Environmental & Social Dispute Resolution Specialist

Purpose of Job

The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) is the EBRD’s Accountability Mechanism. IPAM independently reviews environmental, social, and public disclosure-related complaints raised by project-affected people and civil society organisations concerning Bank projects. IPAM is an independent function, governed outside the Bank’s investment operations, reporting directly to the EBRD Board of Directors via the Audit and Risk Committee. The Project Accountability Policy (2019) established mandate, structure and operation of IPAM.

Within this context, the Associate Director, Problem Solving works in close coordination with the Chief Accountability Officer (CAO), leading the Problem Solving function, which is responsible for seeking resolution of concerns raised through alternative dispute-resolution processes.

Key to the role is engaging with relevant case stakeholders, identifying interest of Parties and possible solutions, designing effective dispute resolution processes, promoting constructive engagement, and identifying levers to reach agreements and monitor their completion, all within the framework of the Project Accountability Policy.  The Associate Director, in the absence of the CAO and the Director.

Managing a small team, the Associate Director is expected to be a very hands-on individual that ensures the robust and timely implementation of all cases and work closely with other members of the IPAM team to ensure deliverables meet the IPAM case management standards and the methodological process established in the policy and on any internal guidance developed.  

Providing substantive Problem Solving products to feed into IPAM’s institutional learning work is another important part of the role and the Associate Director will actively identify trends and systemic issues and work in collaboration with the IPAM Outreach and Institutional Learning Team to provide content and support delivery.

The role requires approximately 40% travel to our countries of operation.

Background

The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism office was established in July 2020 and its mandate, functions and process are provided by the Project Accountability Policy approved by the EBRD Board in April 2019, under the principles of independence, impartiality, transparency, predictability, equitability and accessibility. 

The Mechanism works to mediate disputes between project stakeholders in highly sensitive contexts; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy and Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to recommend both Project-specific and institutional-level changes to address non-compliance with these policies.  IPAM has two additional functions: to conduct outreach among internal and external stakeholders, in order to ensure that IPAM’s purpose, functions and activities are known and understood; and to promote institutional learning and integrate management action plan commitments across EBRD projects, sharing lessons learned and offering guidance to Bank management based on the insights, experiences and evidence emerging from its casework.

IPAM is managed by the Chief Accountability Officer who is responsible for the executive leadership, strategic direction, complaint management, operational/administrative management, stakeholder outreach, staff training and internal coordination with other areas of the Bank.   IPAM is independent from EBRD Management and reports directly to the Board of Directors via the Audit Committee. 

As established in the Project Accountability Policy, Problem Solving and Compliance Review are the two complementary, non-judicial functions that IPAM has within its mandate to address the environmental, social and disclosure concerns of communities and civil society organisations regarding projects with EBRD financing. Additionally, IPAM also has a mandate to: (a) identify institutional learnings that distinguish common challenges, provide constructive recommendations, and promote a culture of continuous learning at EBRD and, (b) conduct outreach among internal and external stakeholders, in order to ensure that IPAM’s purpose, functions and activities are known and understood.

IPAM is based on an in-house expertise model that requires its staff to possess the necessary skills and competencies to undertake casework at the standards set by the Project Accountability Policy. This work can be supported by external technical experts in an ad-hoc fashion to provide specific inputs in areas where the team lacks expertise or where continuous engagement is required to generate successful outcomes.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Under limited direction of the Managing Director, Chief Accountability Officer, the Associate Director, Problem Solving is responsible for the Problem-Solving and Monitoring stages of the IPAM case management  process and has a combination of function specific, and general administrative-coordination functions including:

