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

Description

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.

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