with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for the Cook Islands 25 August 2015 NDA Strengthening

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1 with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for the Cook Islands 25 August 2015 NDA Strengthening

2 Green Climate Fund Readiness and Preparatory Support: Proposal Country (or region) Cook Islands Submission Date 30 June 2015 NDA or Focal Point Date of NDA Designation or Mandating of Focal Point Contact Point (the person who will be responsible and accountable for this request) Climate Change Cook Islands, Office of the Prime Minister 13 June 2014 Name: Richard Neves Position: Financial Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Tel: Name: Ms. Ana Tiraa Position: Director, Climate Change Cook Islands Tel: Full Office Address Readiness Area/s Request Summary (In 200 words or less please summarise your request for readiness support) Office of the Prime Minister, Private Bag, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands 1. Establishing and strengthening National Designated Authorities (NDAs) or Focal Points 2. Strategic frameworks for engagement with the Fund, including the preparation of country programmes 3. Selection of implementing entities or intermediaries, and support for accreditation 4. Initial pipelines of programme and project proposals 5. Information Sharing, experience exchange and learning Activity 1: Strengthening the NDA The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MFEM) in partnership with the NDA will hire a consultant for 12 months to build the capacity of the team within the NDA that will be responsible for overall coordination and capacity building of Cook Islands engagement with the Green Climate Fund (the Fund). Key activities will include: a) Strengthening of an NDA consistent with the Fund s Initial bestpractice guidelines; b) Strengthening NDA capacity to fulfil the following roles and responsibilities including: i. recommend to the Board funding proposals in the context of 1

3 ii. iii. iv. national climate change strategies and plans, including through consultation processes. This will include support of a national stakeholder consultation process for identification of investment priorities and potential implementing entity partners; facilitate the communication of nominations of prospective public and private sector entities seeking accreditation with the Fund; seek to ensure consistency of funding proposals from national, subnational, regional and international intermediaries and implementing entities with national plans and strategies; implement the no-objection procedure as per the Fund s Initial no-objection procedure; and c. Strengthen NDA capacity to act as the primary communication channel with the Fund as well as stakeholders at national and subnational levels, including government (namely state-level representatives given the scattered nature of the Federation), civil society and private sector actors consistent with the Fund s Initial best practice options for country coordination and multistakeholder engagement. Anticipated Start and 1 st October, 2015 to 30 th September 2016 Completion Date Duration of support 12 Months (in months) Estimated total cost Up to US$ 150,000 SECTION A: CONTEXT A.1 Status of GCF readiness in the country (include information on previous engagement with the Fund and related readiness initiatives and activities) The total area of the Cook Islands territory is over 2 million square kilometres, but land comprises only about 240 square kilometres of this. There are 15 islands of which 12 have permanent populations. These islands are spread over a distance of some 800 km. Some of the islands are extremely remote, especially the low lying atolls for which there are seven. In June 2014, the Cook Islands Government confirmed the Climate Change Cook Islands division within the Office of the Prime Minister as the GCF National Designated Authority (NDA). Since then, ongoing dialogue with the GCF and Cook Islands has occurred. There has been active engagement throughout 2014 and this continues in This engagement has involved Skype calls, face to face meetings and exchanges. From 9-13 February 2015, the GCF Secretariat conducted an engagement mission to the Cook Islands. One of the aims of the mission was to follow up on ongoing engagement with the NDA and with public and private stakeholders. As part of this mission, the GCF worked closely with the NDA in organising and facilitating a stakeholders' workshop that saw participation from government, private and nongovernment organisations. At this workshop a range of potentially transformational project and programme ideas were articulated through an interactive group session. 2

4 The Cook Islands has identified a candidate to be an accredited entity, namely the Ministry of Finance Economic Management (MFEM). Potential support for MFEM s accreditation to the GCF will be considered for future requests. A.2 Description of planned project / programmes (applicable for project / programme preparation request only) NA. SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES B.1 Logical Framework See Annex I TBD B.2 Rationale for the request The Cooks Islands are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. To respond effectively in a coordinated manner to climate change impacts, in 2011 the Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) as a division within the Office of the Prime Minister was established. The main purpose of the division is to coordinate climate change functions across government. The division has two full time and three project staff. The full time personnel are paid through core government finances. The remaining three staff are paid through an Adaptation Fund program. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with low lying atolls, the science indicates the Cook Islands will see worsening climate change, and significant adaptation efforts are required to respond to this. The Government of the Cook Islands lacks financial resources to sufficiently strengthen its resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the Cook Islands has limited human resources and especially technical capacity to effectively address the implications of climate change. Given these circumstances, it is vital that the Cook Islands identifies how it will strategically engage with the GCF to ensure the right support is obtained to effectively respond to the impacts of climate change to produce results that make a difference on the ground and to the livelihoods of communities in all islands. The Cook Islands has high-level commitment to accessing the GCF. The current work load of the CCCI and its new role as the NDA requires additional support to strengthen its capacity to progress low-emission and climate-resilient development. This proposal seeks dedicated and focused assistance to do this. To support the request, the NDA has identified the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as its delivery partner. SECTION C: BUDGET (include total cost and share of GCF funding) Total: US$ 150,000 Activity 1 - US$ 150,000 Consultant fees 65,000 Travel & per diem of consultants 20,000 Workshops (venue, catering, travel, per diem, materials, etc.) 50,000 Other (incl. audit costs) 7,500 Contingency (5%) 7,500 Total 150,000 SECTION D: IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 3

