Ombudsperson (5772)

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 109 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

The Office of the Ombudsperson at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) provides independent, impartial, confidential, and informal conflict resolution services to resolve interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts. This function is essential in supporting the Bank’s mission by fostering a respectful working environment and providing guidance on emerging workplace management issues. Through dialogue, mediation, and other informal approaches, the Office helps address and resolve staff-related conflicts. In addition to its informal conflict resolution services, the Office administers a mediation services unit on a pilot basis and oversees the Respectful Workplace Advisors (RWA) Program, both of which are designed to enhance the AIIB’s commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and transparent workplace.

The Ombudsperson is responsible for overseeing the resolution of staff and employment conflicts at AIIB. Combining technical expertise in mediation with leadership, the Ombudsperson envisions constructive outcomes and provides strategic advice on workplace management issues. The Ombudsperson must maintain independence, confidentiality, and impartiality in handling conflicts, ensuring that the Bank’s commitment to a respectful work environment is consistently upheld.

To provide a safe, conducive and efficient platform for informal conflict resolution, the Ombudsperson is independent from other departments or officials with the freedom to impartially consider workplace conflicts. The Ombudsperson consults with relevant parties, provides advice, and offers recommendations. This role is central to fostering a productive and respectful workplace and requires a blend of technical mediation skills, impartial advisory capabilities, and strong leadership. This position will be subject to an initial 3-year appointment, renewable once. 
 

Responsibilities:

•    Conflict resolution and mediation
o    Provide impartial, confidential assistance to visitors (including Staff Members, consultants, outsourced personnel, secondees, interns etc.) in resolving workplace conflicts through informal approaches, including dialogue, mediation, and conciliation. Ensure that mediation is conducted independently and impartially, always maintaining confidentiality. 
o    Administer the mediation service, which is provided by an in-house mediator or external experts, while ensuring that the informal and impartial nature of the Office is preserved. 

o    Analyze the root causes of conflicts and provide advice on potential resolution methods, policies, and procedures. Offer recommendations to both management and to staff, with the consent of the visitors, to resolve disputes.
o    The scope of matters shall be broadly interpreted and include matters relating to terms and conditions of employment, managerial practices, professional and staff relations, the administration of benefits as well as general working environment.
•    Leadership and Vision
o    Lead the Office of the Ombudsperson by setting plans, goals, and programs that align with the Bank's mission to foster diversity, transparency, and inclusion. Guide the evolution of the Office as AIIB expands its operations, ensuring the Office’s independence and impartiality are maintained.
o    Lead the Respectful Workplace Advisors (RWA) Program, ensuring its alignment with the Bank’s ethical standards and promoting a respectful and inclusive work environment.
o    Promote healthy and constructive conflict resolution practices by advocating for staff awareness of the Office’s services and providing advice to managers on strengthening their conflict resolution capabilities.
•    Advisory and Consultation
o    Serve as an advisor to the President and senior management on emerging staff or employment issues. Provide insights on conflict trends and recommend strategies to address these concerns while anticipating future challenges.
o    Consult with relevant parties to address staff-related issues, offering guidance without decision-making authority, and ensuring the confidentiality of those seeking advice.
o    Support the Bank’s efforts to ensure a harassment-free workplace.
•    Organizational Representation
o    Represent the Bank in external forums and events, highlighting AIIB’s leadership in promoting a respectful workplace and thought leadership on diversity and inclusion within a multicultural environment.
o    Build organizational awareness of the Ombudsperson’s role, articulating the Office’s mission, standards of practice, and the services it provides to support conflict resolution.
•    Data and Trend Analysis
o    Collect, analyze, and report on conflict trends, ensuring confidentiality in data management. Access staff records as necessary to carry out the duties of the Office of the Ombudsperson, while protecting personal data privacy in accordance with relevant policies.
o    Use data from staff engagement surveys and performance assessments to identify trends and provide feedback to management on potential areas of concern or improvement.
•    Program and Office Management
o    Manage and oversee the daily operations of the Office of the Ombudsperson, including budgeting, program formulation, implementation, and monitoring. Ensure that the Office operates efficiently and is aligned with the Bank’s mission and strategic objectives.
o    Develop processes that ensure the timely and effective resolution of conflicts, while setting quality standards for mediation and service delivery that align with AIIB’s legal and ethical standards.
 

Requirements:

•    Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
•    20 years of professional experience in employment relations and conflict resolution, preferably in international civil service and/or administration of international organisations.

•    Demonstrated ability to handle discrimination, harassment, and other workplace disputes. Expertise in problem-solving, mediation, and negotiation.
•    Proven leadership in setting and guiding the vision and operations of a mediation office in alignment with corporate priorities.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively. Ability to communicate in additional languages may also be considered favourably.
•    Ability to inspire trust, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound judgment and integrity in all professional dealings. 
•    Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, with the ability to work effectively across cultural lines and maintain respect and compassion for individuals.
 

AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency, and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation.

Join in AIIB’s mission to promote sustainable infrastructure investments and to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond.

Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.