Managing Employment Disputes Effectively in International Organizations
Image © Alice Lotti
Managing Employment Disputes Effectively in International Organizations
11–13 May 2026
The course is available in English
Introduction to the course
International organizations are required to provide their staff with fair employment conditions and effective mechanisms for resolving workplace disputes. This obligation stems not only from the immunities they enjoy, but also from their commitment to upholding high standards of integrity, accountability and professionalism, and to fostering a respectful and enabling workplace capable of attracting and retaining a talented and diverse workforce. While there is no magic formula for employment dispute resolution in international organizations, there are well-established principles and practices that support effective conflict prevention, sound decision-making and credible review processes. This workshop offers a focused and practice-oriented exploration of these standards, equipping participants to critically assess and strengthen both their individual capacity and their institutional frameworks, while enhancing the overall fairness, coherence and effectiveness of their organizations' dispute management systems.
Who attends this course?
This workshop is designed for professionals involved in employment relations and dispute resolution within international organizations, including HR professionals, legal advisers and counsel, members of internal review or appeals bodies, managers and decision-makers, and professionals involved in investigations and disciplinary processes.
What topics will this course cover?
The workshop is structured around three core themes, with each day dedicated to a key dimension of managing employment disputes effectively in international organizations.
Day 1 – Making informal resolution count
Exploring how informal mechanisms can prevent escalation, resolve conflict early and foster a respectful workplace culture.
Day 2 – Getting decisions right – and reviewing them well
Strengthening administrative decision-making and internal review processes to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency with applicable legal frameworks.
Day 3 – Addressing staff conduct issues
Designing and implementing sound approaches to prevention, investigation and disciplinary action, grounded in due process and proportionality.
Together, these three pillars provide participants with a comprehensive and practical framework for preventing, managing and resolving employment disputes within international organizations.
What will you learn?
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Identify and apply the core principles that underpin effective conflict prevention and dispute
- Integrate best practices into decision-making and day-to-day management of employment disputes in international organizations
- Assess and strengthen internal processes, policies and institutional frameworks to promote trust, fairness and consistency
Language
The entire training program will be conducted in English. Therefore, a good command of this language is required.
Registration
To apply, please click on the "Apply now" button and fill out the online form.
Attendance is limited to 30 participants.
Registration will be confirmed on a first-come-first-served basis, upon receipt of the completed online application form and a sponsorship letter from the employing organization, covering the course fees.
Participants must notify the Centre at least 14 days before the course start date if they wish to withdraw. Please consult the ITCILO Payment and Cancellation Policy for detailed information.
Accommodation and transportation
The course fee includes full board accommodation at the ITCILO campus, routine medical care, medical insurance, and internet access. Travel costs to and from the course venue, passport and visa fees, and airport taxes are not included.
A free shuttle service Geneva-Turin will be available for interested participants. The shuttle
will leave Geneva on Sunday 10 May afternoon and return on Wednesday 13 May in the evening.
Start learning about this topic
Begin your journey in resolving employment disputes in international organizations by exploring the recommended publication "Best practices in resolving employment disputes in international organizations"
To gain a broader understanding of the frameworks and policies that guide labour relations, social dialogue, and governance in international organizations, explore the work of the ILO GOVLAB Branch: Social Dialogue, Labour Relations, and Governance – ILO GOVLAB
Extend your skills
Explore all ITCILO Social Dialogue courses:
#Employment disputes #International organizations #Conflict prevention #Dispute resolution #Administrative decision-making #Alternative dispute resolution #Internal appeal mechanisms #Conflict management #Best practices
