Enhancing Dialogue Framework Between DPG-Water and Ministry of Water (MoW): Proposed Improvements

1. DPG – Water Retreat Existing Format and proposed Improvements to Dialogue Framework between DPG-Water and MoW March 6th 2008

2. Existing format and structure of dialogue framework • four bi-monthly Thematic Working Groups discuss and prepare decisions (DPGW) • Quarterly Water Sector Working Group overseas the operations of WSDP and makes decisions on allocation of funds (DPGW) • Annual Joint Water Sector Review and assesses sector performance and decides on future priorities and the way forward (DPGW) • Meetings between DPs and MoW • Meetings between Co-chairs and MoW (in particular PS, dep. PS, directors) • MOU of Water Basket defines reporting obligations of the MoW! • In addition: Co-ordination with PMO-RALG (Co-chair), MoHSW (TWG), CWG 2 (Co-chair) and DPG (Co-chair)

3. Does the existing format work? Yes with regard to ….. • is well defined (MOU) • in a formal sense fairly well implemented • puts MoW into the driver’s seat as coordinator / facilitator / manager • allows to address all relevant sector issues • is slim and adjusted to the limited capacities on partner (and DPs’) side • allows participation of relevant stakeholders • is flexible

4. Does the existing format work? However, it does not yet meet the expectations with regard to …. • MoW’s understanding of the defined procedures • MoW’s incentive to pro-actively lead the dialogue and to follow the jointly agreed management procedures • clarification of responsibilities within MoW and its PCT • providing reliable information/data • providing a medium-term orientation (i.e.: does an annual agenda exists?) • organizational aspects (invitations, circulation of documents etc.) • the individual capability of some MoW’s representative

5. Does the existing format work? There is a need to consolidate the existing dialogue framework • no need/capacities for extending or fundamentally changing this format • need for making better use of this format

6. Main challenges: MoW: • ownership MoW seems to be “driven by obligations defined in the MOU” • leadership capacities of MoW to be strengthened, in particular with regard to the TWGs DPs: • clarification concerning our involvement in the TWGs • closer follow-up of defined procedures > strengthened DPG Water Secretariat will help

7. How to enrich the existing dialogue format: • Capacity of MoW: • Envisaged/necessary decisions on human resources changes are subject to MoW decisions • Technical Assistance concept to be implemented without delay: medium long term advisors and short term expertise > to be decided in next WSWG meeting (tentatively last week of March) (GTZ concept to strengthen PCT; water basket) > must lead - among others - to more substantial TWG meetings

8. How to enrich the existing dialogue format: (ii) Ownership of MoW • Stronger involvement of management level in dialogue • regular (monthly) meetings between PS and co-chairs • participation of minister in JWSR • (regular) dialogue with minister • code of conduct / operational norms • Creating a more solid basis for dialogue • - joint sector review to be carried out by an external team (international and local experts, bi-annual follow up?)

9. How to enrich the existing dialogue format (cont’d) ii) Ownership of MoW • Improving MoW’s incentive to play its defined role • Defined dialogue structure and procedures to serve the internal (MoW against whom?) as well as external accountability (DPs). Elements could be: - stronger involvement of parliament (JWSR, and beyond??) - stronger involvement of civil society (even beyond present level) - other ways and means (field trip with journalists?) • Review of dialogue structure and procedures to be discussed with MoW?? • Formal agreement with PS on any changes (operational norms etc.) required!

10. Your ideas are required!