The World Bank Accountability Mechanism - Resolution No. IBRD 2020-0005 - IDA2020-0004

Jul 19, 2026

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Establishes the World Bank Accountability Mechanism through resolutions IBRD 2020-0005 and IDA 2020-0004, defining its structure, governance, and core functions. Creates an independent Accountability Mechanism Secretary, appointed by the Executive Directors for a five-year term with removal only for cause and strict post-appointment employment restrictions. Describes the two constituent parts: the Inspection Panel for compliance review and the Dispute Resolution Service for dispute-related responsibilities, including procedures for requests for inspection and independence safeguards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

The World Bank Accountability Mechanism

Creation and structure

Part I: The Accountability Mechanism Secretary

Part II: The Inspection Panel

Requests for inspection

Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Resolution No. IBRD 2020-0005 Resolution No. IDA 2020-0004 The World Bank Accountability Mechanism September 8, 2020 The Executive Directors: Hereby resolve: 1. There is created the World Bank Accountability Mechanism, which shall have the role and functions as stated in this Resolution. 2. Structure. The Accountability Mechanism is headed by the Accountability Mechanism Secretary, whose role and functions are set forth in Part I of this Resolution, and who is supported by the Accountability Mechanism Secretariat. The Accountability Mechanism comprises two constituent parts: a. The Inspection Panel, originally established in 1993 pursuant to Resolution No. IBRD 93-10 and Resolution No. IDA 93-6, the current role and functions of which are set forth in Resolution No. IBRD 2020-0004/IDA2020-0003, dated September 8, 2020 (the “Inspection Panel Resolution”) and in Part II below. b. The Dispute Resolution Service, the role and functions of which are set forthin Part III below. Part I: The Accountability Mechanism Secretary 3. Appointment of the Accountability Mechanism Secretary. a. The President, after consultation with the Executive Directors, shall nominate the Accountability Mechanism Secretary, to be appointed by the Executive Directors. The Accountability Mechanism Secretary reports to the Executive Directorsand is independent of World Bank (the “Bank”) Management. S/he may be removed from this position only by decision of the Executive Directors, for cause. b. The Accountability Mechanism Secretary is appointed for a term of five years and may not serve for more than one term. The Accountability Mechanism Secretary will be prohibited from working for the World Bank Group in any capacity following the conclusion of his/her appointment. c. Executive Directors, Alternates, Senior Advisors, Advisors and staff members of the World Bank Group (defined according to Staff Rule 4.01 to include any persons holding an appointment with the World Bank Group), will not be considered for the position of Accountability Mechanism Secretary until two years have elapsed since the end of their service in the World Bank Group. d. The Accountability Mechanism Secretary is selected on the basis of his/her ability to deal thoroughly and fairly with the matters brought before him/her; integrity and independence from Bank Management; and experience with international development and multilateral financial institutions. e. The Accountability Mechanism Secretary has a responsibility to avoid situations and activities that may lead to real or perceived conflicts of interest. S/he will be subject to the World Bank Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and other relevant World Bank policies. 4. Responsibilities of the Accountability Mechanism Secretary. Subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph 8 below, the functions and duties of the Accountability Mechanism Secretary include: a. Establishing and managing the Accountability Mechanism’s work program, budget and staffing. b. Hiring Accountability Mechanism staff and consultants as needed in accordance with World Bank policies and procedures within the available budget. c. Overseeing all administrative matters and record keeping for the Accountability Mechanism. d. Preparing and submitting annual itemized budgetary requirements for the Accountability Mechanism Secretariat, the Dispute Resolution Service and (working with the Chairperson of the Inspection Panel) the Inspection Panel for consideration by the Committee on Development Effectiveness and Budget Committee and approval by the Executive Directors. e. Overseeing the functioning of the Dispute Resolution Service and performing the responsibilities assigned to the Accountability Mechanism Secretary in Part III below. f. Such other related tasks as

FAQs

What does the Resolution create and what is its purpose?

It creates the World Bank Accountability Mechanism and defines its role and functions as specified in the Resolution.

How is the Accountability Mechanism Secretary appointed and what independence safeguards apply?

The President nominates the Secretary after consultation with the Executive Directors, who appoint the Secretary. The Secretary is independent of Bank Management, can be removed only by Executive Directors for cause, and is subject to ethics and conflict-of-interest requirements and post-appointment work restrictions.

What are the two constituent parts of the Accountability Mechanism?

It comprises the Inspection Panel, which performs compliance review, and the Dispute Resolution Service, which carries out dispute-related functions defined in Part III.

Jul 19, 2026

Upload by Ezra