Middle East

Nicosia Initiative

secretariaatvngi — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:49:33 +0000

Nicosia Initiative secretariaatvngi Tue, 03/05/2019 - 13:49

Last week, VNG International successfully supported the attendance of 18 Libyan mayors and municipality focal points in the 10th plenary session of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in Sevilla, Spain. Additionally, they participated in the meeting of ARLEM’s Nicosia Initiative, a decentralised cooperation programme between the EU and Libyan Mayors. This Initiative has the twin aims of helping to improve public services in Libya and of helping Libyan cities to enter the international community.

ARLEM is an assembly of local and regional representatives from the European Union and its Mediterranean partners. The official program on Tuesday included a study visit to La Cartuja, Sevilla’s business park dedicated to start-ups and incubators.

The next day, discussions on the Nicosia initiative took place. Following the successful exchange programmes over the last three years in sustainable fishing with the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia and water management with Murcia, the ARLEM aims to extend the Nicosia initiative with more funds and exchange programmes, and has welcomed new partners such as the Galicia regional government. VNG International will also be more closely involved in the Nicosia Initiative as an implementer to ensure synergies and avoid duplication.

Image

Country

Libya

Region

Middle East

News date

Tue, 03/05/2019 - 12:00

Lebanon, Iraq, MASAR, Maintaining Strength and Resilience for Local Governments

admin — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:12:50 +0000

Lebanon, Iraq, MASAR, Maintaining Strength and Resilience for Local Governments admin Tue, 03/05/2019 - 11:12

The project is contracted by the European Commission and financed by the EU's Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis ("MADAD"). 
This project is carried out in cooperation with the Catalan Agency for Development Cooperation (ACCD), Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM), and KL Denmark (KL). 
 
The wider objective of the project is: To strengthen the long-term resilience of targeted subnational governments and their host, refugee and IDP populations to deal with displacement. 
 
The specific objectives: 
SO1: To improve the capacities of subnational governments to engage in holistic, area-based planning and consider different scenarios that respond to the needs of host, refugee and IDP populations. 
SO2: To improve service delivery to generate greater social stability outcomes, based on the needs of host, refugee and IDP populations. 
SO3: To empower subnational governments and service providers to facilitate local economic development and to have better access to municipal investment that benefit the extension of safe public services and create economic opportunities for host, refugee and IDP populations. 
 
The expected results of the project are: 
R1 Enhanced capacities of subnational governments to engage in holistic, area-based planning and consider different scenarios that respond to the needs of host, refugee and IDP populations: 
1.1 Subnational governments spatial planning capacities in target areas are strengthened. 
1.2 Spatial scenarios are designed and provide concrete logic for sustainable municipal service delivery and municipal investment. 
1.3 Users of municipal services are more aware and interested in service delivery. 
R2 Increased service delivery that is responsive and generates greater social stability outcomes, based on the needs of host, refugee and IDP populations: 
2.1 Subnational governments and service provider capacities in target areas are strengthened. 
2.2 Local Governments implement service delivery projects in a more efficient and responsive manner, in line with longer-term scenarios. 
2.3 Users of municipal services are more aware and interested in service delivery. 
R3 Empowered subnational governments to facilitate local economic development and have better access to municipal investment that benefits the extension of safe public services and economic opportunities for host, refugee and IDP populations: 
3.1 Capacity of local governments of local governments for projects beneficial to both host community and refugees to manage investment project and its procedures is strengthened. 
3.2 Identification and formulation process for municipal investment projects benefit the extension of safe public services and creation economic opportunities for host communities and refugees are enhanced. 
3.3 Economic growth potential and resilience of the local economy hosting target groups enhanced. 
3.4 Social stability potential and resilience of the local economy hosting target groups enhanced.

Start date

Wed, 12/19/2018 - 12:00

End date

Sun, 12/19/2021 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Institutional development

Funding

European Commission

Regions

Middle East

Country

Lebanon

Peoples

Anne-Lies Risseeuw

Project id

8117509

Project code

11401

Contact

Anne-Lies Risseeuw

Project AOE

Dealing with Conflict, Fragility and Migration

Jordan, Improvement of Public spaces and Green Infrastructure in Mafraq Municipalities

admin — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:12:50 +0000

Jordan, Improvement of Public spaces and Green Infrastructure in Mafraq Municipalities admin Tue, 03/05/2019 - 11:12

In this project, VNG International focuses specifically on the development of public spaces and green infrastructure in the municipalities of Sarhan, Bal'ama and Um Al Jimmal, all located in the Mafraq region / Governorate. 
 
Overall objective: The development of new public green spaces via green infrastructure measures, which enhances locals' and refugees' quality of life and wellbeing. 
Output: Three public green spaces and infrastructures developed in the three target municipalities in the selected locations, which are inclusive and pay specific attention to the inclusion of women. 
 
