Please also see BIC's Accountability at the World Bank webpage for general information on the CAO and Inspection Panel.
The mandate of the CAO is to assist the IFC and MIGA to improve the social and environmental outcomes of their activities and to address complaints of people affected by their projects. To this end, the CAO fulfills three functions. In its compliance capacity, the CAO may conduct audits of the institutions’ social and environmental performance to ensure adherence to policies and procedures. In its advisory role, the CAO is responsible for providing independent advice to the President and senior management of IFC and MIGA with relation to individual projects and/or broader policy, procedural, and strategic issues. The Ombudsman seeks to address and resolve the concerns of persons affected by an IFC- or MIGA-sponsored project. The CAO reports directly to the President of the World Bank Group, and is thus independent from the Bank's Management and Board of Directors.
The CAO Reference Group
Comprised of stakeholder representatives from civil society, industry, and the World Bank Group, the CAO Reference Group meets annually to discuss issues related to the CAO’s operations and performance.
Information on How to File a Complaint