WBG Pioneer - CAO Dispute Resolution Intern

Overview

Support the resolution of environmental and social impact cases through research and analysis.

You have:

• Currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, an undergraduate or postgraduate (master's) program, with 0–6 years of relevant professional experience.
• Academic background in a relevant field (e.g., Law, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Project Management, or related disciplines).
• Demonstrated interest in dialogue, mediation, and accountability; prior experience in these areas is an asset.
• Experience in budget, program, or office management support.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, adapting effectively to shifting demands.
• High level of discretion, judgment, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential matters, with demonstrated multicultural sensitivity.
• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and remote work tools; willingness to learn new applications as needed.

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Job #: req37720 Organization: IFC Grade: T4 Location: Washington, DC,United States Hiring Manager:Nokukhanya Ntuli 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

Background/Organizational Context

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector lending branch of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) promotes cross-border investment in developing countries by providing guarantees (political risk insurance and credit enhancement) to investors and lenders.

The Compliance Advisor Ombudsman’s (CAO) mandate is to assist the IFC and MIGA to address complaints from people affected by business activities in a manner that is fair, objective, and constructive and to enhance the E&S outcomes of activities in which these institutions play a role. A major focus of CAO is to facilitate access to remedy for project-affected people.

CAO’s Dispute Resolution Function resolves issues raised by complainants about the environmental and/or social impacts of IFC and/or MIGA financed investments. The dispute resolution process is a neutral, collaborative, problem-solving approach with the goal of contributing to improved outcomes on the ground.

For more information visit www.cao-ombudsman.org.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this role, you will provide project support for the teams facilitating the resolution of concerns related to environmental and social impacts through conflict resolution and mediation processes, in accordance with the CAO’s Policy. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Case Management Support

• Conduct research in support of cases using all available information sources and project documentation. Analyze and synthesize data, distilling key findings into clear, relevant, and actionable information.

• Prepare project briefs for CAO Dispute Resolution (DR), incorporating preliminary research findings, background on the parties to the complaint, and contextual analysis — including local, cultural, and other conditions pertinent to the case

• Assist in the preparation of stakeholder mapping and analysis to support the DR team's understanding of the parties and interests involved in a case.

• Support DR Specialists and mediators in case management as assigned. Assist in tracking and compiling data on DR case outcomes and process metrics to support reporting and evaluation of the team's work.

Research & Knowledge Management

• Contribute to the documentation of lessons learned and good practices emerging from DR processes for internal knowledge-sharing purposes.

• Review and summarize relevant literature, best practices, and lessons learned from comparable dispute resolution or mediation processes at other institutions.

• Maintain and update case tracking systems and internal databases to ensure accurate and current records of DR cases and processes.

• Assist in organizing and preparing materials for internal training sessions, workshops, or capacity-building events related to dispute resolution.

Reporting & Communications Support

• Collaborate with peers, senior staff, and cross-functional teams to develop well-structured and comprehensive reports, papers, talking points, and briefing notes that effectively communicate key messages.

• Provide general operational support to the DR Team, including preparing presentations on CAO DR work, conducting data collection and analysis, and contributing to the drafting of content for reports and other communication materials.

Administrative & Logistical Support

• Provide administrative services including diary management and booking meetings.

• Arrange meetings and prepare briefing materials where necessary in collaboration with CAO staff.

• Support the logistical coordination of DR-related meetings, consultations, and site visits, including scheduling, travel arrangements, and preparation of relevant background materials.

• Attend meetings and produce accurate and timely documentation of proceedings as required.

• Conduct other administrative tasks to ensure their smooth and effective execution, thereby contributing to the overall smooth operation of the DR Function.

Selection Criteria

• Currently enrolled in, or in the final year of, an undergraduate or postgraduate (master's) program, with 0–6 years of relevant professional experience.

• Academic background in a relevant field (e.g., Law, International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Project Management, or related disciplines).

• Demonstrated interest in dialogue, mediation, and accountability; prior experience in these areas is an asset.

• Experience in budget, program, or office management support.

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and propose solutions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines, adapting effectively to shifting demands.

• High level of discretion, judgment, and professionalism when handling sensitive and confidential matters, with demonstrated multicultural sensitivity.

• Proactive, collaborative, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and remote work tools; willingness to learn new applications as needed.

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.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 8 days ago - Updated 7 days ago - Source: worldbank.org