Head, Accountability Mechanism

Job Profile:

The Head Accountability Mechanism is accountable to establish and lead the OPEC Fund’s independent accountability mechanism for project-affected people to raise concerns and seek remedy in relation to OPEC Fund–financed operations. The Accountability Mechanism Unit will operate with two complementary functions(i) dispute resolution/problem-solving and (ii) compliance review/investigation—consistent with good practice across multilateral development banks (MDBs). The role ensures independence, accessibility, transparency, and learning from cases to strengthen development outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic & Governance: 

• Design and operationalize the OPEC Fund’s Independent Accountability Mechanism (policy, procedures, case registry, guidance and templates), aligning with MDB good practice for independence, transparency, accessibility and effectiveness while at the same time ensuring that the proposed mechanism is fit for purpose, considering the characteristics of the OPEC Fund.
• Propose governance arrangements that safeguard independence (e.g., reporting lines; robust conflict-of-interest rules; public disclosure in line with institutional access-to-information policies).
• Establish annual workplans, budgets, KPIs and publication schedules (complaints registry, annual report, lessons-learned notes).
• Accountable for safeguarding the credibility and effectiveness of the OPEC Fund's Accountability Mechanism and for ensuring that lessons learned from cases contribute to institutional learning, risk management and continuous improvement

Compliance Review Function: 

• Oversee screening and eligibility determinations; manage impartial investigations into alleged noncompliance with OPEC Fund environmental and social requirements and relevant operational policies.
• Issue evidence-based findings and recommendations; work with Management on time-bound Management Action Plans and verify their implementation.
• Produce high-quality reports to related oversight body.

Dispute Resolution / Problem-Solving Function: 

• Provide a voluntary, independent forum for parties to reach agreements using mediation, facilitation, joint fact-finding and other tools; ensure time-bound processes. 
• Monitor agreement implementation and publish outcomes consistent with access-to-information commitments.

Accessibility, Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build accessible intake channels (single point of entry, multi-language materials, remote and in-country outreach
• Conduct proactive outreach to stakeholders’ staff to explain mandate and processes; deliver training on grievance handling and remedy. 
• Represent the Accountability Mechanism in engagements with governments, borrowers, project-affected communities, civil society organizations, multilateral development banks and international partners.
• Maintain a public case registry and user-friendly guidance on how to file complaints.

Perform other related tasks assigned by the Chief Risk Officer. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in law, public policy/administration, social sciences, environmental management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including senior leadership in an Independent Accountability Mechanism at a multilateral/bilateral development institution, comparable oversight/grievance mechanism; proven track record in both compliance investigations and dispute resolution/mediation.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in a AAA-rated Multilateral Development Bank, particularly in accountability mechanisms, E&S safeguards, compliance review/investigation, dispute resolution or similarly related areas.
• Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage.

Competencies:

• Inclusive Leadership & People Management - Ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively, fostering an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and empowered, cultivating a collaborative environment, driving team performance, and supporting professional development through mentorship and equitable opportunities.
• Cultural Sensitivity - Ability to lead teams by understanding, respecting, and adapting to cultural differences in a global organization, fostering inclusive communication, collaboration, and relationships while strategically leveraging cultural insights to enhance organizational effectiveness and drive success.
• Strategic Planning and Execution - Ability to develop and implement effective strategies that align with OPEC Fund’s long-term goals, utilizing relevant tools to set clear objectives, allocate resources efficiently, and monitor progress to ensure the successful execution of strategic initiatives, driving organizational growth and sustainability.
• Managerial Accountability and Responsibility - Ability to take ownership of decisions and actions, ensuring alignment with OPEC Fund’s values and objectives, applying relevant principles to establish clear accountability structures, set performance standards, and maintain transparency in reporting and decision-making processes.
• Ethical Decision-Making - Ability to make decisions that uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct, adhering to OPEC Fund’s code of conduct, and ensuring that choices are principled, transparent, and aligned with the Fund’s mission and values, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility.
• Conflict Resolution - Ability to effectively manage and resolve conflicts to maintain a harmonious and productive work environment, using relevant strategies to identify underlying issues, and facilitating mutually beneficial solutions, ensuring that conflicts are resolved constructively and relationships are strengthened.