The OPEC Fund for International Development is a multilateral development finance institution established in 1976. Our 12 Member Countries are: Algeria, Ecuador, Gabon, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
We
are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Head, Accountability Mechanism
Location: Austria
Department/Unit: Risk Management / Accountability Mechanism
Required Languages: English
Contract Type: Fixed-term Contract
Grade: H1
Job Category: Management
Recruitment Status: International / Local
Contract Duration: Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of
renewal
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 of 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.
Application Closing Date
16th
November, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested
and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
