Office of the Ombudsperson

We are committed to helping members of the ADB community in finding creative and agreeable solutions to complex situations. Our team supports colleagues by offering a unique combination of conflict resolution services including coaching, facilitation of difficult conversations, conflict assessment, listening without judgment, and timely and pertinent dispute-resolution advice, to name a few.

We facilitate effective communication and constructive dialogue between parties involved in workplace conflict, with the aim of finding mutually beneficial resolutions. Through tailored presentations, facilitated group discussions, and non-traditional approaches, we educate the ADB community on effective conflict management techniques. Our goal is to enhance the experience of working at ADB for each member of the community by offering thorough issue analyses, upward feedback, and recommendations that promote a systemic approach to organizational culture changes. We provide these services to the President and Management team, as well as members of the Board and other decision-makers, when necessary.

Moreover, by collecting and analyzing our data, monitoring trends, and providing valuable insights, our Office contributes to the development of people-centered policies that align with the organization’s mission and values.

As an off-the-record, impartial, and independent resource, we can supplement the insider’s view with a broader outsider’s perspective. We analyze concerns and formulate recommendations for institutional changes, when appropriate.

We arrange confidential meetings at a convenient time and secure location, either in person or through a virtual platform, for members of the ADB community seeking assistance. Appointments can be scheduled via phone, or other virtual platforms. However, sharing confidential or sensitive information through any electronic mediums is greatly discouraged as OOMP cannot guarantee the confidentiality of anything electronically relayed.

The Ombuds Office values every concern, regardless of its magnitude. However, it is essential to acknowledge that our jurisdiction does not extend to all members of the ADB community in certain cases—such as ADB affiliates or the employer of contractors, among others. Nevertheless, we appreciate every conversation and view each consultation as a valuable learning opportunity for both ourselves and the organization.

• Turn no one away
  Some members of the ADB community have expressed their willingness and confidence to approach us with complex and sensitive matters. They expect empathy, honest discussions, advice, and strategic solutions. They feel assured they will not be turned away.
• Promote dignity, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
  We are firmly committed to treating everyone with the same level of dignity and respect.
• Give honest feedback
  We believe that honesty and candid feedback inculcate trust and make our office a more approachable, and respected informal resource.
• Empower the ADB community
  We aim to empower colleagues by helping them reframe issues and find creative ways out of their problems. We give voice to those ADB community members who may feel they have none.

Can Do

• Practice active listening without judgement.
• Conduct conflict analysis and conflict mapping.
• Provide guidance on problem-solving and assist in strategizing the next steps.
• Conduct informal information gathering or fact-finding.
• Conduct informal mediation.
• Facilitate difficult conversations.
• Shuttle diplomacy.
• Move information between parties who may not know who the other is.
• Offer executive, negotiation, team, and conflict management coaching.
• Provide training on conflict management when requested.
• Help build a risk-aware culture and recommend changes to address systemic organizational issues.

Cannot Do

• Create policies.
• Conduct formal investigations.
• Offer legal advice.
• Provide psychological counselling.
• Participate in formal processes.
• Overrule decisions of those that have the authority to make them.
• Serve as an advocate.