5 D.1 Implementation and disbursement schedule The NDA has identified the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) as the delivery partner for this readiness request. The funding will be transferred to MFEM in two tranches: The first disbursement, which amounts up to US$75,000 will be transferred upon the submission of an Inception Report from the NDA to the Fund, in an appropriate format and content acceptable to the Fund. The Inception Report will include a detailed 1) Implementation Plan, 2) Procurement Plan and 3) Budget; The final disbursement of up to US$75,000 will be made upon submission of a Project Completion Report and Financial Report, including an audited Expenditure Statement. D.2 Implementation arrangements (include delivery partners, opportunity for South-South knowledge sharing and transfer where applicable) While MFEM will take responsibility for fiduciary management of the readiness funding, the NDA will lead the implementation process of this programme in collaboration with MFEM and other relevant stakeholders. The NDA will identify and hire an individual consultant or a consulting firm to deliver Activity Area 1, in accordance with the Procurement Plan and a detailed Implementation Plan, both of which will be further elaborated in the Inception Report. The role of coordinating and overseeing climate change projects is carried out largely by Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) and MFEM. This proposed readiness support will be managed by CCCI as the NDA and monitored by the MFEM. D.3 Procurement plan Procurement will be carried out in accordance with Cook Islands Government Procurement Policy and will be executed by MFEM in partnership with CCCI. The mandate of the Cook Islands Government Procurement Policy (referred to as the Cook Islands Government Purchases and Sales of Goods and Services Policy) originates from Section 63 of the Ministry of Finance and the Economic Management (MFEM) Act , which empowers MFEM to issue instructions to ministries and line agencies to ensure compliance with financial disciplines The Procurement Policy also covers the roles and responsibilities of decision making committees and the process (steps) by which they should carry out their roles. Tender Team: A tender team must be established to develop, document and manage the tender process. The team consists of 3-5 members with appropriate expertise, from within the agency or externally, e.g. engineer, technical assistants, financial advisers and/or any other relevant personnel. Evaluation Team: The evaluation team should consist of members with the appropriate expertise to undertake a fair and detailed scrutiny of the tender proposals and to ensure well informed and professional decisions are made. Tender Committee: Tender Committee (TC) which is made up of the Financial Secretary and Solicitor General, are responsible for reviewing the process undertaken by the respective Ministry, Department or Agency.The terms of reference for Tender Review Committee highlights the process by which the Tender Committee conducts its review. 4

6 As per the Procurement Policy, open market is the default means of procuring services and goods over $30,000. A waiver of the requirements of this policy will only be considered in the following circumstances: 1. where there is an urgent need to proceed with a project in order to protect life or property; or 2. where there is an urgent need for the project to be carried out due to unforeseen events; or 3. where no tenderers have been received for a particular project; or 4. in exceptional circumstances for example tenderer costs exceeding budgeted costs; or 5. Market restriction on trademark goods for example local distributor is the only supplier of a particular brand that is specifically required by the project and the tender committee is satisfied of the case. SECTION E: COUNTRY OWNERSHIP & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT E.1 Alignment with national plans and strategies In 2005 the Cook Islands was struck by five tropical cyclones within an eight week period causing widespread damages to public and private infrastructure. This encouraged the Cook Islands government to increase climate change adaptation and disaster risk management activities, and led to the development and release of the country s first 20 year national vision Te Kaveinga Nui, its first National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) for , and the Preventative Infrastructure Master Plan (Strengthening Disaster Management and Mitigation). The second NSDP covers the period from The final NSDP will follow from The National Vision of the Cook Islands is to enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people, and in harmony with our culture and environment. To advance this vision the second NSDP for , which is subsequent to the Plan for , contains short- and medium-term strategies to which all planning by sectorial and government agencies must be aligned. The NSDP Goals 5 and 6 are associated with climate change and disaster risk management, and note such objectives as green economic growth, resilient infrastructure, ecological sustainability, sustainable resource management, development of renewable energy, and increasing resilience through disaster risk management. The NSDP is aligned with the Cook Islands regional and international commitments, such as the Pacific Plan, the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs), the Mauritius Strategy, and multilateral environmental agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Biological Diversity Convention. The Joint National Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Plan (JNAP) is a five-year plan ( ) that spells out how the Cook Islands as a nation will reduce vulnerability and build resilience to the risks of natural disaster and climate change. The fundamental principle of the plan is that everybody and every agency has an active role to play in reducing vulnerability and building resilience. The plan promotes cooperation, coordination and collaboration and serves as a roadmap for building a more resilient Cook Islands as encapsulated in the National Sustainable Development Plan. The JNAP is closely linked to the National Sustainable Development Plan as well as various acts and frameworks surrounding finance, disaster risk management and recovery, economic and social development, infrastructure and the environment. The JNAP is currently being considered for review and extension beyond Towards this, the GCF readiness request will compliment efforts by the Cook Islands to identify and strategically access climate adaptation finance as well as further goals set out in the National Sustainable Development Policy going forward. A specific national climate policy was developed and approved by the Cabinet; the Climate & Disaster Compatible Development Policy This policy provides direction for coordinated adaptation and mitigation actions. In the outer islands, their needs are articulated through their Community Sustainable Development Plans. These plans have all identified building resilience of communities as a key principle. The Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (CI NIIP) integrates climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in the formulation of the priority list of infrastructure 5

