Office of the National Authorizing Officer (NAO)

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The Office of the National Authorising Officer (NAO) for the European Development Fund (EDF) in the Commonwealth of Dominica was established in October 2000. Its primary mission is to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of programs funded by the European Union (EU), thereby maximizing benefits for stakeholders, including the Dominican populace, the Government of Dominica, the EU, and the NAO staff.

Mandate and Responsibilities

The NAO operates under the framework outlined in Article 35, Chapter 6, Annex IV of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) States. This provision mandates the appointment of a National Authorising Officer to represent the ACP State in all operations financed by EDF resources managed by the European Commission. In Dominica, the NAO is the official signatory to all operations financed from these funds and is legally responsible for overseeing all cooperation agreements and projects arising from these instruments.

Key responsibilities of the NAO include:

• Preparation, submission, and appraisal of project dossiers.
• Preparation and appraisal of tender dossiers.
• Award and signature of contracts and related amendments.
• Approval of expenditures and initiation of payment orders.
• Implementing technical and economic adjustments to ensure proper project execution.
• Monitoring and evaluation of projects.

Vision

The Office envisions itself as "the premier NAO Office in the Caribbean for mobilization and management of EU resources in support of national development goals."

Operational Structure

The NAO's Office comprises technical, programming, and administrative staff, including:

• National Authorising Officer.
• Programme Officers.
• Programme Engineer.
• Programme Assistants.
• Executive Secretary.
• Office Attendant.

Collaboration with the EU Delegation

The NAO works in close cooperation with the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. This partnership ensures that EU-funded programs align with Dominica's development objectives and are implemented effectively.

Through diligent management of EU resources, the Office of the National Authorising Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing Dominica's socio-economic development, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently and transparently for the nation's benefit.