Mediation Services

Mediation Services (MEF) is part of the World Bank Group (WBG) Internal Justice Services (IJS). MEF provides a confidential, informal, impartial venue for the WBG staff, former staff, and consultants to address and resolve workplace disputes. MEF has a roster of over 20 mediators located in Washington and in Country Offices worldwide.

In addition to mediation, MEF offers group facilitation, team building, and several skill-building trainings. These additional services help to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of teams.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal, confidential conflict resolution process in which an impartial third party helps two or more participants better understand their issues, interests and needs and empower them to bridge their difference through a voluntary agreement. The main characteristics of mediation are:

Impartiality: Mediators have no stake in the matter. They don't make a decision or advocate for either participant. They do help the participants communicate effectively and make decisions about how to resolve the matter.
Confidentiality: Mediation is strictly confidential, both for the mediator and the participants.
Informality: The mediation process is designed to be flexible and user-friendly.
Voluntary agreement: Participants have ultimate control and decision-making power over the outcome of the mediation.

How does it work?

Mediation services are easy to use - there are three basic steps:

Step 1 - Intake: Mediation is initiated by a request to the Mediation Services (MEF) office. That request can be a simple e-mail sent, a phone call or walk-in to the office. Any current or former staff member or consultant may request a mediation for any work-related issue. Once a request is received, MEF will contact all participants to conduct an intake. The purpose of the intake is to ensure the participants' understanding of the process and to help MEF determine whether the case is appropriate for mediation.
Step 2 - Mediation: If the case is deemed appropriate for mediation, it will be assigned to a mediator and participants will be asked to come to an initial mediation session. The participants are required to sign an Agreement to Mediate prior to the session. After the first session, any participant is free to decide whether they want to continue with the process or withdraw from it.
Step 3 - Agreement: If the issues are settled through mediation, the mediator will draft a Mediation Agreement (MA) which records specific agreements made by all participants. By signing an MA neither participant admits fault. However, a signed MA is a binding commitment for all the participants.

Other services

Group Facilitation

involves a facilitator assisting groups in effective communication. Effective communication is necessary to build trust and collaboration and to encourage innovation. Facilitation can be used to address group conflict, as well as strategic planning and change initiatives.

Training

can be delivered to intact teams and working groups. Currently, we offer training in conflict management, mediation, negotiation, workplace relationships, and consensus building.

Team Building

involves an active process of transitioning a group of individuals into a cohesive team, a unit organized to work together interdependently and collaboratively to accomplish a purpose. The foundation of good teamwork is a shared commitment to common objectives.

CONTACT

Mediation Services
The World Bank
1818 H Street N.W.
Suite MC 5-402
Washington, DC 20433

202-458-0424

mediation@worldbank.org

Mediation Services

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