7 investments. Particular attention is given to climate proofing of infrastructure projects to build resilience. The CI NIIP has been prepared with extensive consultation and participation of stakeholders in Government, State Owned Enterprises, development partners, the private sector and civil society. The proposed GCF readiness Activity Area 1 aligns with the above policies and strategies in the following ways: Empowers Climate Change Cook Islands within the Office of the Prime Minister to engage with the GCF and act as a bridge between country stakeholders, the GCF as well as accredited entities it seeks to engage stakeholders across sectors, at national and sub-national levels, public and private sectors, and civil society to help further identify national priorities and partners for work with the GCF E.2 Stakeholder engagement (e.g. civil society, sub-national and national government, private sector, intended beneficiaries) Multi-stakeholder consultations or events will be held in accordance with the Fund s initial best-practice options for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement (See guidelines here). This will include representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, outer island representatives of affected communities, as well as development partners including accredited entities who have committed to building resilience to climate change and disaster risk management. SECTION F: MONITORING & REPORTING PLAN The reports will be submitted as per what is included in section D.1, and will include reporting against the Logical Framework included in Annex I SECTION G: RISK & MITIGATION MEASURES Risks include the following: Geographic challenge presented by the long-distances presented by outer islands. Mitigation options include prioritising inclusion of outer island representatives and implementing the most viable methods to ensure a participatory approach to decision making processes. SECTION H: KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION PLAN Awareness raising activities appropriate to the Cook Islands; unique geographic and developmental context will be outlined in the Inception Report. Early experiences and lessons learned will be highlighted at the Pacific regional workshop to be held in Nadi, Fiji in July Communications products will be tailored to national and sub-national level stakeholders (public and private sector, as well as affected communities) 6

8 Annex I. Logical Framework Outcomes 1 Outputs Activities Description NDA capacity strengthened to undertake Fund-related responsibilities Presentations or other climate and development-related information materials Summaries of meetings of country coordination mechanism and multi-stakeholder engagement, including list of participants Annual report on activities of the Fund and other relevant funding mechanisms and institutions in the country Information materials on the operational procedures of the Fund in local languages (where relevant) and distribution lists of recipients Indicators 1.1 Knowledge acquired on the country s climate- and development-related needs, priorities, strategies, plans, relevant institutions and stakeholders 1.2 Capacity developed to facilitate and coordinate a country coordination mechanism and multi-stakeholder engagement that results in identification of priorities and recommendations of (or no-objections on) funding proposals 1.3 Capacity and systems developed to monitor, evaluate and maintain an overview of activities of the Fund and other relevant funding mechanisms and institutions working in the country 1.4 Capacity to disseminate information, including in local languages, on the operational procedures of the Fund to country stakeholders To be completed based on country-specific context To be completed based on country-specific context 1

9 PAGE 1 OF 21 (Please submit completed form to countries@gcfund.org) Summary Country Cook Islands Date of Submission 26/01/16 NDA or Focal Point contact details Name: Ana Tiraa Position: Director Climate Change Cook Islands, Office of Prime Minister ana.tiraa@cookislands.gov.ck Tel: Summary of proposed activities and timeline (please also include overall objective of the grant, requested grant amount and expected timeline for implementation) (maximum 350 words) The Cook Islands readiness support aims to strengthen the capacity of the National Designated Authority (NDA) to engage with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It also intends to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MFEM) as the delivery partner, to further access and manage climate finance. The NDA, hosted by the Office of Prime Minister, and the Development and Coordination Division (DCD) within the MFEM will jointly implement this grant. Through the recruitment of a short-term consultant to work with the NDA and of a long term national consultant, considered as Development Programme Manager, who would be based in MFEM for 12 months, the main activities will include: 1. Strengthening of the NDA or focal point consistent with the Fund s Initial best-practice guidelines; 2. Strengthening NDA capacity to be able to recommend funding proposals (including through no-objection letters) to the Board that are in line with the countries priorities and with appropriate accredited entities as partners; facilitate communication of nominations from prospective entities seeking accreditation to the Fund; and facilitate necessary consultation processes to engage all relevant stakeholders (namely state-level representatives given the scattered nature of the Federation) civil society and private sector actors. 3. Build the capacity of the team within the NDA that will be responsible for overall coordination and capacity building of Cook Islands engagement with the Green Climate Fund; 4. Enhance the capacity of the Cook islands to access and manage climate finance. The budget allocated for this readiness support is USD 150,000. The activities will be executed within the next 12 months.

