Purpose of Job
The Director, IPAM works closely with the Chief Accountability Officer (CAO) on a range of operational and strategic tasks to ensure implementation of the Project Accountability Policy and Guidance, ensuring institutional accountability among internal and external stakeholders, and promoting project performance, institutional learning, and protecting the reputation the Bank.
The Director ensures alignment of strategy with delivery, programmatic planning, and delivery oversight across IPAM’s external engagement, dispute resolution, and institutional learning functions. This role ensures integration across workstreams, guarantees operational and policy coherence, and positions IPAM as a credible, responsive, and impactful independent accountability mechanism within the EBRD and the global development finance architecture.
A key purpose of the job is the capacity to guide the creation and dissemination of knowledge derived from cases to influence change in Bank practices and promote greater accountability and sustainability.
The director is an important point of contact for high-level engagement with the Board of Directors, the President’s Office, senior Bank Management, diverse project-affected communities, international civil society, Clients, and other IFIs/IOs. The role holder is expected to collaborate and represent the department both internally and externally with a high degree of professionalism.
A key responsibility for this role is the review and operationalising of the IPAM work plan, including coordination and cross-cutting activities, resourcing and budget management. This is a hands-on management role with the director managing an aligned team who is responsible for Intake, Problem Solving, Institutional Learning and Outreach.
Background
The Independent Project Accountability Mechanism office was established in July 2020 and its mandate, functions and process are provided by the Project Accountability Policy approved by the EBRD Board in April 2019, under the principles of independence, impartiality, transparency, predictability, equitability and accessibility.
The Mechanism works to mediate disputes between project stakeholders in highly sensitive contexts; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy and Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to recommend both Project-specific and institutional-level changes to address non-compliance with these policies. IPAM has two additional functions: to conduct outreach among internal and external stakeholders, in order to ensure that IPAM’s purpose, functions and activities are known and understood; and to promote institutional learning and integrate management action plan commitments across EBRD projects, sharing lessons learned and offering guidance to Bank management based on the insights, experiences and evidence emerging from its casework.
IPAM is managed by the Chief Accountability Officer who is responsible for the executive leadership, strategic direction, complaint management, operational/administrative management, stakeholder outreach, staff training and internal coordination with other areas of the Bank. IPAM is independent from EBRD Management and reports directly to the Board of Directors via the Audit Committee.
As established in the Project Accountability Policy, Problem Solving and Compliance Review are the two complementary, non-judicial functions that IPAM has within its mandate to address the environmental, social and disclosure concerns of communities and civil society organisations regarding projects with EBRD financing. 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 is based on an in-house expertise model that requires its staff to possess the necessary skills and competencies to undertake casework at the standards set by the Project Accountability Policy. This work can be supported by external technical experts in an ad-hoc fashion to provide specific inputs in areas where the team lacks expertise or where continuous engagement is required to generate successful outcomes.
Accountability and Responsibility
Under limited direction of the Managing Director, Chief Accountability Officer, the Director is responsible for:
Oversight of the Registration, Assessment and Problem Solving Function
Provide strategic guidance to the Associate Director and ensure alignment of case management practices with IPAM’s values, policy and methodology. Oversee the development of innovative, context-sensitive conflict resolution approaches; monitor complex dispute cases and stakeholder negotiations. Ensure quality control of high-stakes public documentation and maintain consistency with international best practice.Strategic Leadership & Integration
Develop and implement multi-year strategies across Outreach, Learning and Data Management functions in alignment with IPAM’s mandate. Serve as principal advisor to the Chief Accountability Officer on stakeholder relations, learning priorities, and risk-sensitive case resolution.Oversight of Institutional Learning and Data Analysis
Oversee the translation of case findings into compelling knowledge products and institutional learning agendas. Represent IPAM in peer networks and advisory/data collaborations, ensuring benchmarks, joint research, and best practice dissemination. Ensure synergies between IPAM learning products and the EBRD’s project cycle, capacity building, and policy reform. Drive policy innovation by translating insights from casework into actionable change across the Bank’s governance, project design, and safeguards.Oversight of Outreach and Engagement
Shape and direct IPAM’s external engagement—including widening of our civil society network, translation of policy requirements into adequate messaging, digital platforms, and annual publications. Engage in dialogue with civil society, project-affected people, clients, and other multilateral peer institutions. Oversee capacity-building events, thematic knowledge sharing, and internal stakeholder briefings.
Department Management
Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff including recruitment, talent and performance management, coaching and development. Champions and role models the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times Supports the CAO in ensuring delivery of IPAM administrative activities, including but not limited to financial and people matters, the development and preparation of internal administrative procedures. Is a member of the Risk Assessment IPAM Coordinating Team and ensures cascading of decisions regarding safety and retaliation mitigation measures. Guides the ongoing development of professional practices within IPAM, including identifying training needs and activities and proactively coaching and sharing knowledge. Contributes to continuous improvement and actively engages and actively undertakes continuous learning. Deputise for MD, as directed and required.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Degree in a related field (i.e economics, social or environmental sciences, sustainability, or international development) or equivalent experience. Deep understanding of multilateral development banks, accountability frameworks and grievance redress mechanisms Knowledge of dispute resolution methodologies, stakeholder negotiation and culturally sensitive approaches Familiarity with environmental and social impact assessments, international standards and risk mitigation, particularly in relation to EBRD Understanding of data-driven learning, knowledge management and policy feedback looks Ability to develop and implement multi-year strategies, align cross-functional teams, and advise senior leadership. Strong grounding in institutional governance, transparency, and ethical standards. Capacity to synthesize complex case data into actionable insights and policy recommendations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for high-stakes documentation, public engagement, and internal briefings. Skilled in building trust with diverse stakeholders including affected communities, civil society, and institutional peers. Proficiency in talent development, performance management, and fostering a values-driven team culture. Ability to drive innovation in policy and practice and adapt to evolving institutional and field dynamics. Willingness to travel regularly and work outside regular business hours required. Impeccable integrity, judgment and discretion. Proficiency in English, additional languages (especially those spoken in EBRD regions) are an asset.
What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About 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.
At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment.
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. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively. A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.
Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does. 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.
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).