Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Strategy Papers

1. Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Strategy Papers Operational strategies to support to civil society participation Dominique Dellicour Quality of Operations AIDCO.E4 13 February 2009 EuropeAid

2. Our Mandate March 2005: creation of Directorate E to promote improved quality of EC cooperation programmes through: operational guidance and practical tools (including training); Quality assuranceupstream, d (geographic/thematic) and downstream during implementation; Monitoring of impact and interface with other DGs and donors. E4 ‘s mandate: governance ,security , HR , gender. Within governance: capacity building of NSAs

3. Civil society as a strategic actor … Participatory development has to be institutionalised across countries, sectors of intervention and instruments. Supporting NSAs ensures greater impact and sustainability in all relevant sectors and levels of intervention, especially with the most vulnerable populations. In operational terms: two main areas of work: Better understanding of civil society dynamics Enhancing its participation in development strategies

4. 1. An important starting point: a good and sound knowledge of civil society (1) Mapping as a crucial tool to define an appropriate strategy for engaging with civil society A ‘mapping’ is not: an inventory A mapping is: a dynamic instrument which allows to map key actors in context. It: Provides an analysis differentiated by actors and by level; Puts the analysis in context Identifies key dynamic actors; Analyses the capacity needs at different levels; Serves as a basis to dialogue Constitutes an important tool for the identification of a consistent strategy towards civil society support

5. SC typology: 4 levels Level of platform/forum Level of Platforms/Forums (real discussion areas) 4th level Organisations 4th level Organisations 4th level Organisations 3rd LEVEL ORGANISATIONS Level of networks, federations, coordinations Federations Coordinations Thematic networks 2nd LEVEL ORGANISATIONS Formally set-up NGOs (support and accompanying), trade unions, faith-based organisations, etc. Accompanying organisations (institutes, non-profit, etc.) NGO Association NGO Association CBOs 1st LEVEL ORGANISATIONS CBOs, associations, cooperatives, local professional associations, faith-based groups at community level, etc. Organisation Organisation Cooperatives Based religious groups CBOs Cooperatives Based religious groups

6. 1. A thematic concept note on mappings in Latin America is being developed (2) Main objectives: Document through a concrete case study the usefulness of the mapping tool for engagement with NSAs. Propose a methodology tailored to the specificities of EC policy towards Latin American countries. Main steps: Mapping exercise in Guatemala (ensuring participatory approach); Capitalisation of several mappings undertaken by the EC in the region (Ecuador, Venezuela, Honduras, Panama, etc.); Production of a methodological note.

7. 2. Enhance the participation of civil society in the dialogue, implementation and monitoring of development strategies (1) In order to achieve this goal, the following strategic approach of engagement with civil society is proposed : Ensure coherence between the different cooperation approaches and instruments; Promote much stronger complementarity between geographic and thematic instruments; Combine them according to contexts, types of actors; Reconcile NSAs participation with the Paris agenda and ensure in particular their participation in programmes implemented through budget support;

8. 2. Enhance the participation of civil society in the dialogue, implementation and monitoring of development strategies (2) On-going study on participation of civil society in the new aid modalities Purpose of the study: methodology of participation of civil society in macroeconomic and sector programmes supported by the EC, including through budgetary aid; how to use the EC instruments for providing capacity to civil society towards this purpose ?

9. 2. Enhance the participation of civil society in the dialogue, implementation and monitoring of development strategies (3) Methodologyof participation of civil society in EC sector programmes (SPSP): definition of important entry points for civil society: participation in policy dialogue and the budgetary frame (MTEF) ; complementary role of CS to governements in implementation; watchdog role for monitoring and assessment of impact; Assessment of needs in capacity building : need for more sector specific skills + budget literacy (budget analysis, advocacy for public accountability, networking with legislature, audit institutions and media, etc.).

10. 2. Enhance the participation of civil society in the dialogue, implementation and monitoring of development strategies (4) Use of the EC instruments for CS capacity building in new aid modalities. Three types of approaches can be mobilised according to the context civil society operates in: Sector programmes themselves: capacity building component of sector programme could include capacity building to CS; Specific programmes funded by the geographic instruments: search for more alignment with national reform policies supported by the EC; Thematic programmes (notably NSA&LA and EIDHR): in particular useful for advocacy and monitoring roles.