Location: Vienna, Austria
The Head, Accountability Mechanism will establish and lead the OPEC Fund's independent accountability mechanism, through which project-affected people can raise concerns and seek remedy in relation to OPEC Fund–financed operations. The unit will operate two complementary functions: (i) dispute resolution/problem-solving and (ii) compliance review/investigation, consistent with good practice across multilateral development banks. The role ensures independence, accessibility, transparency, and learning from cases to strengthen development outcomes.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic & Governance: Design and operationalize the Independent Accountability Mechanism (policy, procedures, case registry, guidance and templates), aligned with MDB good practice; propose governance arrangements that safeguard independence (reporting lines, conflict-of-interest rules, public disclosure); establish annual workplans, budgets, KPIs and publication schedules; safeguard the credibility and effectiveness of the mechanism and ensure lessons learned feed institutional learning and risk management.
- Compliance Review: Oversee screening and eligibility determinations; manage impartial investigations into alleged non-compliance with environmental and social requirements and operational policies; issue evidence-based findings and recommendations; agree time-bound Management Action Plans and verify implementation; produce high-quality reports to the oversight body.
- Dispute Resolution/Problem-Solving: Provide a voluntary, independent forum using mediation, facilitation and joint fact-finding; ensure time-bound processes; monitor implementation of agreements and publish outcomes.
- Accessibility, Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement: Build accessible intake channels (single point of entry, multi-language materials, remote and in-country outreach); conduct outreach and training on grievance handling and remedy; represent the mechanism with governments, borrowers, affected communities, civil society, MDBs and international partners; maintain a public case registry and user-friendly filing guidance.
- 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 a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, including senior leadership in an independent accountability mechanism at a multilateral/bilateral development institution or 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 or dispute resolution.
- Fluent English; good working knowledge of Arabic, French or Spanish is an added advantage.
Competencies: inclusive leadership and people management, cultural sensitivity, strategic planning and execution, managerial accountability, ethical decision-making, and conflict resolution.
Contract: Two-year fixed-term appointment with possibility of renewal; Grade H1; Management category; Department: Risk Management / Accountability Mechanism. All nationalities are eligible; nationals of OPEC Fund member countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Deadline of Applications: November 16, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the OPEC Fund careers portal (SuccessFactors) by November 16, 2026. Vacancy Number: 2501.
https://career2.successfactors.eu/career?career_company=opecfundfo&lang=en_US&company=opecfundfo&site=&loginFlowRequired=true