Back Associate, Environmental & Social IPAM Compliance

Requisition ID 35550 Office Country United Kingdom Office City London Division Indep. Project Accountability Mechanism Contract Type Regular Contract Length Posting End Date 10/04/2025

Purpose of Job
Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Chief Accountability Officer (CAO), the primary role of the Associate 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.
In addition to this, the Associate Compliance will be expected to support the Outreach and Advisory functions as needed and relevant to the Associate Compliance functions and provide substantive inputs for the establishment of internal operational guidelines and updating of investigative methodologies.

Background
The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM) is EBRD’s accountability mechanism. IPAM reviews environmental, social and project disclosure-related concerns raised by project-affected people and civil society organisations in relation to EBRD operations. In so doing, it assures that the EBRD is fulfilling its obligations on external accountability and its social, environmental and public disclosure responsibilities, in relation to the appraisal, implementation and monitoring of financed projects.

As established in the Project Accountability Policy (PAP), IPAM addresses concerns through two avenues: i) Problem-solving, which supports dialogue between Complainants and Clients to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure concerns without attributing blame or fault; or ii) Compliance Reviews, which determine whether the EBRD has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy and Access to Information Policy in relation to the project. Additionally, IPAM also has a mandate to: (a) identify institutional learnings that distinguish common challenges, provide constructive recommendations and promote a culture of continuous learning at EBRD and, (b) conduct outreach among internal and external stakeholders, in order to ensure that IPAM’s purpose, functions and activities are known and understood.
IPAM, led by the Chief Accountability Officer, is independent from EBRD Management and operates with direct reporting line to the Board through the Audit Committee.

Internally, IPAM interacts with the EBRD’s Environment and Sustainability Department (ESD), Banking teams at EBRD Headquarters and regional offices (ROs), the Civil Society Engagement Unit and other departments in the Bank, as required. Externally, IPAM engages with stakeholders across countries where EBRD invests, to ensure IPAM’s purpose, functions and activities are known and understood by all stakeholders during the case-handling process.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Compliance function

• Researching requests and all relevant project and case documentation with a view to support decision making within the compliance function (assessment, investigation, monitoring)
• Reviewing and analysing complaint submissions for linkages to the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy, Public Information Policy and PAP registration / eligibility criteria;
• Helping identify appropriate lines of inquiry, and resources required to factually determine the issues relevant to a compliance review.
• Ensuring information security and confidentiality issues relevant to investigations are observed throughout a compliance review process
• Identifying and engaging with relevant stakeholders, for the purposes of information gathering and organisation interviews and site visits;
• Arranging and supporting 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, Complainants and consultants;
• Conducting 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);
• Assisting in the identification, drafting of terms of reference and management of independent technical experts.
• Responding to 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;
• Contributing to advisory recommendations and workshops for Bank Management;
• Supporting IPAM engagement 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.

    Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

    • A degree in a relevant field such as Environment, Social sciences, Human Rights, International Development, Conflict resolution, or equivalent relevant professional experience
    • Solid knowledge, and 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) at least covering some of their underlying matters (Environment, Social, Human Rights, International Development, Conflict resolution) in an international context,
    • Knowledge of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
    • Capabilities and experience in environmental and social impact assessment, stakeholder engagement and project management. Experience in project finance or an IFI setting an asset;
    • Experience working with, or a knowledge of, social and environmental accountability mechanisms is desirable.
    • Well-developed information gathering and compliance analysis skills
    • Ability to work independently and resourcefully in responding to work demands, prioritizing tasks and working to mandated deadlines and expected outputs;
    • Strong attention to detail and proactive mindset
    • Fluency in English, both written and verbal, with good writing skills are essential. Fluency in language of EBRD country of operations (e.g Russian, Arabic) is desirable;
    • High degree of professionalism, integrity and neutrality is essential;
    • Ability to interact effectively and constructively with diverse stakeholders, including Bank staff, clients and international civil society;
    • Ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural and diverse team.
    • Ability to travel.

      What is it like to work at the EBRD?

      Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

      The EBRD environment provides you with:

      • Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in;
      • A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity;
      • An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do.

        Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. A diverse workforce with the right knowledge and skills enables connection with our clients, brings pioneering ideas, energy and innovation. The EBRD staff is characterised by its rich diversity of nationalities, cultures and opinions and we aim to sustain and build on this strength. As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities. As an inclusive employer, we promote flexible working and expecting our employee to attend the office 50% of their working time.

        Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).