Job Details

Inspection Panel Member

 Description

The World Bank is inviting applications for an opening on its Inspection Panel. The Inspection Panel consists of three members of different nationalities within the Bank’s membership and reports to the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.  Members of the Inspection Panel must have a deep understanding of development issues and a track record of involvement in the complexity of development projects financed by multilateral development banks, impeccable personal and professional integrity, sound judgment and intellectual rigor, a strong record of leadership and teamwork, and must be able to communicate effectively and command trust across a broad and diverse range of stakeholders.

 In the selection process, due regard will be given to the benefit of continued balance of regional representation from the Bank’s member countries and the expertise each Panel Member brings to the Inspection Panel. The Chairperson of the Panel works on a full-time basis at Bank Headquarters and other Members of the Panel work on a part-time basis or on a full-time basis as the Panel’s workload requires. The Inspection Panel members elect the Chairperson from amongst the Panel members.

 Overview about the World Bank Group

 The World Bank Group consists of five institutions that specialize in different aspects of development: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The World Bank Group is one of the world's largest sources of development assistance and knowledge for developing countries.

 In pursuit of the World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty on a livable planet, the Bank works in more than 100 developing economies to supporting government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector in pursuit of our members’ development agendas. A network of offices worldwide delivers the Bank's programs in countries, liaises with government and civil society, and works to increase understanding of development issues. The World Bank is owned by 189 member countries whose views and interests are represented by a Board of Governors and a Washington, DC-based Board of Executive Directors.

 For additional information, please visit http://www.worldbank.org

 The Role of the Inspection Panel

 The Inspection Panel is an independent complaints mechanism, the first of its kind, which was set up in 1993, for people and communities who believe that they have been, or are likely to be, adversely affected by a project financed by either IBRD or IDA (together, the Bank).

 On September 8, 2020, the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved measures to enhance the internal accountability system by establishing a revised independent Accountability Mechanism (‘AM’) housing both the dispute resolution and compliance functions, while preserving the Inspection Panel Members’ independence. The importance of the Inspection Panel function and its independence and integrity are highlighted in the Resolutions (IBRD 2020-0004/IDA2020-0003) which were Board approved. Further information on the role of the Accountability Mechanism, including the Inspection Panel and Dispute Resolution Service, is available on the Accountability Mechanism/Inspection Panel web sites https://accountability.worldbank.org/en/home and www.inspectionpanel.org.

 Position Summary and Responsibilities

 Inspection Panel Members participate in actions and decision-making processes including among other things:  independently assessing whether the criteria for an Inspection have been met; recommending  to the Board of Executive Directors whether a request should be investigated; conducting an independent investigation of whether the Bank has complied with its operational policies and procedures;  engaging in research, and preparing and providing the Panel’s findings, independent assessment and conclusions to the Board. Duties also include field visits, outreach activities, representing the Panel at international conferences and forums as relevant to the Panel’s work and responsibilities as well as the preparation of Advisory Reports.  On matters related to the Bank's rights and obligations with respect to the Request under consideration, the Panel seeks the advice of the Bank's Legal Vice Presidency.

Selection Criteria

* Minimum of 15 years of significant and relevant practical experience and an educational background in economic, legal, social, environmental, or other development-related field. Special emphasis will be given to those candidates with relevant experience in leading and managing complex environmental and social issues.

* Ability to work both strategically and operationally with the ability to produce accurate high-quality work under pressure and engage constructively and diplomatically with a range of stakeholders on matters of political sensitivity.

* Outstanding credentials in his or her individual field of expertise, demonstrated sound judgment and strong analytic skills.

* Proven ability to deal thoroughly, impartially, and fairly with requests and complaints across a broad range of stakeholders.

* Demonstrated integrity and ability to remain independent from World Bank Management and from undue influence from Board members and other stakeholders, in the exercise of his or her duties.

* Experience with development issues and living conditions in developing countries as well as ability to engage and build rapport and trust with stakeholders around various complex environmental and social impacts and development issues.

* Hands-on experience working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams, both as a team leader and member, with demonstrated flexibility to adapt to a shifting workload.

* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to interact effectively with the Accountability Mechanism Secretary, civil society and local communities, governments, other international organizations, as well as Bank Management.

* Knowledge of and experience relating to the operations of the World Bank or similar institutions.

* Ability and willingness to travel to Bank member countries, including rural areas.

* Demonstrated commitment to the World Bank Group core values , and a proven track record of fostering a strong and healthy culture of diversity, inclusion, teamwork, honesty, trust, openness, integrity, and accountability.

Conditions of Appointment:

The following conditions are specific to this position:

* The term of Appointment for a Panel member is 5 years.

* No one who has worked in the World Bank Group in any capacity may be considered for a position on the Panel until two years have elapsed since the end of their service in the World Bank Group.

* Members of the Inspection Panel have a special responsibility to avoid situations and activities that might lead to real or apparent conflicts of interest. In addition, they may not be employed by the World Bank Group following the end of their service on the Panel.