10 PAGE 2 OF 21 A. PROJET BACKGROUND & CONTEXT A.1 Assessment of strengths and needs of the NDA The Cook Islands has high-level commitment to accessing the GCF in 2015 and beyond. The country was one of the first Pacific Island nations to nominate its NDA in June Since then the Cook Islands has actively engaged with staff of the GCF Secretariat to improve understanding of the fund s processes. The NDA is the Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) division within the Office of the Prime Minister. It comprises two civil servants and four projects-funded staff. It was established in 2011 and is largely responsible for developing and coordinating national climate change efforts. Its main responsibilities include: Developing and contributing to Policy and Planning Frameworks; Resource mobilization; Mainstreaming and integrating climate change related activities into government procedures; Strengthen governance arrangements for climate change; Provision of advisory services; Identify data gaps to improve climate change knowledge; Strengthen capacity development efforts to address climate change impacts; Support relevant research efforts; Coordinate participation and input into relevant regional and international meetings; Reporting on progress in fulfilling obligations under the UNFCCC; Communicate effectively climate change matters to an array of audiences. The Cook Islands have acquired funding support to address climate change issues through an array of funding modalities. This includes multi-lateral and bilateral arrangements. The largest adaptation investment programme in the Cook Islands is worth about USD 4.5 million from the Adaptation Fund. Mitigation efforts have focused largely on renewable energy. The Cook Islands has established a target to achieve 100% renewable power generation by To date, the Cook Islands has achieved 50% of its target. Funding support for this has been mainly been through bilateral arrangements. Since its establishment in 2011, CCCI has secured approximately 8 million (US) dollars to address climate change concerns. These funds have been obtained from the Australia's Pacific Adaptation Strategy Programme, the Global Environment Facility, EU GCCA and the Adaptation Fund. However, more is required to sufficiently address climate change issues in a country of 15 small islands spread over approximately 2 million sq km of ocean. Further, climate finance also needs to be streamlined and harmonized with national systems as much as possible to reduce transaction costs, multiple administrative arrangements across many projects and increase sustainability. As such, MFEM is a key partner with the CCCI and efforts to strengthen their role in harnessing and managing climate finance together with national systems is critical going forward. MFEM is building its capacity for direct access to global climate finance and has successfully lodged its application to become accredited to the Adaptation Fund (AF). The AF Board has been in direct communication with MFEM and from March 2015 until the end of 2015 the accreditation panel will be working with MFEM to ensure all the information is in order. Out of the 17 NIEs to the AF so far, there are no Pacific Island countries that have successfully gained accredited status. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), which is experiencing the impacts of climate change, it would be a great achievement locally, regionally, and internationally for MFEM to gain NIE status. This would allow direct access to much needed adaptation resources reducing transaction costs (time and finance) and building the capacity of Cook Islands to manage and implement adaptation funding. To become accredited, MFEM must pass the Adaptation Fund s stringent review of existing financial management procedures, anti-corruption and zero fraud policies, as well as project management and oversight capacities such as conducting environmental and social risk assessments. To enhance these requisite capacities, MFEM has been working with the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Pacific Small Island States project, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Aka iro Consulting and the United Nations Environment Programme in partnership with numerous government ministries.

11 PAGE 3 OF 21 In conjunction with our NIE application, the Cook Islands has recently completed the public expenditure framework assessment (PEFA) and endorsed a process to identify activities to further improve our financial systems. A Public Expenditure and Accountability (PEFA) assessment is an independent review of the state of public financial management (PFM) based on an agreed international standard set of criteria and measures. The Government of the Cook Islands lacks financial resources to sufficiently strengthen its resilience to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the Cook Islands has limited human resources and especially technical capacity to effectively address the implications of climate change. Given these circumstances, it is vital that the Cook Islands identifies how it will strategically engage with the GCF to ensure the right support is obtained to effectively respond to the impacts of climate change to produce results that make a difference on the ground and to the livelihoods of communities in all islands. The current workload of the CCCI and its new role as the NDA, requires additional support to strengthen its capacity to progress lowemission and climate-resilient development. This proposal seeks dedicated and focused assistance to do this. In parallel with establishing processes to engage in climate finance developments, the ability to also access and manage funds to bolster resilience requires dedicated and focused attention. The Cook Islands lacks human resources to dedicate effort towards accessing and to continue strengthening national systems to effectively absorb climate finance. This grant will also support focused efforts towards accessing funds and to continue strengthening national systems across government. A.2 List of national climate change policies and initiatives In 2005, the Cook Islands was struck by five tropical cyclones within an eight-week period causing widespread damages to public and private infrastructure. This encouraged the Cook Islands government to increase climate change adaptation and disaster risk management activities, and led to the development and release of the country s first 20-year national vision Te Kaveinga Nui, its first National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) for , and the Preventative Infrastructure Master Plan (Strengthening Disaster Management and Mitigation). The second NSDP covers the period from The final NSDP will follow from The National Vision of the Cook Islands is to enjoy the highest quality of life consistent with the aspirations of our people, and in harmony with our culture and environment. To advance this vision, the second NSDP for , which is subsequent to the Plan for , contains short- and medium-term strategies to which all planning by sectorial and government agencies must be aligned. The NSDP Goals 5 and 6 are associated with climate change and disaster risk management, and note such objectives as green economic growth, resilient infrastructure, ecological sustainability, sustainable resource management, development of renewable energy, and increasing resilience through disaster risk management. The NSDP is aligned with the Cook Islands regional and international commitments, such as the Pacific Plan, the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs), the Mauritius Strategy, and multilateral environmental agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Biological Diversity Convention. The GCF readiness request will complement efforts by the Cook Islands to identify and strategically access climate finance as well as further goals set out in the National Sustainable Development Policy going forward. The Joint National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Plan (JNAP) is a five-year plan ( ) that spells out how the Cook Islands as a nation will reduce vulnerability and build resilience to the risks of natural disaster and climate change. The fundamental principle of the plan is that everybody and every agency have an active role to play in reducing vulnerability and building resilience. The plan promotes cooperation, coordination and collaboration and serves as a roadmap for building a more resilient Cook Islands as encapsulated in the National Sustainable Development Plan. The

