TORs

  Respectful Workplace Advisors (RWAs) 

Terms of Reference

The World Bank Group recognizes the right of every staff member to be treated with dignity and respect, to work in an atmosphere free of harassment and intimidation.  All complaints of harassment, disrespectful and unethical behaviors and other sources of stress at work will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly. To support this policy, the Bank Group has set up many avenues through which individuals, who feel they are being harassed, can seek advice and assistance or register a complaint. These channels include: management; Human Resources; Ombuds Services; Respectful Workplace Advisors (RWAs); Mediation Services; Ethics and Business Conduct; Personal and Work Stress Counseling; and Staff Association. RWAs are selected by staff members in their country offices or work units in Washington.  The RWA Program is managed by the Ombuds Services.   The RWA’s primary responsibilities are:

§   Provide colleagues with a confidential contact point and source of information and support;

§   Serve as a sounding board;

§   Provide guidance to appropriate avenues in the Conflict Resolution System (CRS);

§   Meet with the Country Manager/Director/VP periodically to discuss trends and the general environment of the office without providing information about specific cases or the names of staff;

§   Give periodic presentations to all staff in the office/unit as well as brief new staff on their RWA role; and

§   Send quarterly confidential logs to the Ombuds Services on the types of issues brought to the attention of the RWA with no names or information that could identify a staff member in order to safeguard strict confidentiality.

     
RWAs do not directly intervene in mediation, investigation or resolution processes.

RWAs should at all times:

•  Respect the dignity and rights of staff;

• Maintain the highest standards of individual integrity;

• Maintain absolute confidentiality concerning all discussions with a staff member, including among RWAs.

After appointment all RWAs will receive training before they begin serving in the role.  Staff performing managerial, HR or Resource Management responsibilities, as well as Staff Association Officers or Counselors are not eligible for nomination in order to avoid conflicts of interest in their role.  If there is a change in job responsibilities that would make an RWA ineligible or if there is a change in location, resignation or retirement, the RWA must inform the program promptly.

Knowledge requirements for the RWAs include:

• A basic understanding of the dynamics of a culturally diverse environment and workplace problems including various forms of disrespectful and unethical behaviors.

•  A comprehensive awareness of the Bank Group’s policies and procedures on harassment and disrespectful and unethical behaviors and for dealing with conflict.

• Familiarity with the services and operations of each CRS office.

• Ability to perform basic advisory functions such as listening and helping channel emotions toward constructive action.

• Understanding their roles and responsibilities as RWAs, including how to handle and respond to workplace problems, and how to refer staff members to appropriate resources elsewhere in the Bank Group.

Ombuds Services - The World Bank

July 2008