Senior PPM Specialist (Secretariat Services and Dispute Resolution)

Ref. Number:21069

Department: Complaints-resolution, Evaluation and Integrity Unit

Job Type: Global Recruitment

Posting Date: 12 July 2021

Closing Date: 2 August 2021

Senior PPM Specialist (Secretariat Services and Dispute Resolution)

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in January 2016 and have since grown to 103 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized up to USD100 billion and Triple-A-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Working with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

The Complaints-resolution, Evaluation and Integrity Unit (CEIU) was established in 2016 as an independent unit within AIIB and is part of AIIB’s Oversight Mechanism created by its Board of Directors under a provision of the Articles of Association. This provision empowers the Board to supervise the management and the operation of the Bank on a regular basis, and establish an oversight mechanism for that purpose, in line with principles of transparency, openness, independence and accountability. CEIU is led by a Managing Director who reports directly to the Board.

CEIU has the following three functions: (1) Complaints-resolution; (2) evaluation; and (3) integrity. The Project-affected People’s Mechanism (PPM) is part of the complaints-resolution function. PPM is a complaints-handling mechanism established and implemented by CEIU to conduct an independent and impartial review of complaints from Project-affected People who believe they have been or are likely to be adversely affected by AIIB’s failure to implement its Environmental and Social Policy (ESP).

AIIB is seeking a Senior PPM Specialist who will be responsible for supporting AIIB in operationalizing its Project-affected People’s Mechanism (PPM). This will include preparing the work plan and budget for PPM activities. In particular, the specialist will assist in implementing activities for handling submissions from project-affected people. The chosen candidate will handle all secretariat matters for the PPM, coordinate with task force members, carry out outreach activities and support AIIB in solving problems identified in submissions made to the PPM. The candidate will take the initiative in proactively managing all PPM matters. The candidate will also undertake designated tasks relating to the Independent Accountability Mechanisms Network.

The Senior PPM Specialist will report to the Managing Director (MD) of CEIU.

Special responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Strategy and Planning:
  • Provide inputs and active support to the PPM strategy and work program, including preparation of PPM procedures for dispute resolution; anticipate issues and needs relating to the PPM functions and craft solutions with the CEIU team to address them.
  • Assist the MD CEIU in managing relations with peer institutions, clients and other stakeholders.
•  Secretariat Functions:
  • Screen requests received and provide recommendations on the course to be followed in handling these requests.
  • Maintain the PPM registry.
  • Ensure management and disclosure of documents in a timely manner and in accordance with relevant AIIB policies.
  • Undertake the design and oversee the maintenance and updating of the PPM website.
  • Ensure that timelines under the Project-affected People’s Rules of Procedure are followed and timely responses are sent by PPM.
  • Assist in the preparation of reports by PPM, including annual reports.
  • Understand and apply provisions for confidentiality and mitigation of retaliation in the PPM.
• Project Processing Queries and Dispute Resolution:
  • In handling specific complaints, assess and apply informal, flexible, cost-effective and consensus-based methods to resolve disputes and address the problems of Requestors. These include:
  • Listen to Requestors to understand their problems ascribed to AIIB-assisted projects.
  • Discuss the problems with concerned stakeholders.
  • Review the circumstances under which the request arose and how the request was addressed by the project-level grievance redressal mechanism and by AIIB Management. In the process, identify the underlying causes of the problems raised, understand the interests of the parties, and assess and recommend the best course for facilitating stakeholders' problem resolution.
• Outreach
  • Design outreach activities and materials to promote awareness of the PPM
  • Conduct outreach programs and orientation sessions and training to familiarize executing agencies, nongovernmental organizations, AIIB staff, management and other stakeholders with the PPM and its functions.
  • Advise prospective Requestors on PPM procedures, processes, and possible outcomes.
• Support Learning and Staff Supervision
  • Support the learning and knowledge function within CEIU, to extract and disseminate lessons learned from PPM activities.
  • Supervise and mentor any reporting staff.

Requirements:

• At least 8-10 years of operational professional experience working on projects with the public or private sector in developing countries, particularly in infrastructure (e.g., energy, transport, regional connectivity and urban sectors), preferably with an international organization. Direct experience of designing or implementing development projects as project team leader or as member of a team is preferable.
• Familiarity with the objectives and functions of multilateral development financing agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing with civil society organizations would be an advantage.
• Knowledge, experience and preferably qualification/certification, in facilitation and dispute resolution. Handling problem/conflict situations as a neutral third party would be an advantage. Proven application of safeguard policy expertise and skills in mediation and dispute resolution would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated practical experience in applying appropriate environmental and social safeguard policies and other related policies of development projects. Practical experience of resolving implementation issues in development projects would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated proficiency in English, the official language of AIIB. Proficiency in one or more other languages is highly desirable.
• Strong website management and social media skills are desirable.
• Master’s degree or equivalent in law, environment, social sciences, management, economics or related fields. A university degree in these or related fields combined with specialized relevant experience in similar organization/s may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree. Qualification, certification or demonstrated past training in mediation or dispute resolution is highly desirable.

AIIB is committed to diversity, transparency, and inclusion. We believe our strength comes from having a team with the right diverse skills, experiences and abilities selected through a merit-based competitive selection process. We actively encourage applications from people from both within and outside AIIB members, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation.

Join in AIIB’s mission to promote sustainable infrastructure investments and to improve social and economic outcomes in Asia and beyond.

Previous experience and qualifications will determine the grade and job title at which successful applicants will enter AIIB.