Inspection Panel Member

SRI Executive Search has been retained by The World Bank to assist with their search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Inspection Panel Member.

About The World Bank

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 and boost shared prosperity 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

Role Purpose

The World Bank is inviting applications for an opening on its Inspection Panel. 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. The Inspection Panel reports to the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors.

The Inspection Panel consists of three members of different nationalities within the Bank’s membership. In the selection process, due regard is paid to the benefit of continued balance of representation from the Bank’s member countries. 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.

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) the 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 site www.inspectionpanel.org

Duties and Responsibilities

Inspection Panel members and the Chairperson coordinate but are not subject to the supervision of the Accountability Mechanism Secretary as the head of the World Bank Accountability Mechanism. Inspection Panel Members participate in actions and decision-making of the Panel in processing Requests for Inspection, including among other things: to independently assess whether the criteria for an Inspection have been met; to recommend to the Board of Executive Directors whether a request should be investigated; if the Board approves a recommendation to investigate, to engage in research, fact-finding and to conduct an independent investigation of whether the Bank has complied with its operational policies and procedures; and to prepare and provide the Panel’s findings, independent assessment and conclusions to the Board. On matters related to the Bank’s rights and obligations with respect to the Request under consideration, the Panel shall seek the advice of the Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency. Duties will also include field visits and outreach activities, as relevant to the Panel’s work and responsibilities. Duties will 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.

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 with special emphasis given to those with a strong background in leading and managing complex social and socio-environmental issues and impact of large projects with focus on resettlement, economic displacement, indigenous people and rights, land rights, cultural rights.
• 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 across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to remain independent from 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 and 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 shifting workload.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively and to interact effectively with 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 Core Values for WBG 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.
• Members of the Panel are expected to work on a part-time basis or on a full-time basis when their workload justifies such an arrangement.
• Although some of the duties may have to be performed at the Bank’s headquarters, given the nature of the appointment it is not required to reside in Washington, DC area, unless and until the appointment becomes full time.

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.