Job Details

Senior Integrity Risk Specialist

 Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.  Visit www.worldbank.org.

Integrity Vice Presidency 

The Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) is one of the corporate functions of the WBG and contributes to the WBG’s overall mission in alleviating poverty and achieving shared and sustainable prosperity in client countries. INT detects, deters, and prevents fraud and corruption in WBG’s operations to ensure that those resources are deployed effectively to benefit the intended recipients. In contributing to the WBG’s overall mission and its anti-corruption efforts, INT provides accountability in the use of WBG financial resources and works closely with other stakeholders across the WBG to:

1. Detect, prevent, and deter fraud and corruption in WBG-supported projects and activities by:

a) Professionally investigating allegations of fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, or obstruction (the five WBG-sanctionable practices) in WBG-funded activities;

b) Seeking WBG sanctions against firms and individuals that have engaged in sanctionable practice(s);

c) Using information available to INT to contribute to the operational design and implementation of projects that reduce fraud and corruption risks;

d) Working with operational colleagues and other oversight and control units to help prevent fraud and corruption in operations by distilling lessons learned from investigative findings, developing effective risk identification and management tools, preparing remedial recommendations at the project and institutional level to address integrity risks and issues identified through investigations, and by ensuring timely disclosure to the Board of risks identified through ongoing or recently completed investigations that are of relevance to new operations presented to the Board for approval;

e) Conducting detailed fiduciary reviews of Bank-financed projects in collaboration with WBG operations using forensic methodology in order to detect indicators of fraud or corruption and address fraud and corruption risks as early as possible for effective project outcomes;

f) Working with sanctioned entities through INT’s integrity compliance office in supporting and monitoring their efforts to put in place appropriate integrity compliance programs in order to raise their integrity standards and reduce risks associated with their operations following their release from sanction.

2. Assist Client Countries in their fight against fraud and corruption by:

a) Referring investigative findings to the investigative and enforcement authorities in Client Countries and working with authorities, as requested, to follow-up and take action;

b) Supporting Client Country counterparts with their preventive and integrity risk mitigation efforts at project and policy levels;

c) Contributing to client country capacity development in preventive and forensic techniques;

d) participating in multilateral efforts to mitigate the risks of fraud or corruption in development activities;

e) Mining the lessons learned from investigations to deliver training and outreach programs; and 

f) Strengthening the WBG’s internal controls environment.

3. Enforce the highest standards of professional integrity, and ethical behavior among WBG staff and corporate vendors by:

a) Investigating allegations of staff misconduct involving significant fraud and corruption;

b) Investigating corporate vendors alleged to have engaged in sanctionable practices; and 

c) Mining lessons learned from those investigations to undertake training and outreach programs and strengthen the WBG’s internal controls environment.

Reducing fraud and corruption in WBG projects helps to ensure that WBG funds are used for their intended purposes: to alleviate poverty and to increase prosperity and stability in our client countries. Working with partners in international development institutions, INT’s principal goal is to measurably minimize the loss of development assistance funds to fraud and corruption and increase the effectiveness of the WBG’s development work. To ensure its independence, INT’s Vice President (VP) reports directly to the President of the WBG.

The Preventive Services Unit (PSU) is a non-investigative unit in INT that facilitates integration of INT work and its findings in preventing integrity risks in World Bank operations and contributes to WB country and operational dialogue with WB clients and their agencies on integrity risk prevention. PSU also assists in efforts to build WB and client capacity to identify integrity risks and proactively mitigate them. Senior Integrity Risk Specialists in PSU are field-based staff who monitor the World Bank’s portfolio of proposed and active projects for potential integrity risks associated with INT cases and complaints, raises integrity concern flags where appropriate, recommend mitigation measures to project teams, and, on request, advise on adjustments to integrity risk prevention throughout the operational cycle.  PSU provides fraud and corruption risk assessment and mitigation advice in the context of INT complaints and cases and identifies integrity risks as observed throughout the operations cycle and assists project teams in the preparation and implementation of high-risk projects. 

Senior Integrity Risk Specialists in PSU also work in synergy with PSU’s Risk Focal Points in WB Headquarters (HQ) to provide specialized briefings to teams in Operations and Country Management Units (CMUs), facilitate or advise on program level anti-corruption responses to systemic integrity risks, support the assessment and response to complaints, contribute to INT’s risk analytics work program, support the operational dialogue with WB counterparts on integrity risk mitigation, participate in dialogue with anti-corruption and audit authorities. They also contribute to capacity building with other financiers and authorities, and to the development of knowledge products and to outreach, such as through knowledge exchange and training, with internal and external stakeholders. 