12 PAGE 4 OF 21 JNAP is closely linked to the National Sustainable Development Plan as well as various acts and frameworks surrounding finance, disaster risk management and recovery, economic and social development, infrastructure and the environment. The JNAP is currently being considered for review and extension beyond The Cook Islands has formally submitted a Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for supporting implementation of 100% renewable electricity by It has also recently submitted an INDC. Using 2006 as the base year, the Cook Islands intends to reduce its emission from electricity generation by 38% by To ensure sustainability and the credibility of its efforts, the Cook Islands will endeavour to put in place the appropriate structures to monitor, evaluate and pursue value added activities. These will include inter alia undertake the construction of additional and new grid storage, integration of improved energy efficiency and new technologies, technology transfer, and strengthening capacities for overall sustainability and cobenefits. This would reduce emissions from electricity generation by a further 43%, totalling an 81% emissions reduction by 2030 (relative to 2006). This further reduction is conditional on receiving external support. Additionally, the Cook Islands is looking to embrace proven low carbon transport technologies and is currently exploring the most effective incentives for promotion of transition towards clean energy transportation. This will further reduce our overall emissions, conditional on external support. A specific national climate policy was developed and approved by the Cabinet - the Climate & Disaster Compatible Development Policy This policy provides direction for coordinated adaptation and mitigation actions. The Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (CI NIIP) integrates climate change adaptation and disaster risk management in the formulation of the priority list of infrastructure investments. Particular attention is given to climate proofing of infrastructure projects to build resilience. The CI NIIP has been prepared with extensive consultation and participation of stakeholders in Government, State Owned Enterprises, development partners, the private sector and civil society. In the area of mitigation, the Cook Islands has made a major commitment by investing in Renewable Energy (RE) for power generation. The RE Chart ( ) sets a pathway to using clean electricity sources. The government has established a target of 100% of inhabited islands utilising RE for power generation by The Cook Islands has identified RE as a priority NAMA project. The National Policy on Gender Equality and Women s Empowerment Strategic Plan of Action adopted in May 2011, which provides guidance to generate equal economic, and social prospects for men and women. The policy incorporates the improvement of building the capacity of women to contribute to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction as part of the country s regional and international commitments to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Cook Islands National Health Strategy emphasizes the need to mitigate health issues caused as a result of climate change and environment threats. It requires that Health facilities are equipped to respond to climate change and disasters. The Ministry of Health has developed a draft 2012 Climate Change and Health Adaptation Plan. This plan looks at climate sensitive health risks and provides a range of climate change adaptation options. At this time the two strategies are not linked. The National Health Strategy makes no reference to the Climate and Health Adaptation Plan that could have extended its scope of actions to address slow onset risks in areas such as non-communicable diseases and vector borne diseases like dengue fever.

13 PAGE 5 OF 21 The Ministry of Agriculture currently has no strategic policy instrument in place. However its business plan focus on crop tolerance includes work on developing disease resistant crops to withstand climate variability. This focus is strength as it delivers co-benefits to CC adaptation, disasters and food security. All these plans are linked to international frameworks such as the UNFCCC, Samoa Pathway and the SDGs. The process to develop these plans included robust consultation and incorporates science-based evidence.

