D
Departments and Offices The principal responsibilities of the Departments and Offices are set out below.
(See also Organization Structure)
Agriculture and Social Sectors Departments
The two Agriculture and Social Sectors Departments (East and West) prepare, appraise, and administer loan and technical assistance projects in the agriculture and social infrastructure sectors. The subsectors include agriculture and rural development, rural finance, forestry and natural resources, water supply and sanitation, urban development and housing, education and training, health, population, nutrition, and social protection. The departments also conduct regional, and country sectoral, and policy analyses and consultations with member governments, and prepare special studies and surveys on topics of regional and national concern in these sectors.
- Bangladesh Resident Mission
The Bangladesh Resident Mission (BRM), located in Dhaka, facilitates ADB's operations in Bangladesh. More specifically, it is involved at all stages of the project cycle, including identifying new projects and programs, project processing, portfolio management, and project evaluation. BRM has been delegated programming, economic and sector work, and project administration of all projects in Bangladesh. BRM is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Partnership Agreement on Poverty Reduction that ADB signed with the Government of Bangladesh. In addition, loan disbursement processing functions of the entire portfolio are delegated to BRM. BRM strengthens the working relationship between ADB and the Government and maintains regular dialogue on policy issues and sector reforms relevant to ADB operations in Bangladesh. It maintains extensive consultation and coordination with bilateral and multilateral funding agencies represented in the country, participates in funding consortium meetings, and explores mobilization of commercial/institutional cofinancing for projects being prepared. BRM's economic and sector work supports the formulation of ADB's country strategy and program for Bangladesh and assists headquarters' activities in subregional cooperation initiatives. It coordinates cooperation with nongovernment organizations and media coverage of ADB operations. It also trains officials of government/executing agencies on project implementation, management, and other policies and procedures.
- Budget, Personnel and Management Systems Department
The Budget, Personnel and Management Systems Department determines, allocates, manages, and administers ADB's budgetary provisions for staffing and internal administrative resources. It designs and assesses the organization and systems within which these resources are brought together to carry out the broad range of ADB activities; and develops and operates the personnel program—including human resources planning, recruitment, classification and compensation, benefits, staff training and development, and staff relations.
- Cambodia Resident Mission
The Cambodia Resident Mission, located in Phnom Penh, facilitates ADB operations in Cambodia. It initiates and maintains dialogue with the Government of Cambodia on policy and other issues that are of relevance to ADB operations in Cambodia. It also strengthens the working relationship between ADB and Cambodian authorities in processing and implementing technical assistance and loan projects and programs, in coordination with representatives of bilateral and multilateral funding agencies.
- Central Operations Services Office
The Central Operations Services Office (COSO) oversees ADB's procurement, portfolio management, and consulting services. COSO's clients include the ADB Board of Directors, Management, and staff, and constituents of ADB's members (government agencies, consultants, suppliers, and contractors). In fulfilling its role, COSO
oversees policies and procedures on ADB procurement and consulting services; provides information and advice to its clients on procurement and consulting services, business opportunities, and measures to improve portfolio quality; and provides statistical and monitoring information to ADB Management ad Board on procurement, consulting services, and business opportunities.
- Controller’s Department
The Controller's Department establishes and maintains ADB's accounting system and records; prepares reports setting forth the financial position of ordinary capital resources and Special Funds, including trust funds and the staff retirement fund; and calculates and arranges the settlement of maintenance of value obligations of members. The department authorizes disbursements under loans and technical assistance operations and provides assistance to other departments in preparing, negotiating, and administering loans and technical assistance operations. It also authorizes payments of administrative and other expenses in connection with trust funds and funds of a similar nature, and makes payments in respect of salaries, allowances, and benefits under the Staff Retirement Plan. It provides assistance to the Treasury Department in formulating ADB's financial policies.
- Economics and Development Resource Center
The Economics and Development Resource Center (EDRC)
undertakes policy research on emerging development issues and debates relevant to the region, particularly on thematic areas of strategic concern to ADB; conducts methodology research and provides advisory support for the application of the guidance on the economic and financial analysis of projects and programs, including poverty impact analysis; participates in reviewing and supervising the quality of projects and programs, and other economic and sector studies; maintains a central statistical database system to support ADB operations; plays the role of ADB's development resource center through wide-ranging activities, such as knowledge dissemination and capacity building for developing member countries and ADB staff, publication of the Asian Development Outlook, Asian Development Review, and Key Indicators of Developing Asian and Pacific Countries; and networks with development institutions for research and knowledge dissemination.
