Counsel

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership comprising five institutions, dedicated to the mission of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. The organization has 189 member countries and operates over 120 offices worldwide, collaborating with both public and private sector partners. The World Bank Group invests in innovative projects and utilizes data, research, and technology to address pressing global challenges. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Counsel is situated within the Ethics and Internal Justice Services Vice Presidency (EIJ VPU) of the World Bank. This unit is responsible for fostering a values-based workplace culture and ensuring adherence to the ethical standards of the World Bank Group. The Counsel will work specifically in the Peer Review Services unit (PRS), which provides independent reviews of managerial decisions affecting staff members. The role requires a detail-oriented individual with substantial experience in employment disputes within a multilateral development organization. The Counsel will be expected to produce high-quality work in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and cultural sensitivity in a confidential setting. The position involves creating briefings and reports for Peer Review Panels, advising on compensation for aggrieved staff, summarizing lessons learned for senior management, and managing PRS cases according to established performance indicators.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counsel will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: creating written and oral briefings for Peer Review Panels involved in PRS proceedings; preparing detailed reports for decision-makers; advising Panels on financial compensation or other forms of relief for affected staff members; summarizing lessons learned from Panels for senior management; managing PRS cases in accordance with Key Performance Indicators; ensuring fairness and impartiality in Peer Review proceedings; communicating with all parties and Panels in a culturally sensitive manner; and assisting with special initiatives or projects as needed. The Counsel will operate under the supervision of the PRS Manager and will be expected to work with minimal oversight.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in law or a Juris Doctor (JD), or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, they must hold a current license of admission to the Bar in at least one member country of the World Bank Group. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Furthermore, candidates should have at least two years of experience working in a peer review secretariat, appeals committee, or grievance committee within a multilateral development bank or international organization, demonstrating progressively increasing responsibilities.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master's degree in law or a Juris Doctor (JD). This advanced legal education is essential for understanding the complexities of employment law and the ethical considerations involved in workplace disputes. The candidate's educational background should also reflect a strong foundation in legal principles relevant to the functions of the World Bank Group.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, which may include a combination of legal practice, advisory roles, or positions within international organizations. This experience should encompass a minimum of two years specifically in a peer review or grievance context, demonstrating a deep understanding of the processes and challenges involved in resolving workplace conflicts within a multilateral development framework.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is English, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank Group. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered advantageous but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the GF grade and has a term duration of four years. It is part of an international recruitment effort, indicating that candidates from various countries are encouraged to apply. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and prides itself on being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer.