DNDi's Ombudsperson

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world's poorest people.

Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients' needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.

Since our inception, DNDi has delivered 13 new treatments for people with Sleeping Sickness, Visceral Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, Hepatitis C, and Malaria that have saved millions of lives. We aim to deliver a total of 25 new treatments by 2028 - addressing R&D gaps for neglected tropical diseases and viral infections, including new pandemic-prone diseases (such as COVID-19) and climate-sensitive diseases (such as Dengue) with a focus on the needs of patients in low- and middle-income countries.

With more than 240 employees of 30+ nationalities located in nine offices on four continents, DNDi is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential parts of our culture and key drivers of our success. We encourage candidates of diverse profiles and backgrounds to apply.

• The consultant will work remotely and can be based anywhere.
• Status Consultancy (6 hours per month)
• Any increase in the number of hours of services and/or duration of the services is possible but must be agreed upon in writing by both Parties.

The Ombudsperson is an independent, neutral, impartial and external person appointed by DNDi, whose role is to contribute to the creation of a respectful and harmonious workplace environment, by facilitating good communications, understanding and trust within the organization and with outside persons. The Ombudsperson acts with neutrality and does not represent the interests of any individual members of management or staff, but is available to DNDi for managing and/or resolving any disputes or situations regarding allegations of misconduct.

The Ombudsperson offers various forms of support for handling disputes, providing an opportunity to all persons concerned to act responsibly, taking into consideration their interests and concerns. These forms of support can include facilitation of dialogue, using mediation and coaching techniques. The Ombudsperson may also involve an additional person (e.g., for language or cultural support) as they may deem appropriate in any case.

The Ombudsperson is independent from management and governance and reports to DNDi's Board of Directors, although their performance is overseen and administered by the Director of Human Resources and Organisation. The Ombudsperson shall present a written report at least once a year to the Board. The Ombudsperson shall deal with all issues brought to their attention under rules of confidentiality.

The services of the Ombudsperson consist of accompanying any staff members involved in a dispute that is related to a workplace issue, including any allegations of Sexual Misconduct, by listening, helping to understand observed behaviours, and working collaboratively on options that may help the individuals concerned and the organisation to learn from any incidents in a positive manner, facilitating dialogue, the exchange of perceptions or mediating between the persons involved in any dispute or allegations of misconduct or Sexual Misconduct if the Complainant and Reportee consent to the Ombudsperson's involvement. The Ombudsperson will help to explore possible options and mutually acceptable outcomes during the reporting process and provide support without violating any identities or information received in confidence.

The Ombudsperson may not disclose any information received under confidentiality to any member of staff, regardless of their position (e.g., Board member or manager) without the disclosing person's prior consent, unless there exists an imminent risk of serious harm or the commission of a crime. In such cases, the Ombudsperson may report such behaviour (although not its source, unless absolutely necessary) to the relevant authorities.

The Consultant is part of an integrated staff health and wellbeing model and will hold the following responsibilities:

• Serve as Ombudsperson to DNDi;
• Mediate in conflict situations as requested;
• Guide staff to the appropriate wellbeing related channels that the organization provides including the Employee Assistance Program (EAP); HR, Management, Integrity Line;
• Maintain suitable records of complaints, findings and recommendations;
• Liaise and support the work of the Director of Human Resources and Organisation and the HR Health & Wellbeing Specialist;
• Support Leadership in governance actions as needed;
• Work in tandem with another Ombudsperson and be part of the "DNDi Ombudsteam".

Main deliverables
In order for DNDi to assess the progress of the services, the Consultant shall provide an update on a regular basis as well as a yearly report to DNDi's Board of Directors.

• Report to DNDi's Board of Directors.
• Their performance is overseen and administered by the Director of Human Resources and Organisation.
• Liaise and support the work of the Director of Human Resources and Organisation and the HR Health & Wellbeing Specialist;
• Support Leadership in governance actions as needed;
• Work in tandem with another Ombudsperson and be part of the "DNDi Ombudsteam".

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least five years at the international level in dispute resolution, human resources management, law, or related field is required;
• Experience providing informal conflict resolution services in the workplace;
• Experience working in an international organisation setting.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in social sciences, public administration, dispute resolution, human resources, law or related fields, management, counselling or other related area is required.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree in the specified fields of studies.
• Formal training in mediation and/or other informal conflict resolution disciplines.

Professionalism

• Demonstrates ability to outline options on how to navigate the handling of a broad range of work-related concerns;
• Shows knowledge of third-party neutral conflict resolution and mediation principles;
• Demonstrates ability to create a safe and confidential environment;
• Demonstrates excellent listening skills, and the ability to establish empathy, respect and the highest level of integrity, discretion, professionalism, neutrality and confidentiality;
• Is able to negotiate difficult situations taking into account the interests of all sides;
• Clearly understands the nature of conflicts and methods of resolution;
• Demonstrates the ability to establish working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensibility and respect for diversity.

Communication

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively.
• Communicates effectively with individuals at all levels.

Judgement/decision making

• Demonstrates excellent problem solving and analytical skills. Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly.
• Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information.
• Fluency in English and French;
• Fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, and other languages desirable;
• Excellent writing skills.

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form.
• Deadline for application accepting applications until 21 April 2025.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristics.
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