Special objective 1: 
Strengthen the capacity of Jordanian local governments in the development of public space and green infrastructure. 
 
Output 
The municipalities involved are capable of leading a process for public space and green infrastructure development of a site in which they have actively involved their community, and have enhanced ownership of the future maintenance of the sites. 
 
Special objective 2: 
Supporting vulnerable Syrians and Jordanians by bringing them into work and providing qualification measures in order to improve their longer-term employment perspectives 
 
Output 1: Approximately 200 vulnerable labour forces (max. 80% men and min. 20% women; 50% Jordanians, 50% Syrians) who will be contracted for a minimum of 40 days. 
Output 2: Providing a minimum of 76% of the CfW workers (max. 80% men and min. 20% women, 50% Jordanians, 50% Syrians) with skills development measures (on-the-job and life skills training)

Start date

Mon, 11/26/2018 - 12:00

End date

Fri, 05/31/2019 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Urban and Town planning
Employment
Community development
Public policy and planning

Funding

GIZ,German International Cooperation Head Office

Regions

Middle East

Country

Jordan

Peoples

Boudewijn Cnossen

Project id

8082910

Project code

11398

Contact

Boudewijn Cnossen

Project AOE

Developing Sustainable and Resilient Cities and Communities

Mosul

secretariaatvngi — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 14:50:41 +0000

Mosul secretariaatvngi Thu, 02/21/2019 - 16:50

Today, I am in Mosul, Iraq. An iconic city throughout the multiple crises that afflicted the country in its recent history. Frantic reconstruction is taking place; but for the inhabitants of this city of two million before IS, it is not fast enough.

Many houses bear the pockmarks of gun fire, or carry still the black soothy shroud of the blazes caused by one warring group or another. It is easy to admire the many new houses and buildings going up, until you realise that in exactly those places, the old ones were totally destroyed.
We have been launching two EU MADAD programmes: one carried out by the UN agencies UNDP and UN Habitat, and a complementary one by a consortium of smaller agencies from EU member states led by VNG International: Maintaining Strength and Resilience for Local Governements (MASAR)

These programmes are about spatial planning, reconstruction, municipal services and jobs in both the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Iraq under federal control. We are honoured to be part of the efforts to turn cities and towns into good places to live again.

Click here for Facebook: UNDP Iraq

Image

Country

Iraq

Program

Maintaining Strength and Resilience for Local Governments

Region

Middle East

News date

Thu, 02/21/2019 - 12:00

Jordan, Technical assistance for public administration reforms for improved service delivery to citizens

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:30 +0000

Jordan, Technical assistance for public administration reforms for improved service delivery to citizens admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

The wider objective of the project is to support public finance and public administration reforms aiming to enhance accountability and public service delivery through improved Government performance. Thereby contributing to the objective of "Reinforcing the rule of law for enhanced accountability and equity in public service delivery'" in the component 1 of the Single Support Framework (SSF) 2014-2017 between the EU and Jordan. 
 
The specific objective is to directly support the specific objectives of the Ministry of Public Sector Development in the implementation of its "Government Performance Development Programme" 2013-2016, which aims at enhancing public services provided to citizens, enhancing transparency and accountability and performance in the public sector. Of the six pillars of the Ministry of Public Sector Development's programme, the present programme contributes directly to the following: 
- Second Pillar: Government streamlining 
- Third Pillar: developing government services and simplifying procedures 
- Fourth Pillar: Strengthening supervision, regulation, accountability and transparency 
 
In order to achieve an overall improvement in public service delivery, the project targets four components or activities: 
Activity 1: Sector Restructuring and Realignment 
Activity 2: Rationalisation of Regulatory Commissions 
Activity 3: Service Delivery Reengineering and Design of Shared Services 
Activity 4: The Voice of the Citizen 
Activity 5: Communication and Visibility Activities

Start date

Mon, 08/01/2016 - 12:00

End date

Fri, 05/17/2019 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Public policy and planning
Institutional development
Intergovernmental relations
Project management
Public finance

Partners

Human Dynamics
Oxford Policy Management

Funding

Delegation of the European Union to Jordan

Regions

Middle East

Country

Jordan

Peoples

Hilde Pijnenburg

Project id

7782178

Project code

11358

Contact

Hilde Pijnenburg

Project AOE

Involving Citizens in Decision Making

Jordan, Cities Implementing Transparent Innovative and Effective Solutions (CITIES)

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:29 +0000

Jordan, Cities Implementing Transparent Innovative and Effective Solutions (CITIES) admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

The wider objective of the project is to make municipal governance in Jordan more effective. 
 
The specific objectives of the project is to work through an integrated approach, providing technical assistance to implement innovative and sustainable solutions to service delivery, capacity constrains, citizens-government engagement, and community cohesion in Jordanian municipalities. The project aims to increase citizens responsiveness and foster resilience and will help key governorates and municipal stakeholders translate administrative reforms into community cohesion and stability. Additionally, CITIES will achieve sustainable results and impact through close coordination with Jordanian stakeholders and beneficiaries and will support the Jordanian national decentralization agenda at large. 
 
The expected results of the project are: i) increased municipal service delivery to the Jordanian people; ii) more effective and efficient municipal organisations; iii) better aacountability of municipalities vis-a-vis its population and iv) improved citizens engagement.

Start date

Sun, 09/25/2016 - 12:00

End date

Fri, 09/24/2021 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Institutional development
Urban and Town planning
Public utilities

Partners

Chemonics

Funding

USAID, U.S. Agency for International Development

Regions

Middle East

Country

Jordan

Peoples

Tim te Pas

Project id

7904177

Project code

11362

Contact

Tim te Pas

Project AOE

Improving Access to Basic Services

Palestine, Technical Assistance for further Institutional Capacity at the Palestinian Authority

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:27 +0000

Palestine, Technical Assistance for further Institutional Capacity at the Palestinian Authority admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

The wider objective of the project is to further enhance the PA's policy and institutional capacities as well as to assist the relevant ministries in planning, monitoring, and managing EU funded projects in the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and in the Gaza Strip; and, as part of the EU-PA cooperation, to support policy dialogue in the context of the EU-PA Joint action Plan. 
 
The specific objectives are: 1. To improve the speed, the quality, the accountability and aid effectiveness of EU aid to the PA; 2. To improve PA's capacities in policy and project cycle management and in institutional development through the provision of technical assistance to line ministries/authorities, involved in the long term planning as well as in the day to day management of EU aid in West Bank/East Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip. 
 
The expected results of the project are: 1. The capacity of the PA in institution building and development is increased ; 2. The capacity of the PA in designing, planning, implementing, supervising, monitoring and evaluating programmes, in accordance with the EU specific implementation modalities and principles of sound financial management as per the EU legal framework, is increased; 3. The capacity of the PA to effectively absorb EU aid is enhanced, the implementation of the Financing Agreements and other instruments is improved; 4. The capacity of the PA to effectively coordinate with its line ministries/authorities is increased; 5. The coordination between the Ministry of Finance/PA, the EU and other donors is improved; 6. The PA accountability is improved; 7. The capacity in the PA to run (administer) policy dialogue in the context of the ENP process is increased.

Start date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

End date

Wed, 08/31/2016 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Public policy and planning
Human resource management
Institutional development
Post-conflict reconstruction
Project management

Partners

Human Dynamics
ACE International Consultants

Funding

European Commission (DG EuropeAid)

Regions

Middle East

Country

Palestine

Peoples

Chris van der Valk

Project id

7582053

Project code

11333

Contact

Chris van der Valk

Project AOE

Involving Citizens in Decision Making

Palestine, Area (C) Resilience Development Initiative

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:26 +0000

Palestine, Area (C) Resilience Development Initiative admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

The wider objective of the project is to enhance Palestinian Local Authorities' contribution to governance and development processes in Area C, as a precondition for more equitable, open and democratic society. 
 
The specific objectives: 
1. Strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of the Palestinian Local Authority Association (APLA); 
2. Enable APLA advocate for and lobby on issues related to Area C on behalf of its members (Local Authorities -LAs); 
3. Improve the capacity of Khalet Al Mayya Cluster LAs' capacities in providing services, in promoting local development and in contributing to the territorial integration are enhanced. 
 
The expected results of the project are: 
R1: A stronger and effective APLA; the institutional setup and organizational capacity of APLA are improved to carry its mandate and promote the interest and needs of LAs; Improved image of APLA and more efficient communication with its stakeholders; 
R2: APLA has a functioning Area C Technical Support Unit to support LAs; The mandate of Area C Unit is identified and agreed upon with stakeholders; A sustainable Area C Unit is established and equipped under the umbrella of APLA; Work plan to support LAs in Area C is developed and activated; Legal, advocacy, and lobbying activities relevant to Area C are piloted. 
R3: LAs in Khalet Al Mayya Cluster have the administrative, planning, and financial capacity to provide efficient and effective services to citizens; needs assessment completed and communities priorities are identified in in a participatory and inclusive manner; capacity building and institutional development support are provided to the 7 LAs; Integrated physical (outline) and strategic plans are developed for the cluster based on a Territorial approach to Local Development (TALD); Realistic and hanging fruits economic development opportunities are identified 
and utilized based on a Local Economic Development (LED) Plan. 
 
This program will be implemented in cooperation with APLA.

