The Preventive Services Unit (PSU) is a non-investigative unit in INT that was established to facilitate better integration of INT work and its findings in preventing integrity risks in World Bank operations. The PSU Regional Focal Points monitor the World Bank’s portfolio of proposed and active projects for potential integrity risks associated with INT cases and complaints, raises integrity concern flags where appropriate, and recommends mitigation measures to project teams. The PSU provides fraud and corruption risk assessment and mitigation advice in the context of INT complaints and cases and assists task teams in the preparation and implementation of high-risk projects. Regional Focal Points in the PSU also provide specialized briefings to teams in Operations and CMUs, support the assessment and response to complaints, contribute to INT’s risk analytics work program, and to the development of knowledge products and to outreach, such as through knowledge exchange and training, with internal and external stakeholders.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Preventive Support to WBG Operations:
Serve as the Preventive Services Unit Regional Focal Point for Africa West and Africa East:
Using data tools developed by INT, review the operations pipeline to identify potential overlaps between proposed operations and recent or ongoing INT cases (“Volcker Trigger” operations).
Review project risks based on ongoing or completed investigations, as a follow-up to complaints, or at the request of Task Teams to interpret signs of risk and provide risk mitigation advice; assign integrity concern flags where appropriate.
Provide insights on portfolio level risks at Quarterly Regional briefings.
Provide support to the Bank’s operational (lending) units through sustained preventive engagements, as agreed with the PRKM Manager, on high-risk portfolios or in response to requests from other parts of the WBG.
Follow-up on complaints and investigations where appropriate to assist Task Teams with risk mitigation.
Participate in complaint intake review meetings; provide inputs to investigations Managers and team leads on the relevance and prioritization of complaints.
Through dialogue with Regional counterparts recommend preventive actions arising from completed investigations and documented in Final Investigative Reports (FIRs).
Much of the above work will be in close collaboration with the Case Development Unit (CDU) and Investigative teams in INT.
Risk Analytics and Knowledge :
As an important part of the role, you will be expected to contribute to the development and delivery of advisory and knowledge products for a variety of audiences. This work may include:
Prepare Portfolio Integrity Risk reviews and/or country-based integrity risk reviews based on INT. information (CMS, FIRs) and other sources to identify trends and sectoral risks in different contexts and share these with relevant GPs, Regions and other stakeholders.
Working closely with INT’s knowledge products officer and with others as needed, gather, analyze, distill and disseminate insights and lessons learned emanating from INT's investigations for a range of audiences. Lead and/or contribute to stand-alone advisory and knowledge products for a variety of audiences.
Contribute to working groups and institutional efforts to identify and recommend enhancements to WBG internal controls and operational framework affecting operational and corporate risks.
Working with other Regional PSU focal points, investigators, auditors and data scientists, contribute subject matter expertise to INTs’ Risk Analytics Work Program (providing for example knowledge of integrity risks in procurement, project implementation risks, knowledge of corruption vulnerabilities and risk mitigation in specific sectors).
Lead selected risk analytic activities based on particular expertise, working closely with INT colleagues with expertise in prevention, data science, forensic audit and investigations.
Provide inputs to team discussions on INT strategy updates, data systems modernization and business process changes.
Training, Outreach and capacity building:
Lead and help conduct virtual and in-person training/workshops, for example:
Lead significant engagements as part of preventive support connected to high-risk operations or portfolios.
Contribute to and/or coordinate the design and delivery of training workshops. These might take several forms including those requested by CMUs and Global Practices for Bank staff and PIUs. Most activities will involve working together with other colleagues in INT and other parts of the WBG.
Play a lead role along with other Regional PSU focal points in the delivery of corporate learning programs and assist in HR onboarding clinics to familiarize new staff with the role of INT in the Bank’s fiduciary framework, and how the WBG addresses and responds to integrity risks in operations.
Selection Criteria:
Advanced degree and training in a field closely related to international development (e.g., public policy, governance, political science, or public administration), or equivalent relevant experience in development program design and implementation.
At least 8 years’ experience in international development and anticorruption, preferably but not limited to the management of integrity risks in development financed activities;
Relevant experience with and understanding of the design, implementation and supervision of MDB financed operations, preferably in more than one Region. Expertise and operational experience in WBG risk frameworks, financial management or procurement are strong assets. If limited or no WBG-related experience, significant relevant experience with risk mitigation in development financing activities would be important. Applicants with a mix of experience in risk management, prevention, and investigations would be considered.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written are required. A proven ability to clearly and concisely prepare and present findings and recommendations at senior levels and to produce compelling briefs and reports. Demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy on sensitive issues with staff and managers at all levels.
Fluency in both oral and written English. Proficiency in French is desirable.
Proven conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills, with quantitative and qualitative data and the ability to effectively use data.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a team/task force as a participant or team leader and with senior officials internally and externally.
Sensitivity to the Bank’s diverse demographics and cross-cultural context and influences, and ability to build effective work relations with clients and colleagues.
Established reputation for unimpeachable integrity, sound judgment, fairness and discretion.
