Principal Counsel, Head of Conflict of Interest and Data Access

Principal Counsel, Head of Conflict of Interest and Data Access

Job #:
req19206

Organization:
IFC

Sector:
Legal

Grade:
GH

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
10/12/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

IFC-a member 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. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

What We Do

The Business Risk and Compliance Department (CBR), under the IFC Legal, Compliance Risk & Sustainability Vice-Presidency, is responsible for setting business standards and providing advice and guidance to the IFC Board, Management, and business teams in relation to certain non-financial business risks that may arise in IFC investments, advisory work and corporate functions. These non-financial risks include risks that converge around IFC's management of conflicts of interest, corporate confidentiality obligations, data access governance, protection of personal data, marketplace conduct, and more recently the cyber and other emerging business technology risks facing IFC. They also include business risks arising in IFC's investment, advisory and corporate operations such as addressing corruption, fraud and know-your customer (KYC) issues, anti-money-laundering (AML/CFT), economic sanctions, tax good governance, and nominee director compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Head of Conflicts of Interest and Data Access will oversee the Conflicts of Interest Office (COI Office) and the Data Access and Control Office (DACO), specifically overseeing:
• The management and mitigation of operational conflicts of interest as IFC accelerates the convergence of its Upstream, Advisory and Investment activities, handled by the COI Office, and
• The management and mitigation of risks related to data access governance, inappropriate access to IFC information, and emerging focus areas related to data classification, confidentiality, the management of mission critical information and related compliance assessments, handled by DACO.

In doing so, she/he will liaise closely with the Data Privacy Office which manages risks associated with IFC's handling of personal data and with the Regulatory Risk Office which advises on IFC's market conduct and mobilization activities, broker/dealer and investment advisor standards that should apply to IFC as an international organization, Treasury activities and the regulatory aspects of IFC's privileges and immunities.

The successful candidate will be expected to possess a strong professional background and track record in understanding international business transactions, with experience primarily in advising on operational conflicts of interest, as well as on information and data governance. She/he will be charged with creating a vision and strategy for the management of operational conflicts of interest and data access for the next 3-year period, integrating the converging themes outlined above.

The position is based in IFC Headquarters in Washington, D.C and will report to the IFC Chief Compliance Officer.
• Lead and oversee the effective running of the COI Office and DACO.
• Plan, develop and implement a 3-year vision and strategy for the management of risks associated with conflicts of interest (COI) and data access (Data Access), putting client value at the center; drive the implementation of the strategy; together with members of the CBR Leadership Team, present key messages to IFC Senior Management, as needed.
• Lead a diverse team of COI and Data Access experts; provide strategic guidance; oversee work product to ensure excellent client service to both transactional and corporate teams; be available to trouble shoot; act as an arbitrator for internal differences and disputes on risk issues.
• Designate experts on the COI Office and DACO as the lead and/or primary contact points for COI and Data Access inputs on specific work programs, transactions, and initiatives wherever feasible; delegate and push accountability as far down as appropriate.
• Conduct regular, and effective meetings with staff; build capacity of staff by engaging early and often, giving, and receiving actionable feedback, and encouraging collaboration and staff professional development.
• Lead the development of appropriate standards of care and guidance for transactional and corporate teams; drive timely and effective trainings, rollouts, and implementation programs.
• Represent CBR on the IFC Data Analytics and Reporting Committee and co-represent CBR on the IFC Data Strategy Steering Group.
• Provide thought leadership on IFC's approach to COI and Data Access matters, both within the WBG and externally with MDBs, IFIs and other parties.
• Manage and integrate CBR's COI and Data Access functions into IFC's information and data governance strategy, with a focus on implementing technological solutions where feasible (e.g., information barriers).
• Oversee the design and development of risk appetite statements, risk tiering, key performance indicators, notably for COI risk management.
• In due course, lead the design and implementation of robust compliance monitoring on the above issues, including the tracking and analysis of key metrics.
• Assist the CBR Leadership Team to develop an approach on other key information and data governance efforts, e.g., the management of cyber and other technology business risks including blockchain technology, data ethics, data monetization, etc.
• Promote cooperation and foster coordination with a wide range of clients, and internal and external partners.

Selection Criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to possess:
• Juris Doctorate (JD), Bachelor of Law (LLB) or equivalent.
• 15 years relevant legal experience in the management and mitigation of operational conflicts of interest in project finance, as well as experience in the field of information governance.
• Experience at an international financial institution/multilateral development bank advising business teams on the above matters
• Skills that combine legal and business acumen with technical knowledge of conflicts of interests, corporate finance and data-related matters.
• Strong people skills and capacity to build teams, give feedback and motivate
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment with team members and other colleagues across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to delegate appropriately and effectively.
• Strong communication skills, courage of convictions, and the ability to represent CBR to IFC Senior Management, and to represent IFC and CBR in global and regional compliance forums.
• Active networking skills.
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Dedication to IFC's mission and mandate, and demonstrated commitment to IFC's core values, including excellence, mutual respect, collegiality, teamwork, diversity and inclusiveness, integrity, innovation, transparency and accountability.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.