(Senior) Dispute Resolution Specialist

IFC Overview:
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a key member of the World Bank Group, stands as the foremost global development entity concentrating on the private sector within emerging markets. Operating across over 100 countries, IFC leverages its financial resources, expert knowledge, and influential capacity to forge markets and create opportunities. Our mission is to harness private sector potential to eradicate extreme poverty and enhance shared prosperity in a sustainable environment.

MIGA Overview:
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) fosters cross-border investments in developing nations by offering guarantees, including political risk insurance and credit enhancement, to investors and lenders.

CAO’s Mandate:
The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) assists IFC and MIGA in addressing grievances from those impacted by their activities. This involves fair, objective, and constructive handling of complaints to improve the environmental and social (E&S) outcomes of the projects.

CAO’s Dispute Resolution Function:
The Dispute Resolution Function engages with stakeholders to mitigate concerns related to the social and environmental impacts of IFC and MIGA projects. This function provides an independent platform for communities and companies to collaboratively address issues and seek joint resolutions. Our dispute resolution specialists, supported by local mediators, facilitate these voluntary processes, ensuring ownership of outcomes by the involved parties. We document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned to benefit the broader development community. For more details, visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.

Duties & Accountabilities

Position: Senior/Dispute Resolution Specialist

Key Responsibilities:
- Case Management: Oversee complex dispute resolution cases involving environmental or social impacts from IFC/MIGA projects, adhering to the CAO Policy.
- Strategic Leadership: Direct case management strategies, including conflict and risk analysis, and mediation process design.
- Resource Management: Handle case budgets, consultant selection and appointment, and stakeholder engagement.
- Staff Development: Support, coach, and guide staff and consultants in case management and learning initiatives.
- Project Oversight: Manage non-case projects as designated by the Head of the Dispute Resolution Team.
- Policy Contribution: Aid in the strategic development of the Dispute Resolution (DR) unit, processes, and policies.
- Communication Management: Manage case-related communications and report writing.
- Knowledge Sharing: Develop and disseminate knowledge products and methodologies to promote best practices.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Foster culturally sensitive approaches to problem-solving and dispute resolution.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with the Board, private sector, governments, communities, and IFC/MIGA personnel.
- Innovation: Encourage and facilitate innovative approaches to enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.
- Team Collaboration: Promote teamwork and shared success, connecting staff across various practices.
- Deputy Role: Act as deputy to the Head of Dispute Resolution when needed.

Selection Criteria

- Educational Background: MBA or Master’s degree in relevant fields such as law, social sciences, psychology, economics.
- Experience: 8-12 years of mediation experience, especially in complex social and environmental disputes involving diverse stakeholders.
- Skills and Knowledge:
 - Proficiency in mediation and conflict resolution.
 - Experience in designing conflict management strategies.
 - Ability to operate in sensitive cross-cultural and politically charged environments.
 - Competence in managing people and financial resources.
 - Innovative and critical thinker with successful strategic initiatives.
 - Problem-solving skills with analytical tools support.
 - Ability to engage with high-level officials.
 - Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
 - Excellent project management skills.
- Work Environment: Comfortable working under pressure with a focus on ethics and integrity.
- Attributes: Creative thinker, team player, and adept at working independently.

Application Process:
- Only online applications are accepted. Email applications will not be acknowledged or considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity:
CAO is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting qualified personnel from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds.