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p. 2 of 8 BACK | NEXT I. Introduction II. Background Information III. Operational Assessment IV. Benefits and Costs V. Conclusions

A Review of North American Representative Office

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II. Background Information

4. On 7 February 1995, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of NARO in Washington, D. C. NARO was officially opened on 5 October 1995 becoming the Bank's first Representative Office providing strengthened representation in donor countries. Since its inception, NARO has reported directly to the Vice President, Finance and Administration with assistance provided, as required, by concerned departments/offices. NARO is headed by a resident representative assisted by a professional staff member and two locally hired staff members-these positions were provided through redeployment from Headquarters. As set out in its TOR, NARO is mandated to build working relationships with the Canadian and US governments, the Bretton Woods institutions and United Nations (UN) agencies in North America, and major nongovernment organizations (NGOs) including the media, academia, and other interest groups. A principal responsibility of NARO is to provide the Bank with a means to effect resource mobilization efforts with the Canadian and US governments. On matters relating to (i) cofinancing, (ii) the Bank's financial operations, (iii) business opportunities, (iv) recruitment, and (v) use of the media, strengthened Bank representation was to be effected through specialized services originating from Headquarters with the involvement of NARO only when appropriate and cost effective.

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