World Bank Opens Counsel Position in Ethics and Internal Justice Services

The World Bank Group has announced an international recruitment for the position of Counsel within its Ethics and Internal Justice Services Vice Presidency (EIJ VPU). Based in Washington, DC, this four-year appointment offers legal professionals a unique opportunity to contribute to fairness, integrity, and justice within one of the world’s most influential multilateral institutions.

Up to two positions may be filled under this vacancy.

About the Ethics and Internal Justice Services Vice Presidency

The Ethics and Internal Justice Services Vice Presidency brings together the World Bank Group’s work on values, ethics, and workplace dispute resolution under a single institutional framework. Its mission is to foster a values-based workplace culture while providing staff with trusted, confidential, and effective mechanisms to resolve workplace conflict.

EIJ supports all five World Bank Group institutions and plays a critical role in maintaining organizational integrity, accountability, and trust.

Role Overview: Counsel, Peer Review Services

The selected Counsel will work within the Peer Review Services (PRS) unit, reporting directly to the PRS Manager. PRS provides independent peer review of managerial decisions, actions, or inactions—excluding performance management—that affect staff members.

This role requires strong legal judgment, discretion, cultural sensitivity, and hands-on experience with employment-related disputes in international or multilateral organizations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under minimal supervision, the Counsel will:

• Prepare written and oral briefings for Peer Review Panels
• Draft detailed panel reports for PRS decision-makers
• Advise Panels on financial compensation or other remedies, where applicable
• Summarize lessons learned from cases for senior World Bank Group management
• Manage Peer Review cases in line with established Key Performance Indicators
• Ensure that all Peer Review proceedings remain fair, impartial, and confidential
• Communicate with staff members and panelists in a culturally sensitive and neutral manner
• Support special initiatives and undertake ad hoc legal assignments as required

Who Should Apply

This position is well suited for legal professionals with experience in international employment law and internal justice systems. Ideal candidates will have:

• A Master’s degree in Law or Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent
• Current admission to the Bar in at least one World Bank Group member country
• At least five years of relevant professional legal experience
• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a peer review secretariat, appeals committee, or grievance body within a multilateral development bank or international organization
• Strong drafting, analytical, and advisory skills
• High standards of professionalism, discretion, and cultural awareness

Why This Role Matters

The Counsel position within Peer Review Services plays a vital role in safeguarding fairness and procedural justice across the World Bank Group. The work directly influences organizational learning, managerial accountability, and staff trust in internal justice mechanisms.

For legal professionals seeking a mission-driven international career, this role offers both intellectual depth and meaningful institutional impact.

Final Takeaway

The Counsel (GF) vacancy at the World Bank represents a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of law, ethics, and organizational justice in a globally respected institution. It is ideal for experienced legal practitioners committed to integrity, impartiality, and high-quality legal service in a multicultural environment.