within two business days.
Dignity is inherent to each person as affirmed in the Charter of the United Nations. Feeling that our dignity has been undermined is not only hurtful, it also often leads to conflicts. A harmonious workplace requires acknowledging the importance of dignity in our interactions. As part of our campaign for the promotion of dignity for all, we facilitate workshops and cafés on dignity and civility. Adherence to the principle of dignity in the workplace emphasizes what we have in common in addition to acknowledging and celebrating our differences.
Interested in learning how to communicate effectively and collaboratively? Here are some tips to help you manage common, yet typically challenging situations such as drafting a delicate or sensitive email, preparing for a difficult conversation, providing constructive feedback to your manager or to a colleague, and apologizing for actions or words that hurt others. We also offer information sessions and skill-building activities for conflict resolution.
Still haven’t found the answer to your questions? Maybe our frequently asked questions, or samples of issues brought to us by visitors would help you. Any current or former United Nations employee can contact us and ask us questions: all exchanges are kept confidential. We are available to listen and help you gain perspective, review options and decide what you want to do next.