To ensure synergy and complementarity, EDRC undertakes these activities in close coordination with ADB's other departments and offices, Regional Economic Monitoring Unit, and ADB Institute in Tokyo.
- European Representative Office
The European Representative Office, located in Frankfurt, Germany, enhances public awareness of and support for ADB in its European members. It disseminates information on the Asian and Pacific region and on ADB's role and mission, long-term strategy, ownership and organization, development, operational and sector policies, public and private sector operations, and country operations and programs. It also furnishes specialized information aimed at special interest groups. Its subsidiary responsibilities are to
coordinate and cooperate with multilateral institutions headquartered in Europe to strengthen relations and promote outreach opportunities; promote greater awareness within Europe's private sector of development trends and opportunities in the Asian and Pacific region; act as a conduit to keep ADB informed of the views, concerns, and interests of its European constituency regarding ADB and the Asian and Pacific region; and
facilitate outreach by catalyzing and assisting ADB missions to Europe.
Extended Mission in Gujarat, India
ADB established in 2001 an extended office at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, close to the earthquake-affected areas, to ensure prompt and efficient implementation of the rehabilitation project supported by a US$500 million emergency loan.
The new ADB office, an extension of its New Delhi-based Resident Mission, will provide better coordination in implementing the project. "The extended office will strengthen our client orientation as the project focuses on early restoration of economic and social activity in the affected areas," says Frank Polman, ADB's Resident
Representative in India. Extended Mission in Papua New Guinea
The Extended Mission in Papua New Guinea, located in Port Moresby, was established to provide in-field supervision and support to ensure more effective project implementation and enhanced focus on monitoring and assessing development impact in Papua New Guinea. - India Resident Mission
The India Resident Mission, located in New Delhi, facilitates ADB operations in India and cooperates with the Government, particularly project implementation and administration, and identification of new projects and programs for future ADB assistance. The mission assists in facilitating the chain of activities leading to project approval, strengthening ADB's analytical capability for the Indian economy and policy dialogue, promoting private sector development, and coordinating aid.
- Indonesia Resident Mission
The Indonesia Resident Mission, located in Jakarta, facilitates ADB operations in Indonesia. It is responsible for planning, programming, and monitoring ADB operations in the country. It administers implementation of loan and technical assistance projects. It initiates and maintains dialogue with the Government of Indonesia on policy and other issues that are relevant to ADB operations in Indonesia. It plays an active role in aid coordination, conducts economic analyses of country developments, and provides country information and advice to headquarters.
Infrastructure, Energy and Financial Sectors Departments (East and West)
The two Infrastructure, Energy and Financial Sectors departments (East and West) prepare, appraise, and administer technical assistance and loan projects and programs in the physical infrastructure, energy, financial, industrial, and trade sectors. The subsectors include transport and communications; electric power, renewable energy, and natural gas; and the financial sector and industry, including capital market development, privatization, public finance, and small and medium enterprise development. In environmental matters, the departments help developing member countries address existing problems through retrofit, modernization, and fuel switching; and meet future energy demand through a greater use of renewable energy resources. The departments also undertake regional and country sectoral and policy analyses and consultations with member governments, and prepare special studies and surveys on topics of regional and national concern in these sectors. - Japanese Representative Office
The Japanese Representative Office (JRO)was opened in 1996 in Tokyo. JRO was established to
act as the focal point for disseminating information about ADB and its activities; promote resource mobilization from official bilateral as well as private sources in Japan; strengthen relations between ADB, and multilateral and bilateral institutions/organizations located in Japan; and advance the knowledge of the Japanese private sector community concerning economic trends and business opportunities in Asia and the Pacific.
Like the other representative offices, JRO responds to the need for better and strengthened representation in countries providing assistance, and for broader and more direct access to ADB's various constituencies. Better integration into the political and social environments of its donor members will enhance ADB's knowledge of the interest and capacity matrix of individual donor countries, thus enabling ADB to be more proactive.
In public relations, JRO organizes media interviews and speaking engagements at universities and various institutes, arranges Japanese translations of ADB's major publications, and holds exhibitions on ADB's activities at various events. For resource mobilization, JRO regularly contacts official and private bilateral funding agencies in Japan. JRO routinely interacts with nongovernment organizations, consultants, and other business groups interested in ADB's activities. JRO also provides support for and actively participates in headquarters activities, such as the Office of Cofinancing Operations' consultations with government agencies, and official and private financial institutions; and various seminars and conferences in Tokyo conducted by ADB staff members or in which they participate.
- Kazakhstan Resident Mission
The Kazakhstan Resident Mission (KARM) was established by ADB in 1998. KARM helps strengthen the relationship between ADB and Kazakhstan and promote ADB assistance to the country. KARM was moved from Almaty to Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, in August 1999. This followed the transfer of the capital and government offices to Astana in 1998. ADB was the first multilateral financial institution to relocate to Astana. With the transfer of KARM, ADB is now using its original office in Almaty as a liaison office.
As poverty reduction is the overarching goal of ADB operations, KARM assists in country programming, project processing, and portfolio management, which help address the poverty problem in Kazakhstan. With the approval of the Resident Mission Policy by ADB's Board of Directors in February 2000, ADB is strengthening KARM's capacity to develop further the partnership with Kazakhstan. The number of KARM staff members has been increased and the office facilities have been improved significantly. During 2001-2003, KARM will be provided with sufficient qualified staff and infrastructure to achieve its expanded functions. These functions include government, civil society, and private sector relations; policy dialogue and support; country reporting; aid coordination; and external relations and information dissemination. In addition, KARM will continue to provide logistical support for ADB missions and facilitate the two-way flow of communications between ADB headquarters and the Government.
- Kyrgyz Resident Mission
ADB established in 2000 a resident mission in the Kyrgyz Republic to facilitate coordination with the Government and funding agencies and help ensure project quality. ADB continues to assist the Kyrgyz Republic in Central Asia in its transition to a market economy and in building a solid base for sustainable development. ADB's program in the Kyrgyz Republic includes projects for agricultural area development, subregional road rehabilitation, skills and entrepreneur development, and a financial intermediation program.
- Lao People's Democratic Republic Resident Mission
The Lao Resident Mission (LRM) was opened in 2000 and located at its new office on the corner of Lane Xang Avenue and Samsenthai Road in Vientiane.
LRM has already established excellent relations with the government authorities and the donor community. LRM assists ADB headquarters in the efficient and effective management of the existing substantial ADB loan and technical assistance (national and regional) portfolio and in programming future ADB operations in the country.
- Mongolia Resident Mission
ADB's Board of Directors approved in 2000 the establishment of the Mongolia Resident Mission (MNRM). Its primary role is to strengthen ADB's capacity to deliver its program of assistance to Mongolia, which is aimed at reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth. MNRM will gradually take over the administration of some loans, commencing in late 2001, and will also process or assist in processing technical assistance and regional technical assistance. MNRM will also strengthen policy dialogue with the Government and strengthen coordination with other funding agencies. The new office will enable ADB to develop a closer working relationship with the Government, the private sector, community groups, and civil society at large.
- Nepal Resident Mission
The Nepal Resident Mission (NRM), located in Kathmandu, facilitates the preparation and implementation of all ADB-financed projects in Nepal. It initiates and maintains dialogue with the Government on policies and other issues that are relevant to ADB operations in Nepal and strengthens the working relationship between ADB and Nepalese authorities in processing and implementing technical assistance and loan projects and programs, in coordination with representatives of bilateral and multilateral funding agencies. NRM also plays an important liaison role with nongovernment organizations, the private sector, and broader civil society, including the media.
- North American Representative Office
Established in 1995 and based in Washington DC, NARO fulfills several functions for its constituencies in Canada and the United States. The Office builds public awareness about ADB's poverty reduction efforts, sustainable development activities, and business opportunities in Asia and the Pacific; strengthens relations with multilateral and bilateral financial institutions; and communicates interests between the ADB and North American policymakers. The Office conducts outreach to academia, nongovernment organizations, governments, civil society, private sector, and the media through organized events, publications, presentations, and responses to public inquiries. The Office publishes a quarterly newsletter, maintains a web site, and hosts and cohosts functions supporting ADB transparency and promoting awareness of development issues in Asia and the Pacific.
- Office of Administrative Services
The Office of Administrative Services is responsible for the physical facilities and the supporting services required by ADB.
The Facilities Management Division is responsible for
planning, operating, and maintaining ADB's buildings, grounds, office equipment, and building engineering and automation systems; providing communications services and gasoline for eligible vehicles; managing the Library, Archives, and records; supervising food and commissary services operations, and materials management; and providing internal and external security and safety.
The General Services Division is responsible for
procurement of goods and services; printing and reprographic services; shipping, customs clearance, and registration of tax-exempt vehicles; administration of business and benefits travel; visa, passport, hotel, and transport services; and liaison with the Philippine Government concerning the privileges and immunities extended to ADB and its staff under the Headquarters Agreement
- Office of Cofinancing Operations
The Office of Cofinancing Operations (OCO) acts as ADB's focal point for planning, promoting, and arranging cofinancing, and for formulating policies on cofinancing and guarantee operations. For projects and programs requiring cofinancing, OCO assists borrowers in obtaining cofinancing from official, commercial, and export credit sources. OCO identifies appropriate cofinancers and assists operational units in determining financial packages for these projects and administering the cofinanders' loans. In addition, OCO establishes and manages technical assistance grant funds entrusted by funding agencies to cofinance or exclusively finance ADB-wide technical assistance projects on a grant basis, and coordinates the ADB-wide use of the Japan Special Fund. OCO is also responsible for administering the Japan Scholarship Program.
- Office of Environment and Social Development
The Office of Environment and Social Development reviews environmental and social concerns related to ADB's policies and operations; promotes environmental and social awareness within ADB and in its developing member countries (DMCs); supports programs and projects in achieving a harmonious and long-term balancing of basic human needs and critical natural resources; and assists in developing and strengthening relevant institutions in ADB's DMCs. The Office monitors the implementation of ADB-wide policies, guidelines, and procedures for considering and incorporating environmental and social dimensions and associated processes into ADB projects; and identifies new directions and approaches that improve the incorporation of environmental and social aspects into projects. It also promotes cooperation between ADB and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and acts as the focal point and clearinghouse for ADB-wide cooperation with NGOs.
(See also Social Dimensions of Development)
- Office of External Relations
The Office of External Relations (OER) carries out information activities that help create better awareness of ADB's role and operations in its member countries. OER's key function is to implement ADB's Information Policy and Strategy, and the Policy on Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information, both approved in 1994. The main activities of OER include
media relations: news releases, press conferences, media interviews, opinion-editorials/articles, Media Center, and media training; external relations: fielding ADB resource persons for speaking engagements, participating in exhibits at conferences/meetings, and briefing visitors; publications: managing ADB's Publications Program, and producing the Annual Report, ADB Review, and a wide range of other informational and promotional materials; information disclosure: Public Information Center and Depository Library Program; multimedia services: videos/films and photographic services; and internal communications: Bank Forum (staff magazine), daily news service, and weekly press review.
(See also Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information Policy; and Information)
- Office of Information Systems and Technology
The Office of Information Systems and Technology (OIST) is responsible for planning and managing automated information systems and telecommunications services to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of ADB's operational, financial, and administrative functions. The activities of OIST include
formulating and implementing information technology (IT) strategies for ADB; acquiring, installing, and maintaining hardware, software, and IT infrastructure; designing, developing, implementing, evaluating, and maintaining application systems; managing and periodically upgrading the ADB-wide network, including telecommunications; providing security, backup, and disaster recovery services for all IT operations; managing and coordinating automated communications services and facilities, both internal and external; operating a service center to assist ADB-wide users of IT services; and advising operational departments of activities in support of developing member countries.
- Office of Pacific Operations
The Office of Pacific Operations is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with the Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) and East Timor on all matters concerning ADB operations. The Office formulates ADB's operational strategies for the Pacific DMCs; undertakes economic and policy analyses and country performance reviews; and develops country operational programs for ADB assistance. As the Office is responsible for the entire range of operations, it also prepares, appraises, and administers loan and technical assistance projects. The Office includes the headquarters division, the South Pacific Regional Mission, the Extended Mission in Papua New Guinea, and the Special Liaison Office in East Timor.
- Office of the Auditor General
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) conducts periodic, independent, and objective appraisals of ADB financial, administrative, and operational functions. It aims to ensure adequate and effective controls and to identify the means of improving economy and efficiency in the use of resources in carrying out ADB's development mission. OAG also serves as the focal point in ADB's drive against corruption and for dealing with alleged incidents of corruption or fraud in ADB-financed projects or among its staff.
In its effort to promote good governance, OAG is actively involved in capacity building programs primarily for upgrading accounting and auditing capabilities of ADB's developing member countries (DMCs). OAG maintains close liaison with the Supreme Audit Institutions and multilateral development banks in the areas of good governance and capacity building.
OAG also undertakes periodic audit review missions to DMCs to ascertain compliance by borrowers with ADB's loan and technical assistance agreements.
The Integrity Division is also located in OAG.
- Office of the General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel provides advice and assistance to the President, the Board of Governors, the Board of Directors, and various departments and offices of ADB on legal matters relating to ADB's organization, administration, finance, policies, and operations. The office plays an important part in appraising, negotiating, and administering technical assistance and loan projects and programs, private sector investments, and cofinancing and guarantee operations; and in ADB's borrowing and fund-raising activities. It also designs and implements technical assistance in key law and policy reform areas, with special emphasis on governance, the rule of law, and capacity building.
- Office of the Secretary
The Office of the Secretary is the principal liaison office between the Board of Governors and the Board of Directors on one hand, and Management and staff on the other. It is the formal channel of communications between ADB and its members, and handles all matters regarding membership. It organizes, administers, and keeps the official records of the Annual Meetings of the ADB's Board of Governors, and regular meetings of the Board of Directors. It also serves various board committees, management review and staff review committees, and senior staff meetings. It is the depository of all agreements entered into by ADB and official records of board documents. The office is also the custodian of the official seal of ADB.
Offices of the Vice-Presidents
Three Vice-Presidents assist the President.
Vice-President for Finance and Administration, who is responsible for the following departments and offices: Office of the Secretary; Office of the General Counsel; Budget, Personnel and Management Systems Department; Office of Administrative Services; Controller's Department; Treasury Department; Office of External Relations; Office of Information Systems and Technology; North American Representative Office; European Representative Office; Japanese Representative Office. Vice-President (Region West), who covers Programs Division West I—Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka; Programs Division West IIˇXBangladesh, Bhutan, and India; and Programs Division West III—Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam; Agriculture and Social Sectors (West); Infrastructure, Energy and Financial Sectors Department (West); Private Sector Group; and Economics and Development Resource Center. Vice-President (Region East), who covers Programs Division East I—People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mongolia; Singapore; and Taipei,China; Programs Division East II—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan; and the Office of Pacific Operations' Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu; Agriculture and Social Sectors (East); Infrastructure, Energy and Financial Sectors Department (East); Office of Cofinancing Operations; and Central Operations Services Office.
- Operations Evaluation Department
The Operations Evaluation Department (OED) is responsible for administering ADB's independent operations evaluation functions, which aim to improve the design and execution of ADB's future activities in light of the lessons learned from its operations, and to enable ADB to account to its shareholders for the effectiveness of its development assistance to its developing member countries (DMCs). A major activity of OED is preparing project and program performance audit reports (PPARs) of completed projects/programs for which project/program completion reports have been prepared by the operational departments responsible for the processing and implementation. PPARs involve the comprehensive evaluation of project/program effectiveness in achieving objectives and provide analytical commentary focusing on lessons of operational significance.
OED also undertakes various intensive studies of broader relevance to ADB's operations, such as preparing technical assistance performance audit reports, impact assessment and special evaluation studies, reevaluation studies, and country assistance program evaluations. To ensure the usefulness of operations evaluation, OED provides ADB with effective feedback of lessons learned through several channels, including the computerized operations evaluation information system, the annual review of evaluation activities, country/sector syntheses of operations evaluation findings, and feedback sessions with operational departments. Through technical assistance, OED also assists DMCs in developing and strengthening their independent evaluation capabilities.
- Pakistan Resident Mission
The Pakistan Resident Mission (PRM), in Islamabad, strengthens ADB's overall role in Pakistan's social and economic development by serving as a crucial link between ADB headquarters and the Government. PRM's multifaceted role includes facilitating all aspects of project implementation, holding intensive dialogue with the federal and four provincial governments, providing assistance to executing agencies, undertaking external funding coordination, and interfacing with nongovernment organizations (NGOs). PRM initiates and monitors dialogue with the Government on policy and operational issues that have a direct bearing on ADB operations in Pakistan. It also monitors evolving economic developments, undertakes regular portfolio reviews, and provides assistance in processing proposed loans and technical assistance.
The responsibilities of PRM in portfolio management have grown over the years. PRM is increasingly involved in discussing governance issues with the Government in the context of biannual portfolio reviews. PRM also makes significant contributions in preparing ADB's country strategy and programming work, and in fostering relations with NGOs.
- People's Republic of China Resident Mission
The People's Republic of China Resident Mission (PRCM), located in Beijing, was established to deepen ADB's partnership with the People's Republic of China (PRC) and allow ADB to provide better services and be more responsive to the PRC's needs by bringing its operations closer to its clients. PRCM takes a lead role in formulating ADB's country operational strategy and programming ADB's assistance to the PRC. PRCM monitors developments in the economy and in selected sectors in which ADB is active such as transport, energy, environment, water supply, urban development, finance, natural resource management, and agriculture.
PRCM coordinates with government agencies, and bilateral and multilateral funding agencies to ensure that ADB's activities meet the needs of the country and create synergy with other funding agencies' activities. PRCM is also beginning to reach out to nongovernment organizations, the private sector, and a wider range of civil society, including the media, to disseminate information on ADB's programs and activities. Other major responsibilities of PRCM include promoting good governance, poverty reduction, and sound environmental management. PRCM facilitates preparing and implementing ADB-financed projects in the PRC to promote efficient, pro-poor economic development.
- Philippines Country Office
The establishment of the Philippines Country Office (PhCO) in ADB headquarters was approved by the ADB Board of Directors on 1 September 2000. The formal opening of PhCO was on 1 March 2001. PhCO was created to help improve the effectiveness of ADB's operations and, consequently, increase the development impact of ADB's operations in the Philippines. This is in line with ADB's strategy of strengthening country focus and ensuring strong client orientation.
Serving as the focal point for Philippine operations, PhCO can interact regularly with ADB's major stakeholders, including the national and local governments, nongovernment organizations and other civil society groups, the private sector, and the media. It is expected that a more productive partnership between ADB and the Philippine Government will ensue, with the Filipino people benefiting greatly from ADB's development cooperation activities in the Philippines. PhCO has full responsibility for country programming; processing new projects and technical assistance; portfolio management, including monitoring of project implementation performance; and economic and sector analyses. PhCO's project monitoring functions will focus on identifying generic problem areas that are cross-sectoral. By effectively coordinating with the Philippine Government, PhCO may assist in solving endemic and longer term problems. In the process, the quality of existing and future ADB projects in the Philippines should improve.
- Private Sector Group
The Private Sector Group is responsible for ADB's nonsovereign private sector operations. These responsibilities include formulating and implementing ADB policies for direct assistance to the private sector; processing funding for, and investments in private entities, including build-own-operate (BOO) and build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects; supporting the establishment of pooled investment vehicles such as investment funds; monitoring the portfolio and managing risk; and mobilizing funds for private sector activities, including guaranteeing commercial loans, syndicating loans for private sector operations, and designing investment funds for small and medium enterprises and infrastructure projects.
Programs Departments (East and West)
The two Programs Departments (East and West) formulate ADB's operational strategies for individual countries—except for the Pacific developing member countries (DMCs)—including economic and policy analyses, and undertake country performance reviews that provide a basis for policy dialogue with DMC governments. The departments develop country assistance plans, which include identifying individual technical assistance and loan projects and programs. They are also responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with DMC governments for overall country economic reporting and conducting loan negotiations.
(See Country Assistance Plan;
Country Operational Strategy Study;
Governance and Capacity Building;
Regional Assistance Plan) - Project Management Unit
- Regional Economic Monitoring Unit
The Regional Economic Monitoring Unit (REMU) was established in early 1999 to assist ADB developing member countries (DMCs) in harnessing the full benefits of global financial integration while minimizing disruptive effects. REMU supports efforts to promote monetary and financial cooperation among the DMCs. REMU’s responsibilities are to
frequently monitor the economic performance and policies and institutional issues from a regional and subregional perspective and disseminate the results to promote prudential economic management, strengthen the capacity for economic monitoring at the regional and subregional levels by providing technical assistance and advisory services to DMCs, and strengthen ADB’s relations with other international financial institutions and regional and subregional bodies by providing monitoring inputs for meetings and discussions.
REMU currently supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN+3 (People’s Republic of China, Japan, and Republic of Korea) Surveillance Processes and houses the Asia Recovery Information Center web site. REMU also supports the Manila Framework Meeting and the Asia-Europe Finance Ministers’ Meeting by providing monitoring inputs.
- South Pacific Regional Mission
The South Pacific Regional Mission (SPRM) in Port Vila, Vanuatu, is ADB's liaison to the eight member nations in the South Pacific: Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. SPRM serves as ADB's representative in the South Pacific, reporting directly to the Office of Pacific Operations at ADB headquarters in Manila. SPRM's major functions include
administering approved loan and technical assistance projects in the South Pacific; assisting executing agencies for specific ADB projects; providing economic and other inputs for ADB's policy, project, and institutional development work; disseminating information about ADB activities; organizing seminars to explain ADB procedures and policies; promoting private sector development; and managing programs for Vanuatu and other selected countries.
Special Liaison Office in East Timor
The Special Liaison Office in East Timor (SOET) was established in 2000 with the aim of providing field support to all ADB missions in East Timor to
ensure effective project processing and implementation; strengthen the relationship and dialogue with the Transitional Administration and East Timorese leadership; liaise with collaborating funding agencies to facilitate ADB activities in East Timor; and provide assistance to executing agencies for specific ADB projects.
The primary objectives of ADB support for reconstruction and development in East Timor during the transition period are to help reduce poverty, build local capacity, integrate gender-specific development needs into all ADB activities/projects, and establish effective governance structures and processes based on community participation.
SOET reports directly to the Office of Pacific Operations at ADB headquarters in Manila.
- Sri Lanka Resident Mission
The establishment of the Sri Lanka Resident Mission (SLRM) was approved by the Board of Directors in 1997, and the office commenced operations in November of that year. The mission opened in 1998. SLRM is helping facilitate ADB operations in Sri Lanka, improving the implementation performance of ADB's loan and technical assistance portfolio through quarterly meetings with project directors and the annual Country Portfolio Review exercise, and strengthening ADB's capacity to engage in policy dialogue with the Government. It assists with activities related to country programming and processing of new loans, provides a country-specific perspective to project design, and assists in improving project quality at entry. SLRM also plays an important role in collecting and disseminating information on economic and social developments and policy changes. Its major and immediate impacts are in the area of aid coordination and cooperation through participation in coordination meetings, close monitoring of assistance programs of other agencies.
- Strategy and Policy Department
The Strategy and Policy Department (SPD) undertakes strategic planning for ADB—including formulating and monitoring ADB's long- and medium-term strategic frameworks—and coordinates and prioritizes ADB's overall multiyear and annual operational programs for loans, technical assistance, economic and sector work, and aid coordination activities. SPD also formulates ADB's operational policies to enable ADB to respond better to the changing needs of developing member countries (DMCs). SPD identifies new directions and approaches for ADB to follow, and reviews ADB's operations in terms of their results and impact against ADB's objectives and the needs of its DMCs.
SPD is responsible for policy matters relating to regional and interagency cooperation and relationships with bilateral funding agencies and other multilateral development finance institutions; chairs the multilateral development banks/International Monetary Fund working group on poverty reduction; and plays a major role in mobilizing ADB's resources, such as in general capital increases and Asian Development Fund replenishments.
Under SPD, the Poverty Reduction Unit was created to oversee the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy. It formulated an operational framework with the inputs of all departments. Furthermore, the unit provides guidance on translating the Poverty Reduction Strategy into country project operations and operational research. The Unit also coordinates the processing of projects to be financed from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR).
The Governance and Capacity Building Unit of SPD formulates Board policy papers and operational guidelines on the key aspects of governance and public management. This Unit acts as a focal point of coordination with operational departments/offices of ADB in addressing governance issues, developing methodology, such as checklist and tool kits, for carrying out assessments of governance systems in DMCs and monitoring the implementation of ADB's medium-term agenda and action plan in promoting good governance.
(See also Three-Year Rolling Work Program and Budget Framework)
- Treasury Department
The Treasury Department is responsible for mobilizing funds required for ADB's operations and for planning and managing ADB's finances. The Department arranges borrowings in capital markets and negotiates and administers these borrowings. The Department coordinates all work relating to increases in ADB's capital and replenishments of its concessional loan window, the Asian Development Fund. It formulates ADB's policies on liquidity, income management, currency management practices, loan pricing, and loan products. It formulates and implements the necessary systems, procedures, and guidelines for risk management activities. It manages ADB's investment portfolio and ensures that ADB's liquidity requirements are met at all times.
- Uzbekistan Resident Mission
The Uzbekistan Resident Mission (URM), located in Tashkent, was formally opened in 1998. URM assists with activities related to country programming and processing of new loans for improving quality at entry; provides a suitable local perspective on project design; and collects data and information on economic and policy changes. It also coordinates with other funding agencies represented in the country. To facilitate the flow of communication between ADB headquarters and the Government, URM assists missions from the headquarters in periodic country portfolio and program review activities, provides mission follow-up support, and handles logistic arrangements for ADB missions.
- Viet Nam Resident Mission
The Board of Directors approved the establishment of the Viet Nam Resident Mission (VRM) in 1996. The establishment of resident missions in transitional economies such as Viet Nam strengthens ADB's responsiveness and also its capacity to create a stronger base for its increasingly complex operations.