14 PAGE 6 OF 21 Key stakeholders to be involved & Proposed process for multi-stakeholder A.3 engagement Since nominating its NDA, the Cook Islands has commenced ongoing consultations with key stakeholders. It also maintains close contact with the GCF secretariat on procedural matters. To date, the Cook Islands has consulted various stakeholders on the GCF through holding a dedicated GCF workshop 9-13 February 2015, reporting on progress through mediums such as Facebook, newsletters, , media, Skype conferences and face-to-face meetings. Nevertheless, more needs to be done especially with stakeholders on the Pa Enua (outer islands), civil society and the private sector. Engagement with stakeholders is critical to the success of delivering GCF support in country. In addition to local and national consultations, there have been increased interactions with development partners on the fund. Key stakeholders will continue to be consulted on GCF opportunities, and partnerships (local, national and regional levels) will be forged to plan and deliver GCF supported activities in country. This readiness support will expand and strengthen current engagement on the GCF with all stakeholders (local, national, regional and international). All government agencies, civil society, political and traditional leaders, private sector, Green Climate Fund Secretariat and development partners are considered key stakeholders in planning and implementing GCF support. As part of its mandate, the NDA will work with its stakeholders to: inform all country stakeholders about GCF opportunities; together with the accredited entities, prepare projects/programmes concept notes. Multi-stakeholder consultations or events will be held in accordance with the Fund s initial best-practice options for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement. This will include representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, outer island representatives of affected communities, as well as development partners including accredited entities who have committed to building resilience to climate change and disaster risk management. CCCI as the NDA will lead the consultation process using existing systems in place to support multi stakeholder engagement on the GCF. Current systems include the following: At the national government level, in June 2008, Cabinet formed the National Sustainable Development Commission (NSDC). The main role of the NSDC is to provide sound strategic advice to Cabinet on the proper allocation of all developmental aid to all sectors of the economy and to ensure that such allocation is aligned to the successful implementation of the National Sustainable Development Plan. Furthermore, this entity works closely with key national systems such as to the Budget Policy Statement and the Medium Term Budgeting framework to ensure ODA is effectively implemented and results that matter are accomplished. Membership of the NSDC consists of: o Office of the Prime Minister (Chair, NSDP and policy advice) o o o o o Crown Law (legal implications) MFEM/DCD (fiscal resource advice) Foreign Affairs (foreign relations advice) Public Service Commission (public service implications) Ministry of Education for Human Resource Development (capacity and up skilling implications) The Cook Islands Government Infrastructure Committee (IC) was established to focus on the

15 PAGE 7 OF 21 delivery of all Infrastructure Projects and make decisions regarding the management and commissioning of individual capital projects. They provide regular reports to the National Sustainable Development Commission (NSDC) and Cabinet on the progress of all capital projects. The IC consists of representatives of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Infrastructure Cook Islands, the Prime Minister s Office and the private sector. The broadening of the climate change country team (CCCT) to integrate Disaster Risk Management (DRM) now referred to as the National climate change (CC) and DRM Platform provides an open forum which brings together representatives from civil society, private sector, traditional leaders, government agencies to share a wide array of climate change and DRM information. The Platform provides CCCI and Emergency Management Cook Islands (EMCI) within the OPM a setting to communicate with stakeholders but it also provides for prospective collaboration with stakeholders through the climate change funding schemes and the Joint National Adaptation Plan for DRM and CCA (JNAP) activities. The Outer islands will be consulted with the support of the Pa Enua Governance division with the OPM. The relationship between the Pa Enua (outer islands) and the OPM are articulated in the Island Government Act In 2011 a Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD) within the OPM was established to administer the Renewable Energy Chart and the accompanying Implementation Plan. REDD is working in conjunction with Te Aponga Uira (power company on Rarotonga), the eleven Island Administration and Councils which are responsible for their island energy needs, development partners, the Development Coordination Division of the MFEM and the Renewable Energy Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. At the regional and international levels, dialogue and interaction on the GCF will continue with partners through regular planned meetings such as the annual meetings of relevant Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP), the yearly Cook Islands Development Partners meetings and other appropriate opportunities and communications channels. B. DETAILED PROJECT ACTIVITIES B.1 Detailed plan for strengthening the NDA The main objectives of this readiness support are NDA strengthening and enhancing DCD s capacity to access and manage climate funds. This project support will be carried out over a 12-month period commencing from January to December This will entail the following activities: 1. The recruitment of a national consultant to work with the NDA for six months. This short term consultant will be recruited to work with the NDA to carry out the following activities: a) Strengthening of the NDA consistent with the Fund s Initial best-practice guidelines; b) Strengthening NDA capacity to fulfil the following roles and responsibilities including: i. recommend to the GCF Board funding proposals in the context of national climate change strategies and plans, including through consultation processes. This will include support of a national stakeholder consultation process for identification of investment priorities and potential implementing entity partners; ii. facilitate the communication of nominations of prospective public and private sector

