Deputy Secretary-General, ICSID Job #: req33887 Organization: ICSID Sector: Legal Grade: GI Term Duration:ย Up to 6 years Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Washington, DC,United States Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): French, Spanish Closing Date: 8/25/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the worldโs greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative change around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
ICSID was established in 1966 by the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States (the Convention). It fosters increased flows of private international investment by providing an impartial international forum to resolve disputes between States and foreign investors.
ICSID consists of an Administrative Council and a Secretariat. The Administrative Council serves as the governing body of ICSID. It is chaired by the President of the World Bank and comprises representatives from each of ICSIDโs 158 member states. The Administrative Council convenes annually to approve the Centreโs administrative budget, annual report, and other business.
As the premier international investment arbitration facility in the world, the ICSID Secretariat consists of a Secretary-General, a Deputy Secretary-General, and 70+ staff. The Secretariat performs the day-to-day work of ICSID. It administers arbitration, conciliation, mediation, and fact-finding proceedings, under the ICSID Convention and the ICSID Additional Facility. It also administers proceedings under the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), ad hoc proceedings, and other proceedings as agreed by the disputing parties. ICSID also performs associated dispute settlement services such as appointment of arbitrators, conciliators and mediators, and determination of disqualification applications.
In addition to its dispute settlement activities, the ICSID Secretariat provides technical assistance concerning international investment dispute resolution and maintains an active publications program in foreign investment law. The technical assistance program includes courses on ICSID arbitral procedure, mediation, and prevention of disputes. ICSIDโs publications include the ICSID Review, issued three times annually. The Centre also maintains a website providing extensive information on the Centre and its services, materials on pending and concluded cases, and ICSID arbitral awards and decisions.ย
Position Summary
The Deputy Secretary-General role at ICSID is a unique, impactful, and high-profile position. The Deputy Secretary-General supports the Secretary-General in developing ICSIDโs strategic vision, leads to ensure the team delivers on the organizational objectives, and oversees the operational management of ICSID.ย In addition, in accordance with the ICSID Convention, the Deputy Secretary-General acts for the Secretary-General during the Secretary-Generalโs absence or inability to act. This position requires a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of international investment law and dispute resolution, capable of driving efficiency, innovation, and collaboration with external stakeholders and within the World Bank Group.
In accordance with the ICSID Convention, the Deputy Secretary-General is elected for a term of up to six years by the Administrative Council on the nomination of the President of the World Bank in his capacity as Chair of the Council. Prior consultation with the members of the Council is required before the nomination may be made.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Operational Management:ย
โข Support the Secretary-General in developing ICSIDโs strategic goals and priorities.ย
โข Provide leadership to ensure the effective implementation of organizational objectives.
โข Oversee operational management, addressing individual and systemic issues in ICSID proceedings, and provide expert guidance on complex legal and institutional matters.
โข Serve as Acting Secretary-General when required, ensuring delivery of ICSID services in accordance with the ICSID Convention, Rules and Regulations.
Leadership and Talent Management:ย
โข Provide thought leadership and strategic direction to the team to ensure delivery on ICSIDโs goals and objectives.
โข Oversee recruitment, coaching, performance evaluations, and career development of staff.
โข Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and high performance.
โข Model integrity, equity, and inclusive leadership.
Resource management:
ย
โข Assist in ensuring the highest level of probity and economy in the administration of the funds advanced to ICSID by parties.ย
โข Ensure prudent use of ICSIDโs resources in alignment with WBG policies and internal controls.
โข Implement measures to enhance time and cost efficiency in ICSID proceedings.
Relationship management
โข Advance understanding of ICSIDโs mission through publications, media, and educational initiatives. Develop and implement updated strategies for technical assistance.
โข Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, representing ICSID with governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organizations.ย
โข Work with World Bank Group entities to enhance client services and support ICSIDโs strategic agenda through cross-institutional projects.
โข Oversee ICSIDโs publications, including the ICSID Review โ Foreign Investment Law Journal, and guide the evolution of the publications program.
Selection Criteria
Candidate Profile
โข Demonstrable professional excellence and substantive legal expertise. Professional qualifications should include a law degree (JD, LLB, LLM, Ph. D. or equivalent) and admission to the bar or equivalent in at least one jurisdiction.
โข Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in academia, legal practice, arbitral institutions and/or international organizations.
โข In-depth understanding of ICSIDโs activities and procedures, including experience in applying the ICSID Convention, Rules and Regulations.
โข Demonstrated expertise in law and practice of investor-State dispute settlement, including public international law relating to foreign investment, and a record of publications and presentations in the field.ย ย
โข Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills, having successfully managed and led diverse teams of professionals in a legal context.
โข Commitment to the mission of ICSID and the World Bank.
โข Ability to drive organizational progress and lead through change; brings systemic, future-focused and holistic thinking, identifies and responds to client needs, priorities, opportunities and challenges.
โข Ability to address multiple competing priorities in a timely and effective manner.
โข Capacity to motivate teams to excel in competitive markets within the context of an international organization.
โข Ability to manage, empower, coach, and mentor others and provide consistent, accurate, and straightforward feedback regarding strengths and developmental needs.
โข Demonstrate a degree of selflessness and a sense of corporate ethos; have a mindset that values teamwork and organizational needs; measures own success in terms of the achievements of ICSID.
โข Possess the interpersonal acumen and communication skills to effectively and proactively discuss complex and controversial topics with a diverse audience, within and outside the World Bank Group.
โข Behave with professionalism, tact and diplomacy and adept at navigating difficult, complex and/or sensitive matters.
โข Approachable and energetic ambassador who can inspire and engender trust with internal and external constituents, partners and stakeholders.
โข Fluency in English and preferably working knowledge of one or both of ICSIDโs two other official languages, French and Spanish.
This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.
WBG Managerial Competencies
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency โ Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking โ Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability โ Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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 theย World Bankย andย IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.