Job Description
Counsel
Job #:
req37300
Organization:
World Bank
Sector:
Ethics & Internal Justice Systems
Grade:
GF
Term Duration: 4 years 0 months
Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment
Location:
Washington, DC,United States
Required Language(s):
English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date:
7/7/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
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 120 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 change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org
The World Bank Group’s (WBG) Ethics and Internal Justice Services Vice Presidency (EIJ) brings together, under a single umbrella, the WBG’s approach to values, ethics and the resolution of workplace conflict. EIJ’s vision is to foster a values-based workplace culture and help staff uphold the WBG’s ethical standards. EIJ provides an integrated, empathetic and efficient approach to resolving workplace conflict, allowing staff to focus with urgency on the WBG’s mission. EIJ’s work covers each of the five WBG institutions. https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/unit/ethics-and-internal-justice-services
Unit Context:
Under the Ethics Advice & Early Interventions Department, the Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Unit (AHAD) addresses reports of harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse and discrimination based on race and other identity characteristics and provides guidance to management on preventing and addressing such behaviors. EIJ is seeking to recruit a Counsel to work on the anti-discrimination program; the Counsel will report to the Manager, AHAD, and will work under the supervision of the Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Coordinator.
Duties and accountabilities:
- Review allegations of discrimination, with a particular focus on racial discrimination, involving WBG staff, assess related information and data, and recommend whether matters should be handled by AHAD, referred to the Investigation unit for formal review, or directed to other EIJ resources such as mediation or peer review services.
- Provide confidential guidance and advice to staff who have experienced or witnessed discrimination, including available options for addressing concerns, and advise managers on how to address, manage, and prevent (racial) discrimination.
- Prepare opinions and other case-related correspondence and sensitive documents, including talking points for interventions, referrals for investigation, cautions to alleged offenders, and related materials for review by the AHAD Coordinator or Manager.
- Conduct post-resolution monitoring following intervention, investigation, or disciplinary action, including seeking feedback from affected staff to ensure there is no recurrence of problematic behavior and to address concerns related to retaliation.
- Maintain and track inquiries and responses in the case management system and related reporting tools to support timely, accurate record keeping.
- Develop and deliver training and outreach to WBG staff on discrimination, with a specific focus on racial discrimination, and related issues, including hosting Growth Spaces on creating an Anti-Discrimination Culture.
Selection Criteria
- Master’s
degree or equivalent in law, alternative dispute resolution, or another
relevant field, or equivalent experience. - Five (5)
years of substantial professional experience in workplace conflict
resolution, investigation, law, or a related area. Experience
in an international organization is desirable. - Experience
addressing allegations of racism and/or other forms of discrimination
through formal or informal mechanisms, and knowledge of workplace
discrimination prevention frameworks and conflict resolution mechanisms. - Ability to
analyze statistical data, to identify trends and systemic issues and to
propose concrete solutions. - Excellent
oral and written communication and presentation skills, including proven
ability to draft clear and concise case summaries, case resolution
recommendations, communications to parties, and reports. - Excellent
interviewing skills, including active listening, the ability
to focus interviews, and the ability to elicit critical
information respectfully from individuals who may be distressed.
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.