16 PAGE 8 OF 21 entities seeking accreditation with the Fund; iii. iv. seek to ensure consistency of funding proposals from national, subnational, regional and international intermediaries and implementing entities with national plans and strategies; implement the no-objection procedure as per the Fund s Initial no-objection procedure; and; v. develop and disseminate communication tools and materials on the above to local, national and regional audiences. c. Strengthen NDA capacity to act as the primary communication channel with the Fund as well as stakeholders at national and sub-national levels, including government, civil society and private sector actors consistent with the Fund s Initial best practice options for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement. The consultant/ta during the six month period will: Conduct a stakeholders workshop to increase understanding on the GCF; Carry out an assessment on the country s top readiness priority investment needs and convene key stakeholders' meeting to identify priority sectors to be financed by the fund; Develop the strategic planning process, including liaising with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders as needed, and providing information to stakeholders on an ongoing basis through appropriate channels. Develop, in line with national systems, the no-objection procedure on funding proposals submitted to the GCF to ensure consistency of funding proposals with national climate change plans and priorities. Develop online material on nominations/no objection of entities (sub-national, national or regional, public and private) seeking accreditation to the fund under the direct access track. Develop and circulate information in Maori and English about the GCF to stakeholders through workshops, social media, print media, TV and radio; Develop offline and online resource material for GCF awareness and procedural matters; Strengthen decision making procedures on the GCF. Some of these activities will be carried out in conjunction with existing climate change initiatives, for example, the Third National Communication Report to the UNFCCC. MFEM will recruit a full time national consultant as a Development Programme Manager who will be based in MFEM (DCD) and work in collaboration with the NDA, for duration of 12 months to support the Cook Islands Government in accessing and managing Climate Change Funds including from the GCF. The Development Programme Manager will support MFEM and the NDA to meet the following key

17 PAGE 9 OF 21 activities over the period of 12 months: Provision of technical advice to programs regarding GCF policies and procedures, including effective management support to government authorities and stakeholders involved in the development of project proposals under GCF; o Increase awareness of the Fund s accreditation process; o Facilitate the process to develop a proposal for readiness support for accreditation of a national direct access entity under GCF; o Facilitate the process to assist MFEM to meet the accreditation standards of the GCF in areas such as Assistance in improving Procurement policies and processes; Training on Activity management; and Support the development of initial pipelines of programme and project proposals aligned to the National Sustainable Development Plan. Assist in institutional strengthening through the implementation of national plans that can be supported through climate change funds. Continue to strengthen the capacity building and professional development of key staff involved in Climate Change and associated financing arrangements Identify country priorities for engagement with the Fund. Engage with the private sector and Civil Society to ensure they are included in the decision-making aspects of developing pipeline projects. Facilitate continued dialogue with CROP Agencies on regional support; Represent the Cook Islands at relevant meetings to share lessons learnt and experiences; Facilitate a co-ordinating point for the planning, implementation, monitoring and management of climate change portfolios; Effective programming, monitoring and reporting of all climate smart project/programs; Adherence to Government financial procedures to ensure alignment of funds to outcomes, including procurement and contracting guidelines. Provide training on GCF reporting requirements and input to or conduct workshops (including preplanned with other funding sources) to inform all key stakeholders of progress. Conduct an inter-ministerial meeting in order to inform about the results of the readiness phase and the strategy beyond the readiness support. Total budget for these activities is 150,000 USD. B.2 Detailed plan for developing the country programme Not applicable C: LOGICAL FRAMEWORK C.1 Detailed log frame with implementation schedule Please provide detailed log frame including activity level. See Annex I. Only sections relevant to the project should be filled in. D: CONSULTANTS AND EXPERT SUPPORT

18 PAGE 10 OF 21 D.1 Consultants Please provide brief description of roles of the consultants. Detailed TORs should be provided in annex. Job Title: National Consultant for NDA Strengthening Work Unit: Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI), Office of Prime Minister Responsible To: Director Climate Change Cook Islands Responsible For: Work Unit Purpose: Job Purpose: Strengthening of the NDA to effectively undertake its responsibilities as the NDA of the GCF and supporting the enhancement of DCD s capacity to access and manage GCF climate funds. Effective engagement of the NDA and relevant stakeholders in the Cook Islands with the GCF The consultant is the initial dedicated capacity of the NDA to effectively undertake its functions and over time build the NDAs capacity for effectively maintaining its role in line with the GCF. Key Tasks to be performed Strengthen the NDA capacity to act as the primary communication channel with the Fund as well as stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels, including government, civil society and private sector actors consistent with the Fund's Initial best practice options for country coordination and multi-stakeholder engagement. Develop online material on nominations/no objection of entities (sub-national, national or regional, public and private) seeking accreditation to the fund under the direct access track. Develop the strategic planning process, including liaising with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders as needed, and providing information to stakeholders on an ongoing basis through appropriate channels. Develop in line with national systems the no-objection procedure on funding proposals submitted to the GCF to ensure consistency of funding proposals with national climate change plans and priorities. Convene key stakeholders' meeting to identify priority sectors to be financed by the fund. Convene one information/consultation workshop to facilitate a shared understanding of the Fund, how it can be accessed and existing opportunities for the different sectors. Develop and circulate information in Maori and English about the GCF to stakeholders through workshops, social media, print media, TV and radio.