VRM now actively participates in activities related to country programming and processing of new loans, provides local perspectives relative to project design, and helps improve quality at entry. VRM plays a proactive role in policy dialogue and monitoring and reporting country economic (as well as political and social) developments. Another major function of VRM is providing coordination with other funding agencies resident in Viet Nam. VRM facilitates and monitors implementation of nondelegated projects, and starting from 2001, manages some delegated loans and technical assistance projects as well. VRM also plays a major role in in-country external relations and information dissemination to promote the image of ADB in Viet Nam. VRM's web site allows access to relevant information on ADB's operations in Viet Nam.
Depository Library Program Increasing public interest in ADB and its activities and the need for wider dissemination of information prompted ADB to launch its Depository Library Program in January 1994. Under the program, member libraries agree to make available ADB publications and documents to library users, including its academic, professional, and other constituencies, such as nongovernment organizations. The libraries are provided books; selected country and economic studies; technical papers; annual reports; statistical publications; documents on loans, technical assistance projects, and environmental impact assessment; and publication information materials. Member libraries make these accessible to the public during business hours. Deposited items are also made available through interlibrary loans.
(See Office of External Relations; and Public Information Center) Development Effectiveness Committee The Development Effectiveness Committee was created in 2000 to assist the Board of Directors in carrying its responsibility of ensuring that the programs and activities of ADB achieve development effectiveness.
Development effectiveness has emerged as a key strategic issue facing all development institutions globally. It is a measure of whether ADB’s programs and activities, in furthering its policy goals and objectives, have resulted in the desired outcomes, and whether these programs and activities have made efficient use of ADB’s available resources.
In Asia and the Pacific, the magnitude of the challenge of poverty reduction requires that ADB continues to improve the outcome and impact of its activities. At the same time, because of resource constraints, ADB must maximize the efficiency with which these activities are conducted.
On behalf of the Board, the Committee will specifically
- review ADB’s evaluation of the development effectiveness of its programs and activities to determine if the evaluation
is being carried out adequately and efficiently;
- identify key issues of operations evaluation, prepared for board discussion of those issues, and monitor the implementation of board decisions on them; and
- review the semiannual report on loan and technical assistance portfolio performance, maintaining an overview of implementation performance.
DFI development finance institution DIAL Development of the Internet for Asian Law Disaster Rehabilitation Under a policy formalized in 1989, ADB may provide quick rehabilitation assistance to its developing member countries to repair and restore physical infrastructure and production activities, following natural disasters that damaged or destroyed parts of their existing physical capital assets, and interrupted ongoing development activities. ADB follows guidelines that include vulnerability assessment and risk analysis in its projects and disaster-mitigation elements in project design.
(See also Poverty Reduction) Disbursement Ratio The disbursement ratio is the ratio of total disbursements during the year over the net loan amount available at the beginning of the year, plus the amounts of newly approved loans that have become effective during the year. Disbursements The Charter provides three main principles of disbursement for development projects:
proceeds of ADB loan shall be used only for the purposes for which the loan was approved with due attention to consideration of economy and efficiency The Borrower shall be permitted by ADB to draw its funds only to meet expenditures in connection with the project as they are actually incurred. The proceeds of any loan, investment, or other financing provided by ADB shall be used only for the procurement in member countries of goods and services produced in member countries unless specifically permitted by its Board of Directors.
The Loan Disbursement Handbook describes ADB's disbursement policies and procedures based on these main principles.
After loan approval, the implementation of a project generally involves selecting consultants, implementing detailed engineering work, preparing specifications for tender, sending out an invitation for bids, evaluating bids, awarding contracts, and constructing the project, including civil works. As ADB loans are, in most cases, made to meet the foreign exchange cost of the projects, significant disbursements under a loan can take place only when all the preliminary or earlier steps, up to placing orders, are completed. Even then, depending on the nature of the capital equipment ordered and scheduling various segments of the project, it may take some time to complete delivery of the items ordered. So where a project takes about five years to complete, disbursements do not usually start until it is well into the second year, and may not reach any sizable proportion until the fourth or fifth year.
Recognizing the importance of providing borrowers with training to improve their implementation capabilities, ADB regularly conducts seminars on disbursement, procurement, and project implementation management, both at its headquarters and in selected borrowing members.
(See also Lending; Liquidity Policy; Liquidity Portfolio Management; Loan Financial Information Systems; Net Resource Transfers; and Overdue and Nonperforming Loans) Disclosure Policy (See Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information Policy) DMC developing member country
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