Start date

Thu, 02/01/2018 - 12:00

End date

Wed, 01/01/2020 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Institutional development
Institutional development
Community development

Funding

European Commission

Regions

Middle East

Country

Palestine

Peoples

Jarik Stollenga

Project id

8008281

Project code

11380

Contact

Jarik Stollenga

Project AOE

Building More Effective Public Administration

Turkey, Technical Assistance for Town Twinning between Turkey and the EU

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:26 +0000

Turkey, Technical Assistance for Town Twinning between Turkey and the EU admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

The overall objective of the project is To increase administrative capacity at local level in Turkey's EU Accession process. In line with this objective, the purpose of the project is To create sustainable structures for exchange between local authorities in Turkey and EU Member States in areas relevant for EU Accession. 
 
Pursuant to the overall objective and the purpose, expected results to be achieved by the end of the project are as follows: 
- Result 1: The capacity of key institutions for town twinnings with the EU (MEUA, UMT, UP and MoI) will be improved, and a road map will be prepared and published to give guidance for further structural improvements. 
- Result 2: Relations with key partners in the EU and Turkey for town twinning will be sustained, including through strengthened networking structures. 
- Result 3: The capacity of Turkish local authorities will be improved in areas relevant for EU accession and best practices will be disseminated. 
- Result 4: The quantity and quality of town twinnings involving Turkish local authorities will increase, including effective promotion and involvement of key stakeholders such as civil society and citizens at local level. 
 
The target groups of the project include the Ministry for European Union Affairs (MEUA), Union of Municipalities of Turkey (UMT), Union of Provinces (UP), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), local authorities in Turkey, and the Grant beneficiaries (local authorities from Turkey and EU countries). 
 
The Project encompasses two mutually-reinforcing components, consisting of technical assistance for the implementation of the Grant Scheme under the first component, whereas the second component focuses of capacity building activities.

Start date

Fri, 04/06/2018 - 12:00

End date

Sun, 04/05/2020 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Acquis communautaire
European integration
Institutional development

Partners

WYG Turkey
Project Group Turkey

Funding

Central Finance and Contracts Unit (CFCU) Turkey

Regions

Middle East

Country

Turkey

Peoples

Anne-Lies Risseeuw

Project id

8023863

Project code

11389

Contact

Anne-Lies Risseeuw

Project AOE

Building More Effective Public Administration

Palestinian Territory, Local Government Capacity Programme (LGCP) 2012-2016

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:30:24 +0000

Palestinian Territory, Local Government Capacity Programme (LGCP) 2012-2016 admin Tue, 02/12/2019 - 14:30

Objective: Employment, food security and improved legitimacy of local government 
Target group: 12 local governments on the West Bank 
Intended result: Enhanced capacity of local governments to support Local Economic Development (LED) 
Activities: Financing of municipal projects, workshops, on-the-job coaching and training 
 
It is not always easy to work in the Palestinian Territory. This is not because people are not open to cooperation and the exchange of knowledge, on the contrary. But the political sensitivity is substantial, in numerous areas. Nevertheless the authorities in the Palestinian Territory and VNG International want to continue their earlier cooperation. This resulted in the LGCP Palestinian Territory programme, which focuses on Local Economic Development. 
The Palestinian Authority sees the local approach as crucial for sustainable development, lower unemployment and greater food security. The Dutch government supports this approach, because it promotes the selfsufficiency 
of the people. The LGCP confirms this. 
 
umbrella 
At present Palestinian local governments often lack capacity and funds for stimulating local economic activity. 12 local governments on the West Bank will therefore be supported by the LGCP. The programme is implemented under the umbrella of the Municipal Development and Lending Fund (MDLF), in which the most important donors work together with the Palestinian Authority. Local governments can submit applications for financial and technical support of projects and services which enhance their local capacity. 
 
Aim 
Particularly smaller and more remote local governments are not sufficiently succeeding in creating a conducive economic environment. They are lacking capacity and resources. Citizens, civil society and local businesses are 
often insufficiently involved in policy development. A number of bigger local governments show how things can be done differently. The municipality of Bethlehem was the first to establish a Council for Local Economic Development, together with the private sector and the civil society. The LGCP also applies this participatory approach in the selected municipalities. This will take place under the auspices of the MDLF. Cooperation with this fund 
guarantees that the LGCP aligns with the policy of the central government, and of the donors who also opt for promoting local economic development. 
 
What do we want to achieve? 
- Commitment and enhanced capacity of the selected local governments to improve their services in the area of Local Economic Development. 
- More effective municipal policy and the establishment of strategic business alliances.

Start date

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:00

End date

Sat, 12/31/2016 - 12:00

Policy field(s)

Local economic development
Inter-municipal co-operation
Institutional development
Employment
Public policy and planning

Funding

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands

Regions

Middle East

Country

Palestine

Peoples

Irene Oostveen

Project id

7422717

Project code

LG.01.PS

Contact

Irene Oostveen

Project AOE

Improving Access to Basic Services