Principal, IPAM Environment and Social Compliance

EBRD - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

London, United Kingdom

Purpose of Job:

The primary role of the Principal Compliance is to conduct Environment and Social compliance work in line with the mandate, approach, and procedures set in the Project Accountability Policy. Such compliance work is vis-à-vis the Environmental and Social Policy and relevant aspects of the Access to Information Policy of the Bank.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Compliance, the Principal will also support the Outreach and Advisory functions of the department as needed and relevant to the Principal Compliance functions and provide substantive inputs for the establishment of internal operational guidelines and updating of investigative methodologies.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

Under limited direction of the Associate Director the Principal Compliance is responsible for:

Compliance function:

Conducting efficient, timely and effective project management, managing case progress, schedules, budgets, stakeholder engagement and data sharing, including on most complex cases handled by IPAM;
Reviewing and analysing complaint submissions for linkages to the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy, Public Information Policy and PAP registration/eligibility criteria;
Assessing compliance with relevant provisions of the Environmental and Social Policy and the Access to Information Policy, national and supranational legal requirements and relevant international conventions and agreements, based on the evidence gathered;
Identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders, for the purposes of information gathering and organisation interviews and site visits;
Arranging and participating in interviews and site missions as needed showing appropriate communications skills, and accurate recording with the use of interpreters as required;
Corresponding with relevant Bank departments, Clients and Complainants;
Managing (both technically and contractually) external consultants supporting cases’ assessments;
Conducting in-depth policy-based compliance analysis around ESIA/E&S issues;
Drafting robust, high-quality reports (e.g., Compliance Assessment Reports, Compliance Review Reports, Terms of Reference, Monitoring Reports) which can withstand high levels of internal and external scrutiny;
Assisting in the identification, drafting of terms of reference and management of independent technical experts;
Responding to highly sensitive communications and inquiries raised by international civil society, complainants, Bank Management, the Board of Directors and clients;
Implementing safety and retaliation risk mitigation measures;
Ensuring information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations are observed throughout a compliance review process;
Designing, organising training and outreach initiatives;
Monitoring the implementation commitments established through PAP case processes, engaging with all parties to determine when all actions have been satisfactorily implemented;
Leading on advisory recommendations and workshops for Bank Management;
Coordinating certain IPAM engagements and deliverables for the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network; and
Considering the work of other independent accountability mechanisms where appropriate and coordinating case work when and as relevant.

Outreach & Advisory:

Liaising as required with relevant internal and external stakeholder groups, including complainants, civil society organisations, international development organisations, independent accountability mechanisms, and other relevant offices in EBRD;
Liaising with the compliance/investigation units of other multilateral development banks;
Preparing of outreach materials and participating in relevant meetings as required.

Other tasks:

Contributing to the ongoing development of professional practices within IPAM;
Undertake work travel as required;
Performing other assignments or tasks as determined by the CAO and Compliance Lead.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications:

A degree (or higher) in a relevant field such as Environment, Social sciences, Human Rights, International Development, Conflict resolution, or equivalent relevant professional experience;
Solid knowledge, and demonstrated relevant work experience, in the application of International Development Bank Environmental and Social Safeguards generally (e.g. EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy, IFC Performance Standards, World bank ESSs), and working knowledge of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
Proven capabilities and experience in environmental and social impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and project management. Experience in project finance or an IFI setting an asset;
Good awareness of global accountability space’s key issues and challenges in an IFI setting;
Experience working with, or a detailed knowledge of, social and environmental accountability mechanisms is desirable;
Experience working in Bank’s countries of operation. Proven ability to work independently and resourcefully in responding to work demands, under limited supervision, prioritizing tasks and delivering to mandated deadlines and expected outputs;
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, with excellent writing skills are essential. Fluency in language of EBRD country of operations (e.g. Russian, Arabic) is desirable;
Ability to author high quality English-language reports, with the gravitas to present to all levels of Bank staff/officials;
High degree of professionalism, integrity and neutrality is essential;
Proven ability to analyse complex and political scenarios, to interpret complex policies, and determine their application to specific cases;
Ability to coordinate competing priorities, meet deadlines and ensure effective delivery in line with policies and procedures;
Ability to interact effectively and constructively with diverse and often polarised stakeholders, including Bank staff, clients and international civil society, often in context of grievance and/or conflict;
Ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural and diverse team;
Ability to travel regularly.