Investigation Officer

Investigation Officer

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 130 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Background

The Inspection Panel was created in September 1993 by the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank. It is an independent accountability mechanism for people and communities who believe they have been or will likely be adversely affected by a World Bank financed project. The Panel is an impartial fact-finding body, independent from the Management of the World Bank. It carries out independent investigations of Bank-financed projects to determine whether the Bank in compliance with its operational policies and procedures and reports related findings to the Board of Executive Directors. The Inspection Panel and the Dispute Resolution Service are the two independent entities of the Accountability Mechanism. For more information visit www.inspectionpanel.org. 

The Investigation Officer is a compliance position located within the Inspection Panel. The position will report to the Chairperson of the Inspection Panel.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence

Role and Responsibility

The Inspection Panel is seeking an Investigations Officer with a solid background in environmental issues and leadership experience in environmental programs. Ideally, candidates will also have expertise in handling social matters. The Investigations Officer will be involved in Inspection Panel case management, working on issues in relation to compliance with World Bank environmental and social safeguard policies and standards. The Investigations Officer will provide technical knowledge and experience, to assist and advise the Inspection Panel in the assessment and analysis of case material through the different phases of the Panel’s case work. The Investigations Officer will be expected to take on the role of Task Team Leader as assigned by the Chairperson of the Panel in relation to some of the Panel cases. The position involves engaging with Requesters, communities, government officials, the Board of Executive Directors and their advisors, Bank management, and various other internal stakeholders during the different stages of the Panel's work. Additionally, the Investigations Officer will contribute to preparing advisory reports and other documents generated by the Panel.

In the performance of his/her duties, the Investigations Officer will work under the guidance and supervision of the Panel’s Chairperson as well as senior staff responsible for the assignment in question.

The position will require global travel to support Panel cases and outreach programs.

Main Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the Investigation Officer, will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Conduct detailed and extensive background research and analysis to inform the Panel’s decision making during the different stages of the Panel process (registration, eligibility, investigation and verification)

• Collate and assess data and information as inputs to Panel reports

• Provide technical expertise on environmentally related issues.

• Review and fact check Panel documents and reports with a focus on environmental risks, impacts and compliance issues

• Providing advice with regards to the interpretation and application of environmental and social policies, standards and guidelines 

• Participate in field visits and site inspections

• Participate, and sometimes, lead in the drafting of Panel reports and other documents such as eligibility reports and investigation reports and verification reports

• Participate, and sometimes, lead in the preparation and organization of field visits, ensuring all logistical arrangements (travel plans, accommodations, vehicles) are in place as well as consultants, interpreters and mission Health, Safety and Security plans.

• Engage with Requesters, affected people, communities, CSOs, NGOs and other stakeholders on their issues and concerns

• Support engagements with Bank Management and the Board of Executive Directors and their advisors

• Support the management of experts and consultants retained by the Panel 

• Support outreach and inreach activities and maintain communications with stakeholders

• Contribute to and collaborate with in the creation and dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on their ability to meet all or some of the following criteria:

• An advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in environmental sciences or engineering, environmental management or environmental policy

• Experience with international development and at least 6 years’ relevant experience

• Knowledge of the World Bank Environmental and Social policies and standards or those of other Multilateral Development Banks

• Knowledge of the World Bank Group’s or equivalent Multilateral Development Bank’s organizational structure, operations, policies, practices, procedure 

• Knowledge of independent accountability mechanisms and the practical applicability of compliance work

• Operational experience in managing environmental assessment processes and in designing and implementing mitigation measures to manage risks and meet environmental and social standards and safeguard policies

• Ability to research and draft documents and the environmental and social components of technical reports

• Ability to articulate arguments in relation to technical work and provide an independent opinion to Panel members

• Experience of direct participation in projects from early development to conclusion

• Strong coordination and organization skills especially on the field with the ability to act proactively and adapt to changing circumstances. Ability to arrange and manage logistics during field missions

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders including requesters, CSOs, NGOs, environmental and social specialists and peers within the AM and the World Bank more broadly

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to communicate both verbally and in writing effectively and concisely in spoken and written English. 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines; and a high degree of initiative. 

• Demonstrated integrity and independence.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.