WBG Pioneer - Accountability Mechanism Dispute Resolution Service Intern

Overview

Intern at World Bank Accountability Mechanism supporting research and case management.

You have:

• Degree in a relevant subject, such as law, social science etc, with relevance to dispute resolution work or accountability in an international context.
• Professional interest in community-level development and social and environmental issues.
• Keen interest in working in an international environment and understand complex geopolitical and cultural differences.
• Strong organizational and research skills.
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Additional language skill is desirable (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili or any other language relevant to the work of the Accountability Mechanism).
• Flexibility with travelling and working hours.

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Job #: req37755 Organization: World Bank Grade: T4 Location: Washington, DC,United States Hiring Manager:Yoshiko Ogushi Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC) Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

WBG Pioneer

The World Bank Accountability Mechanism (AM) is an independent complaints mechanism for people and communities who believe that they have been, or are likely to be, harmed by a World Bank-funded project.

The AM comprises two constituent parts, the Inspection Panel (Panel), which receives Requests for Inspection from project-affected communities and conducts independent compliance reviews, and the Dispute Resolution Service (DRS), which facilitates a voluntary and independent dispute resolution option for Requesters and borrowers in the context of Inspection Panel Requests for Inspection.

The Intern will provide support in case research and analysis, drafting, case filing, event planning and other DRS tasks as needed. The internship will provide the candidate with a learning opportunity to gain greater understanding on independent accountability mechanisms and about the dispute resolution field including mediation, facilitation, and dialogue. Candidates will be exposed to pertinent development finance accountability issues across different regions.

This internship program is designed to enhance opportunities within the Accountability Mechanism for recent graduates and young professionals from the global south. Applicants should be keen to develop further their professional interest in accountability and dispute resolution within international organizations.

This fully funded internship position will be based in Washington, DC, at the Headquarters of the World Bank. Support will be provided to successful candidates to obtain the necessary work visa for the period of the internship.

Two six-month internship positions are available, which will be administered consecutively throughout the financial year. Internship candidates should clearly indicate in their application their full-time availability.

An internship position with the World Bank Accountability Mechanism carries no expectation of continuing or future employment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Gathering information from inside (World Bank Group) and outside sources (including media, NGOs, and Borrowers) on projects, current events, activities, research, articles on issues related to DRS activities.

• Providing background research on dispute-related development issues pertaining to the environment, gender equality and indigenous identity.

• Supporting DRS staff with case related activities including research, case filing, note-taking and analysis of DRS cases.

• Assisting the gathering, systematization and uploading of case-related information to the Case Management System (CMS) and ensure all relevant and important case points are recorded on the CMS, including correspondence, call and meeting notes, documents under the guidance of DRS staff.

• Providing logistical support and substantive input to DRS staff in the management of cases, presentations, and outreach events. Attend and document internal and external meetings and events as required.

• Maintaining absolute confidentiality regarding all work undertaken with the Accountability Mechanism and the Dispute Resolution Service.

Selection Criteria

• Degree in a relevant subject, such as law, social science etc, with relevance to dispute resolution work or accountability in an international context. Advanced academic qualifications or relevant professional experience will be considered an asset.

• Professional interest in community-level development and social and environmental issues.

• Keen interest in working in an international environment and understand complex geopolitical and cultural differences.

• Strong organizational and research skills.

• A team player with a demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and to build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues.

• Excellent English communication skills. Please include a tailored cover letter with your application, which outlines why you should be considered a suitable candidate for the position.

• Additional language skill is desirable (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili or any other language relevant the work of the Accountability Mechanism) Flexibility with travelling and working hours.

Competencies:

• Demonstrates keen interest in understanding of policy issues and priorities of client andother key stakeholders.

• Basic knowledge of World Bank Group organizational structure and its goals (IBRD, IDA,IFC, MIGA, and ICSID).

• Keen interest in dispute resolution and on development issues such as climate change,gender equality and indigenous identity.

• Conducts information/ data research under staff guidance.

• Delivers information effectively in support of team or workgroup.

• Strong writing ability.

• Demonstrates ability to contribute to the organization and preparation of events (i.e.,materials and logistics).

• Drafts concise and quality meeting minutes or other records of proceedings.

• Ability to support DRS staff on data collection and analysis on relevant design and implementation issues including good practices and lessons learned.

Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes: 1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Potential interview questions

Added 5 hours ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: worldbank.org