Assoc. Director, Internal Investigations (London, GB)

Purpose

The Associate Director, Investigations supports the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) in protecting the integrity and reputation of the Bank by leading investigative activities relating to allegations of misconduct and prohibited practices.

The role is responsible for managing complex, sensitive and high-risk matters, ensuring investigations and case assessments are conducted in accordance with Bank policies, procedures and recognised international standards. The Associate Director provides quality assurance, policy guidance and leadership across the investigations function, supports the development of investigative capability within OCCO, and contributes to the continuous improvement of investigation processes, governance and reporting.

The Associate Director maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other international financial institutions, multilateral development banks and national authorities, and contributes to the development of integrity-related policies, procedures and best practices across the Bank.

Background

The mission of the Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) is to protect the integrity and reputation of the Bank, promote ethical standards of behaviour, and strengthen accountability and transparency across the organisation.

OCCO assists in identifying, assessing and monitoring integrity risks arising from non-compliance with the Bank’s policies, standards and procedures and contributes independently to the effective management of such risks. OCCO reports through the Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer, to the President of the Bank.

Within this context, the Investigations function is responsible for assessing allegations, conducting investigations, supporting enforcement and disciplinary processes, and promoting best practice in investigative standards and integrity risk management. The Associate Director plays a key role in ensuring the Bank responds effectively, fairly and consistently to allegations of misconduct and prohibited practices while maintaining alignment with international standards and leading practices.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex investigations, case assessments or integrity-related matters in accordance with applicable Bank policies, procedures and international standards.
• Provide quality assurance and oversight of investigative work undertaken by other members of the team.
• Deliver high-quality reports, recommendations, management information and analysis to support decision-making by OCCO management and other governance bodies.
• Develop, review and enhance investigative methodologies, policies, procedures and operating frameworks.
• Manage, coach and develop investigative staff, fostering a high-performing and collaborative team environment.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the Bank and with external investigative, regulatory and enforcement bodies.
• Contribute to policy development, institutional initiatives, training programmes and awareness activities relating to integrity, prevention and investigations.
• Monitor emerging risks, trends and best practices and recommend improvements to investigative processes and controls.
• Ensure appropriate management, documentation and reporting of investigative information and case data.
• Liaise with and draft key instruction documents in respect of the appointment of external investigators.
• Represent OCCO and the Bank in internal and external forums, working groups, conferences and inter-institutional initiatives.

External Investigations

• Conduct and manage investigations into allegations of prohibited practices, including fraud, corruption, coercion, collusion, misuse and obstruction involving Bank counterparties.
• Prepare investigation reports, settlement agreements, show-cause letters, Notices of Prohibited Practices and other enforcement-related documentation.
• Support enforcement proceedings and related integrity due diligence activities.
• Maintain operational relationships with investigative teams in other MDBs, co-financing institutions and national authorities.
• Provide advice to business units regarding prohibited practices risks and investigations.
• Engage with Office of General Counsel Enforcement Commissioner regarding enforcement actions.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of the Bank’s Enforcement Policy and Procedures.

Internal Investigations

• Conduct and manage investigations into allegations of staff misconduct, including fraud, conflicts of interest, harassment, bullying, abuse of authority and sexual harassment.
• Supports and advises the Board Ethics Committee on all matters involving allegations of misconduct against Board Officials and “Covered Persons”.
• Advise senior management on misconduct-related matters and investigative outcomes.
• Conduct inspections, reviews and other preventative integrity activities.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of conduct, disciplinary and whistleblowing frameworks.
• Support initiatives designed to strengthen ethical culture and misconduct prevention across the Bank.
• Plans and conducts inspections of up to two Resident Offices per year.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of investigative methodologies, integrity risk management and governance frameworks.
• Good understanding of compliance, misconduct, fraud, corruption and enforcement-related issues.
• Knowledge of investigation case management, reporting and analytical techniques.
• Good understanding of the Bank’s mission, governance structure, policies and operating environment.

Experience

• Significant professional experience conducting, managing or overseeing complex investigations, case assessments or related integrity functions.
• Experience operating within highly regulated, international or complex organisational environments.
• Experience developing policies, procedures and operational frameworks.
• Proven experience managing and developing teams and coaching staff.
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders and external institutions.

Skills

• Strong investigative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent judgement and ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written communication, report drafting and presentation skills.
• Ability to interpret complex legal, financial, operational and investigative information.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgement.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in law, criminology, accounting, finance, audit, banking, employment relations or another relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Relevant professional certifications or memberships are desirable.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of additional languages used in the Bank's countries of operation is advantageous.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD 

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

The EBRD environment provides you with: 

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. 
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.

As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).