Job Details

Sr. Integrity Risk Specialist – Team Lead

 Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank consists of two entities – the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). It is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. As the largest development bank in the world, the World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, and coordinates responses to regional and 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:

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

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

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

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

4. 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;

5. 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;

6. 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.

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

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

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

3. Contributing to client country capacity development in preventive and forensic techniques;

4. Participating in multilateral efforts to mitigate the risks of fraud or corruption in development activities;

5. Mining the lessons learned from investigations to deliver training and outreach programs; and

6. Strengthening the WBG’s internal controls environment.

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

1. Investigating allegations of staff misconduct involving significant fraud and corruption;

2. Investigating corporate vendors alleged to have engaged in sanctionable practices; and

3. 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,  thereby increasing 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. The team includes HQ-based and 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, raise 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. PSU identifies integrity risks as observed throughout the operations cycle and assists project teams in the preparation and implementation of high-risk projects.

The PSU Team provides specialized briefings to teams in Operations and Country Management Units (CMUs), facilitating or advising on program level anti-corruption responses to systemic integrity risks. The team, supports the assessment and response to complaints, contributes to INT’s risk analytics work program, supports the operational dialogue with WB counterparts on integrity risk mitigation, and also participates in dialogue with anti-corruption and audit authorities. PSU also contributes 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

Team Lead for the Preventive Services Unit

• The Team Lead of the Preventive Services Unit in INT (PSU TL) will be responsible for leading, supporting, and mentoring the PSU team to ensure that its work aligns with the strategic objectives of INT and the Prevention, Risk, and Knowledge Management (PRKM) unit.
• The PSU TL will play a pivotal role in enhancing the integration of PSU within the broader framework of PRKM. This will involve working closely with teams across PRKM, including the Case Development Unit (CDU), Forensic Services Unit (FSU), the INT Data Lab, and the Knowledge Management team.
• In close coordination with the PRKM Manager and the Team Leads across PRKM functions, the PSU TL will be responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy that outlines how PSU will operate as an interconnected function within PRKM. This strategy should clearly articulate the pathways for collaboration and knowledge sharing across these teams, ensuring cohesive and unified efforts in identifying and mitigating integrity risks. By fostering synergies between PSU and other units, the PSU TL will facilitate a more streamlined approach to risk management, leveraging the unique strengths and expertise of each team to enhance the overall effectiveness of the PRKM function. The PSU TL will also ensure that this integrated strategy is aligned with INT’s strategic objectives and is responsive to evolving business needs, thereby supporting the World Bank Group’s mission to detect, prevent, and deter fraud and corruption in its operations. The PSU TL’s role will be dynamic and may evolve as directed by the PRKM Manager.
• When new team members are mobilized, the PSU TL will ensure they are effectively briefed, trained, and resourced. Whenever necessary, the UTL will also ensure there is coverage for absent or departing team members to maintain continuity of operations.
• With the approval of the KPKM Manager, the PSU TL will lead team members in the development of individual work plans, based on a standard template, ensuring alignment with regional responsibilities and PSU goals. Each work plan will feature achievable targets and milestones agreed between the team member and the PSU TL. The PSU TL is expected to monitor reported progress against the targets and milestones, and, to the extent possible, assess the quality and impact of core deliverables. The PSU TL may need to help team members adjust work plans to suit context over time.
• Networking and outreach are essential elements of the work of PSU. Together, the PSU TL and PSU team members will build and share effective networks, fostering relationships with stakeholders whilst avoiding any politicized dialog. To ensure productive synergies, networking should usually be in coordination with relevant governance and anticorruption specialists in the broader World Bank Group. With inputs from the team, the PSU TL will maintain a record of regional and international contacts. The PSU TL will strongly encourage team members to contribute contact information to help build this resource list.
• To facilitate effective outreach, the PSU TL will ensure that an accurate and relevant representation of the PSU and its work is kept current on the Bank's intranet and external internet and other pertinent outlets. From time to time the PSU TL may prepare materials for broader circulation, with approval from the PRKM Manager.
• The PSU TL will ensure that the Manager, Director and other INT personnel have relevant materials to accurately highlight the work of the PSU at the global level. The PSU TL may be asked to follow up with stakeholders who are interested in collaborating with PSU.
• Meetings, training sessions and workshops are important parts of the work of PSU. The PSU TL will collaborate with the Knowledge Management team in INT to develop standard materials for meetings, training sessions, and workshops. These materials will be tailored to suit different needs and stored in designated official repositories for easy access and updates. The TL may also be requested to present INT-related materials at events.
• Given the dispersed nature of the PSU team, the PSU TL must maintain robust communication channels with all team members and other PRKM and INT colleagues. Weekly video conferences will ensure coordination and sharing of knowledge and materials. The PSU TL will also share routine and ad hoc progress reports across the team and maintain an online record for reference.
• Routine reporting is vital to the success of the PSU team. The PSU TL will ensure that the team use standardized weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress report formats, as approved by the PRKM Manager. To help underline the importance of the reports to progress monitoring, the PSU TL will explicitly detail the level of submission of routine and other reports by each team member as a key component of their staff performance reviews.
• The PSU TL will consolidate reporting inputs from the team and provide team reports to the PRKM Manager, who will use this information as input for the PRKM updates to senior management. Where the Manager is not available, and where there is an institutional need to immediately alert senior management of a serious risks/issues, the PSU TL may bring this directly to the attention of the INT Director. Similarly, PSU team members should normally report to the PSU TL, but in extraordinary circumstances may report to the Manager.
• In coordination with the PRKM Manager, the PSU TL will assist PSU team members in acquiring resources necessary for their activities (e.g. materials or consultant services). Likewise, the PSU TL will ensure that team members receive appropriate logistical support for their work. Based on experience, the PSU TL will identify and plan for recurring resource needs.
• Continued learning is important to personal growth and the effectiveness of staff. The PSU TL will encourage the team members to explore opportunities for professional development or training, arranging for backstopping if necessary.