• Leading, implementing and coordinating problem solving initiatives, including function-related team members and consultants, supervising their work, and ensuring timely and robust delivery.
• Engaging with Management, Clients and Requesters to identify interests and potential solutions to concerns raised.
• Designing Problem Solving processes that are fit for purpose and ensuring their robust, timely and solid processing.
• Daily management of the staff dedicated to registration and assessment to ensure compliance with case methodology and IPAM standards.
• Drives the establishment of methodologies, guidelines and procedures for the Problem-Solving stages of IPAM in line with best practices and ensures compliance with the Project Accountability Policy..
• Consulting with the CAO on cases to maintain alignment with IPAM strategic vision and priorities.
• Ensuring that the IPAM standards for accessibility, timeliness, transparency, and predictability guide the process.
• Undertaking missions to project sites as needed, including areas with hazardous working conditions.
• Ensuring quality and robustness of high-quality public Reports within the scope of their functions, which can withstand high levels of internal and external scrutiny.
• Engaging frequently with other IPAM colleagues to ensure case management consistency and robustness.

 Outreach and Advisory

• Participates in and supports Outreach efforts as required by the CAO.
• Collaborates with the Outreach and Learning Team to ensure that programmatic goals of these two mandates are achieved in a robust, consistent and impactful way.
• Proposes relevant content for outreach materials and provides case updates to ensure website and other transparency vehicles reflect progress made.
• Leads on the generation of institutional learnings resulting from the problem solving function and proposes outlets and strategies to devolve learning to relevant Bank staff in line with the Institutional Learning Strategy.
• Liaises with relevant internal and external stakeholder groups, including complainants, civil society organisations, international development organisations, independent accountability mechanisms, and other relevant offices.
• Liaises with the other international organisations to promote knowledge sharing.

Other

• Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff in the function including recruitment, talent and performance management, coaching and development.
• Champions and role models the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times
• Supports the CAO in ensuring delivery of IPAM administrative activities, including but not limited to financial and people matters, the development and preparation of internal administrative procedures.
• Is a member of the Risk Assessment IPAM Coordinating Team and ensures cascading of decisions regarding safety and retaliation mitigation measures.
• Contributes to the ongoing development of professional practices within IPAM, proposing training activities and sharing knowledge as needed.
• Contributes to continuous improvement and actively engages and actively undertakes continuous learning.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in a related field (i.e conflict resolution, human rights, social or environmental sciences, sustainability, or international development) or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience interacting effectively and constructively with diverse and polarized stakeholders in the context of a grievance.
• Understanding of environmental and social safeguard application in international development finance and demonstrated ability to propose solutions and influence other stakeholders within that framework.
• Demonstrated deep awareness of the global accountability space, the EBRD accountability framework, the application of environmental and social safeguards, Equator Principles and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Relevant Experience in an IFI setting and/or existing accountability Mechanism.
• Proven ability to analyse politicized environments, interpret complex policies, and determine their application to specific cases.
• Experience operating under high levels of scrutiny from internal and external stakeholders, requiring demonstrable integrity and impartiality and the ability to constructively advocate for conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated critical analysis and design thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate competing priorities, meet deadlines and ensure effective delivery in line with policies and procedures.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. Fluent written and oral command of English required; professional command of an EBRD language of operation is an asset.
• Solid report writing and storytelling skills
• Experience working in EBRD countries of operation preferred. Willingness to travel regularly and work outside regular business hours required.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural and diverse team
• Impeccable integrity, judgment and discretion. Exceptional diplomacy, problem solving and dispute resolution sills. Strong interest in institutional accountability.
• Proven ability to develop strategies and make well-reasoned and sound judgments in complex situations.
• Owns challenging tasks; admits problems quickly and seeks to drive improvement.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to vary approach effectively; open to listening to others.
• Acts as source of information, proactively disseminates knowledges, insights, and updates.
• Confidence and ability to work with all levels of Bank staff.

Please include a motivational cover letter along with your resume. 

To safeguard the independence of the IPAM, this role is not open to CCTs of EBRD who have been involved in the Bank transactions within the last five (5) years.

What is it like to work at the EBRD?

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in. 

The EBRD environment provides you with:

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital  transformation at the heart of what we do.

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.  As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).