Duties and Accountabilities

Field-based Preventive Support to WB Operations

Serve as PSU’s field-based Senior Integrity Risk Specialist for the Region:

• Review project risks based on ongoing or completed investigations, as a follow-up to complaints, or at the request of Task Teams to interpret signs of risk and provide risk mitigation advice; assign integrity concern flags where appropriate.
• Provide insights on portfolio level risks at briefings for the World Bank’s Country- and Sector-level management, and advise, as requested, on regional, country, or sectoral level operational approaches to mitigate identified risks.
• Provide support to the Bank’s operational (lending) units through sustained preventive engagements, as agreed with the Manager-Prevention, Risk and Knowledge Management (PRKM Manager) on high-risk portfolios or in response to requests from other parts of the WB. 
• As appropriate, provide inputs to operational staff on project and program design, focusing on plans for the mitigation of fraud and corruption risks. Advise on how to assess the effectiveness of such measures. 
• For selected operations, deemed strategically important by INT Management, join project-related activities, such as supervision missions. Where it may have a positive, preventive outcome, join project launch or other events to stress the importance of the prevention agenda.
• Follow-up on complaints and investigations where appropriate to assist Task Teams with risk mitigation. 
• Provide inputs to PSU’s Risk Focal Points as well as investigations Managers and team leads on the relevance and prioritization of specific complaints.
• Conduct dialogue with regional counterparts, WB clients, and anti-corruption authorities on preventive approaches to curb fraud and corruption risks within WB-financed operations, operationalize the WB anticorruption guidelines, and capacity building to support agreed preventive actions to address risks identified in completed investigations and documented in Final Investigative Reports (FIRs).
• Provide Region-specific and Country-specific inputs and examples to staff preparing PSU products related to the broader risks introduced by (a) law, justice, or institutional risks, (b) Fragile, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) situations, (c) Smal States, and/or (d) Climate Financing (including Blue/Green Planet) in the context of INT cases and complaints to further identify potential risks and how these affect WB operations and provide applicable risk mitigation advice, including:
• Contributing these insights to the Risk Focal Point for the Region as part of the preparation of background documents for INT’s Quarterly Regional briefings and in response to requests from WB units. Develop and implement outreach strategies to enhance cooperation with internal and external stakeholders in these areas, including mechanisms to monitor and report on progress. 
• Advising in-country dialogue on these risk topics with regional counterparts, WB clients, and anti-corruption authorities on preventive approaches to curb fraud and corruption risks within WB-financed operations, operationalization of the WB anticorruption guidelines, and capacity building to support agreed preventive actions to address risks identified in completed investigations and documented in FIRs.
• With approval from, and supervision of the PSU Team Lead and PRKM Manager, establishing closer ties and collaboration with local and international anti-corruption agencies as well as enhanced cooperation on prevention with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), Bilateral agencies, UN agencies, and other International Financing Institutions (IFIs) and advising on how to leverage these partnerships for more effective identification and management of integrity risks.

Provide similar inputs as requested on other thematic or programmatic aspects of the work of the WB as requested by the PRKM Manager.
Much of the above work will be done with the Risk Focal Point for the Region, and in close collaboration with the Case Development Unit (CDU), Investigative teams, and other units in INT as appropriate.  Dialogue and coordination with WB units outside of INT will also be expected, and when appropriate within the context of a preventive engagement, including with the fiduciary global practices in Bank Operations, the WB’s Legal Department, and the Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) unit. The Regional focus described in these Terms of Reference may change over time in line with evolving business needs.

Risk Analytics and Knowledge 
In furtherance of the objectives outline above, you will be expected to contribute to the development and delivery of advisory and knowledge products for a variety of audiences. This work may include, inter alia:

• Preparing Portfolio Integrity Risk reviews and/or country-based integrity risk reviews based on INT. information (Case Management System, Final Investigative Reports) and other sources to identify trends and sectoral risks in different contexts. Assess these data using intelligence gleamed from personal observation and information from Bank staff and others at the Regional and Country levels to obtain a holistic understanding of the content, risks, and opportunities for risk mitigation. Reporting back to the Risk Focal Point for the Region, the PSU Team Lead, and PRKM Manager on these insights through the approved reporting mechanism.
• Working closely with INT’s knowledge products officer and with others as needed, gather, analyze, distill, and disseminate insights and lessons learned emanating from INT's investigations for a range of audiences. Lead and/or contribute to stand-alone advisory and knowledge products for a variety of audiences.
• Contributing to working groups and institutional efforts to identify and recommend enhancements to WB internal controls and operational framework affecting operational and corporate risks.
• Working with other PSU staff, investigators, auditors, and data scientists, contribute subject matter expertise to INTs’ Risk Analytics Work Program (providing for example knowledge of integrity risks in procurement, project implementation risks, knowledge of corruption vulnerabilities and risk mitigation in specific sectors).
• Leading selected risk analytic activities based on expertise, working closely with INT colleagues with expertise in prevention, data science, forensic audit, and investigations. 
• Provide inputs to team discussions on INT strategy updates, data systems modernization efforts and business process changes.
• Provide regular and timely inputs on integrity risk for internal reports, FIRs, and for the tracking of INT’s key performance indicators (KPI) on preventive activities and other reporting deliverables as requested by INT management, corporate units in HQ, and other Bank management.
Training, Outreach, and capacity building

Lead and help conduct virtual and in-person training/workshops, for example:

• Lead significant engagements as part of preventive support connected to high-risk operations or portfolios, especially on preventive work of WB country programs and clients to adjust to the unique challenges of fragile and conflict-affected states.
• Contribute to and/or coordinate the design and delivery of training workshops. These might take several forms including those requested by CMUs, the sectoral or operational dialogue with WB clients and partner financiers, and Global Practices for Bank staff and Project Implementing Units (PIUs). Most activities will involve working together with other colleagues in INT, other parts of the WB, client oversight agencies, and integrity arms of partner financiers.
• Play a lead role along with other PSU staff in the delivery of corporate learning programs and assist in HR onboarding clinics to familiarize new staff with the role of INT in the Bank’s fiduciary framework, and how the WB addresses and responds to integrity risks in operations.

Aspects of the above work will be executed in close collaboration with CDU, Investigative, Forensics teams, and other units in INT.  In synergy with the PSU staff in HQ, particularly the Risk Focal Point for the Region, this work will also include contributions to in-country dialogue in coordination with WB units outside of INT.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree and training in a field closely related to international development (e.g., public policy, governance, political science, or public administration), or equivalent relevant experience in development program design and implementation.
• At least 8 years’ experience in international development and anticorruption, preferably but not limited to the management of integrity risks in development financed activities. 
• Relevant experience with and understanding of the design, implementation, and supervision of development operations, preferably in more than one Region. Expertise and operational experience in WB risk frameworks, financial management or procurement are strong assets. If limited or no WB-related experience, significant relevant experience with risk mitigation in development financing activities would be important and connecting policy level guidelines with development programs at the project or program level that would facilitate the operationalizations of such guidelines. Applicants with a mix of experience in risk management, prevention, the rollout of corporate level guidelines to operational front lines, and investigations would be considered.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written are required. A proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare and present findings and recommendations at senior levels and to produce compelling briefs and reports. Demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy on sensitive issues with staff and managers at all levels.
• Fluency in both oral and written English in required. Proficiency in French and/or Arabic is highly desirable. 
• Proven conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills, with quantitative and qualitative data and the ability to effectively use data.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team/task force as a participant or team leader and with senior officials internally and externally. 
• Sensitivity to the Bank’s diverse demographics and cross-cultural context and influences, and ability to build effective work relations with clients and colleagues. 
• Established reputation for integrity, sound judgment, fairness, and discretion.

Competencies

• Client Orientation:  Identifies WB solutions to meet client's needs and goals. Considers the changing environment and sometimes competing client demands in the forefront of all work activities. Maintains client relationships in the face of conflicting demands or directions and proposes sustainable solutions based on good diagnosis; applies best knowledge and evidence-based advice. Seeks resources and skills to meet challenging and unexpected client needs. Formulates effective development solutions that are sensitive to cultural values and beliefs of varied client groups and can resolve differences, negotiate, and bring client to closure in a culturally sensitive manner. Delivers new insight and recommends actions or viable solutions for multiple client groups and future needs related to goals and Department-wide results. 

• Drive for Results:  Creates conditions to achieve challenging results. Identifies the needed resources to accomplish results involving multiple stakeholders and communicates the importance to business outcomes. Finds solutions to obstacles affecting key deliverables.

• Actively employs risk analysis and mitigates risk, making high-quality decisions on resource allocation and setting priorities for highest impact. Collaborates with others to make needed adjustments to work methods or systems to improve performance.  Teamwork (Collaboration) and Inclusion:  Seeks to improve team collaboration and inclusion.

• Reaches out to contribute to the work of others in the department and beyond. Addresses challenges to effective teamwork contributing to the team staying organized and focused on work, even under stress. Shows leadership in ensuring the team actively seeks and considers diverse ideas and approaches. Directs and identifies the collaboration needed across boundaries, internally and externally to have lasting impact. Keeps teams fully informed to ensure integration and work consistency. Facilitates an open exchange of ideas among team members and across teams to select beneficial solutions among alternatives. 

• Knowledge, Learning and Communication:  Transfers knowledge and communicates effectively across boundaries. Leads in the sharing of best practice, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners. Leads in designing thematic activities and knowledge-sharing forums and encourages others to participate. Articulates ideas, verbally and in writing, using appropriate language that is understandable and easily appreciated by a target audience that spans several client groups or departments. Provides a forum to mentor, guide and influence colleagues and or client groups to share knowledge across boundaries. Applies expertise and experience to proactively innovate and challenge the status quo. Demonstrates the ability to influence and persuade others to accept ideas and suggestions Bank-wide. 

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

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