Tell us about yourself, and your experience of accountability prior to joining the World Bank Accountability Mechanism.

I am a Colombian lawyer, specialized in Mining and Energy Law. I hold two Master’s degrees: one in State Law with an emphasis in Public Law from Universidad Externado de Colombia, and another in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. I have worked across the public and private sectors, as well as with multilateral organizations, in roles consistently focused on social and environmental matters.

This professional focus led me to the field of conflict resolution, where I participated in stakeholder engagement processes. My work in this area was guided by compliance with, and monitoring of, the social and environmental policies and standards established by national legislation and the organizations I served.

What has been the most valuable learning experience for you during your time at the Dispute Resolution Service (DRS)?

The most valuable learning experience for me has been deepening my knowledge in mediation and facilitation. Witnessing the application of these methods in real-world cases has given me a broader perspective and equipped me with practical tools to effectively approach and resolve conflicts.

You travelled to Kenya with the DRS for an outreach workshop with civil society in June this year. Could you share any insights?

What stood out most was the rich exchange of knowledge and ideas. From a technical standpoint, the discussions covered the dispute resolution services offered by the independent accountability mechanisms of the African Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as the critical role played by civil society in these mechanisms. The practical component of the workshop was particularly valuable to me, as it offered a firsthand look at the African experience in dispute resolution. My professional background has been primarily focused on Latin America, so this exposure to different contexts, perspectives, and approaches significantly broadened my understanding.

Two elements of the event were especially noteworthy. First, the participation of more than 20 civil society organizations alongside experts fromthe DRS and the Independent Recourse Mechanism of the African Development Bank fostered a dynamic environment for meaningful dialogue. Second, the two-way learning and reflection that took place brought important issues to the fore, including stakeholder expectation management, the handling of threats and reprisals, accessibility to dispute resolution mechanisms, and the overall importance of dispute resolution services.

Can you share an example of a specific skill you have developed or improved while working with the DRS?

One of the skills I have strengthened is adaptability, which I see reflected in two main areas. On a professional level, the fast-paced work environment, the timelines, and the diversity of stakeholders, contexts, and issues have required me to quickly adjust to different dynamics and demands. On a more personal level, adapting to such a diverse and multicultural work environment has been incredibly rewarding. Being part of a team that includes colleagues from over 10 different nationalities is truly inspiring—it creates a respectful, intellectually stimulating atmosphere, rich in learning and cross-cultural exchange.

What advice would you give to prospective interns?

Be open to acquiring as much knowledge as possible. This position offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow, as it exposes you to a wide range of topics, scenarios with varying levels of complexity, involving diverse stakeholders and cultural, economic, environmental, and social contexts. It is important to embrace different tasks, as they allow you to deepen your expertise and explore various areas. This is a team where everyone is genuinely willing to share their knowledge, so it is up to the person in this role to make the most of that openness of the experts who are eager to support your learning.

Find out more about the internship program here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/careers/programs-and-internships/Accountability-Mechanism-Internship-Program