Selection Criteria

The PSU TL must embody a range of competencies to effectively guide and support the team and is expected to demonstrate exceptional client orientation by identifying World Bank solutions that meet client needs and maintaining robust client relationships despite competing demands. They should ensure sustainable solutions are proposed based on thorough diagnoses while applying knowledge and evidence-based advice. The ability to formulate culturally sensitive development solutions, resolve differences, and negotiate with diverse client groups is essential.

A strong drive for results is necessary, where the PSU Team Lead must create conditions to achieve challenging outcomes, identify resources, and communicate the importance of these outcomes to business results. They should be adept in employing risk analysis, mitigating risk, and making high-quality decisions regarding resource allocation, setting priorities for maximum impact, and collaborating with others to enhance performance.

Teamwork, collaboration, and inclusion are pivotal. The PSU Team Lead must improve team cohesion and inclusion, actively seek diverse ideas, and ensure the team remains organized and focused under a demanding work program. They should facilitate open exchanges of ideas among team members and across teams to select beneficial solutions.

In terms of knowledge, learning, and communication, the PSU TL should excel in transferring knowledge effectively across boundaries, leading the sharing of best practices, trends, and lessons learned. They must articulate ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing, using language that resonates with a wide audience, while providing mentorship to colleagues and client groups to promote knowledge sharing across boundaries. Demonstrating the ability to influence and persuade others to embrace ideas and suggestions across the World Bank is crucial.

Moreover, the PSU TL must have an established reputation for integrity, sound judgment, fairness, and discretion. They should be sensitive to the Bank’s diverse demographics and cross-cultural contexts, building effective work relations with clients and colleagues. These competencies are essential for the PSU TL to lead the team in alignment with INT's strategic objectives and ensure the successful integration of preventive services within WB operations.

The specific selection criteria include:

1. 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.

2. At least 8 years’ experience in international development and anticorruption, preferably but not limited to the management of integrity risks in development financed activities.

3. Proven leadership and coordination skills is paramount.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Fluency in both oral and written English in required. Proficiency in one or more languages is desirable.

7. 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.

8. Sensitivity to the Bank’s diverse demographics and cross-cultural context and influences, and ability to build effective work relations with clients and colleagues.

9. Established reputation for integrity, sound judgment, fairness, and discretion.

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.

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