Vacancy Panel Member

The World Bank is inviting applications and nominations for the position of Inspection Panel Member.

BACKGROUND & GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Inspection Panel is an independent forum established by the Executive Directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) (Resolution No. 93-10) and the International Development Association (IDA) (Resolution No. 93-6), both adoptions collectively referred to as the Resolution.  Detailed information is available by logging in the Inspection Panel web site www.inspectionpanel.org.

The role of the Panel is to carry out independent investigations into whether the Bank has complied with its policies and procedures.  Its function is triggered by a Request for Inspection, normally from people affected by a World Bank financed project.  The Panel, after receiving Management’s Response to the Request, independently assesses whether the criteria for an Inspection have been met and then recommends to the Board of Executive Directors whether or not the matters complained of should be investigated.  If the Board approves a recommendation to investigate, the Panel will engage in research and fact-finding and provide its findings, independent assessment and conclusions to the Board.  Management will submit to the Executive Directors for their consideration a report indicating its recommendations in response to such findings.  All reports are made public.
 
The Resolution provides that the Panel shall consist of three members of different nationalities from Bank member countries.  In the selection process, due regard will be paid to ensure continued balance and representation from Bank member countries. The Chairperson of the Panel shall work on a full-time basis at Bank Headquarters and members of the Panel are expected to work on a part-time basis or on a full-time basis when their workload justifies such an arrangement.
 

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Panel Members are responsible for the general operations of the Panel, and for carrying out the Panel responsibilities according to its mandate.  As Panel Member, you will participate in actions and decision-making of the Panel in processing Requests for Inspection, including among other things:  to independently assess whether the criteria for an Inspection have been met; to recommend to the Board of Executive Directors whether or not the matters complained of should be investigated; if the Board approves a recommendation to investigate, to engage in research, fact-finding and an independent investigation of whether the Bank has complied with its operational policies and procedures; and to prepare and provide the Panel’s findings, independent assessment and conclusions to the Board.  Your duties will also include field visits and outreach activities as relevant to the Panel’s work and responsibilities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Minimum of 15 years of significant, relevant and practical experience, particularly in economic, legal, social, environmental, and other development-related fields.
• Broad educational background.
• Outstanding credentials in his or her individual field of expertise.
• Proven ability to deal thoroughly and fairly with requests.
• Demonstrated integrity and ability to remain independent, including from Bank Management, in the exercise of his or her duties.
• Exposure to developmental issues and to living conditions in developing countries.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with civil society and local communities, the World Bank, governments, nongovernmental organizations, experts and consultants, and other international organizations.
• Knowledge of and experience relating to the operations of the Bank or similar institutions will also be desirable.
• Ability and willingness to travel to developing countries, including rural areas.

CONDITIONS

The following conditions are specific to this position:

• Term of Appointment for a Panel member is 5 years.
• No one who has worked in the World Bank in any capacity may be considered for a position on the Panel until two years have elapsed since the end of their service in the World Bank Group.
• Members of the Panel may not be employed by the World Bank Group following the end of their service on the Panel.
• The current vacancy is not a full-time position. Candidates would not be obliged to maintain residency in Washington DC for this position unless they are elected as Chairperson or, at the initiative of the Panel and subject to the approval of the Bank’s Executive Directors, if so required by the Panel’s workload.
• Remuneration is on a per diem basis.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Qualified candidates may apply online by clicking here and creating an online account. If any technical difficulties are encountered, send a message to:  hrweb@worldbank.org.  (Electronic applications are strongly encouraged, but if that is not possible then candidates may send a fax to 202-522-2958, attention Recruitment Officer, Inspection Panel Member.)

The closing date is May 18, 2008.