19 PAGE 11 OF 21 Job Title: Development Program Manager(s) Work Unit: Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) Development Coordination Division (DCD) Responsible To: DCD Manager Responsible For: Work Unit Purpose: Job Purpose: Providing technical advice to programs regarding GCF policies and procedures, including effective management support to government authorities and stakeholders involved in development cooperation matters. Effective and efficient management of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to achieve National Development outcomes. The Consultant is the co-ordinating point for the planning, implementation, monitoring and management of development programs under the Green Climate Fund for the Cook Islands. Key tasks to be performed 1. Provide technical advice on development policies and procedures to Government authorities and stakeholders, including management, financial and administrative support - to ensure development agreement requirements met 2. Ensure effective programming, implementation, monitoring and reporting of GCF project/programs 3. Ensure effective aid co-ordination between development partners, government authorities, implementing agencies and actors to achieve Development outcomes. 4. Adhere to Government financial procedures to ensure alignment of funds to outcomes, including procurement and contracting guidelines. 5. Provide training on development partners financial, procurement and contracting guidelines and the Activity Management Cycle and other. D.2 Procurement plan Please describe the different procurement packages and method of procurement used for each, using the attached template in Annex III. Refer to procurement plan E: BUDGET E.1 Budget

20 PAGE 12 OF 21 Please provide detailed budget using the attached template. Please refer to Annex XVI of the Standardized packages document to check the eligible expenses under the grant. While the budget in the approved grant differs from the budget here, the estimates done initially have been revised as per the real costs and detailed activities as prescribed in this inception report. For instance, the detailed activities include two consultants rather than one as indicated in the approved grant. To achieve the project objectives, it is recognised that two experts are required to work in the Ministries directly affected by this grant i.e. OPM and MFEM. The additional consultant will provide the needed support for MFEM who lacks the resources to be able to actively engage with the GCF and the ability to build capacity within Government. Travel and DSA for consultants are a lot lower than expected since the consultants will be national consultants. Note other cost have increased from the original grant agreement approved. After a detailed budget assessment the costs of producing awareness materials was substantially more than what we originally estimated as per the grant agreement. The unit costs are explained in the attached budget schedule.

21 PAGE 13 OF 21 Annex I: Logical framework OUTCOMES PROJECT SUMMARY INDICATORS BASELINES 1. NDA capacity to undertake Fund-related responsibilities and engage national stakeholders strengthened 1.1 Capacity to coordinate across stakeholders and facilitate effective consultation and communication 1.1 The Cooks Islands is used to consulting national stakeholders for developing new strategies including identifying climate change priorities. However, strengthening the capacity of the NDA to lead the GCF specific consultation process is necessary. TARGETS/EXPECTED RESULTS 1.1 For GCF activities, two administrative staff, a short term National Consultant and longer term National Consultant are dedicated to support the coordination/consultation process and link the collaborative efforts of the NDA and MFEM. The NDA capacity to coordinate across stakeholders is greatly improved, as are the links with the Cooks development finance agenda. Additional staffing from within the respective Departments will be provided when needed. 1.2 Knowledge on climate and finance priorities strengthened 1.2 Knowledge on climate and finance priorities exists but needs to be strengthened particularly across the Development Co-ordination Division who handles all aid funds under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management which is an integral link for GCF and NDA. One workshop on GCF with GCF Staff, NDA staff and some national stakeholders conducted in the third quarter, however more consultations are required in line with the development of the GCFs operational procedures and commencement of project 1.2 Knowledge on climate and finance priorities has been strengthened for all stakeholders through four workshops on GCF opportunities & project preparation

22 PAGE 14 OF System for reviewing proposals and issuing recommendations (or no-objections) established 1.4 Capacity and systems to monitor, evaluate and report on the activities of the Fund and other relevant finance mechanisms and institutions enhanced. 1.5 Information, including in local languages, on procedures of the Fund to disseminated to country stakeholders consideration. 1.3 There is no clear established mechanism of reviewing proposals and recommendations. it should be noted the Cook Islands has already assessed one GCF project to date. However this needs to be strengthened and institutionalized to cover future GCF projects. 1.4 The in country systems that are in place lack the ability to monitor and evaluate including the reporting, lesson learning and knowledge management systems. The grant support will benefit from additional dedicated capacity at the outset. 1.5 Monthly Newsletters, Climate Change face book page are regular communication tools used by the NDA, however, a communication and raising awareness plan will be designed to further improve this and incorporate GCF specific information including materials in the Maori language systematically communicated to national stakeholders and in particular the outer islands. 1.3 A projects review and no objection process has been strengthened and institutionalised with the NDA, MFEM and other necessary stakeholders. 1.4 Integration of the GCF and other climate funds activities into existing country systems and reporting processes in particular MFEM. 1.5 Translation of GCF information has been done into Cook Islands Maori and the Fund s basic information has been disseminated to country stakeholders including in outer Islands.

23 PAGE 15 OF 21 OUTPUTS PROJECT SUMMARY INDICATORS BASELINES 1.1 A process for supporting coordination across stakeholders and facilitating engagement (including periodic meetings / workshops) 1.2 Annual report on activities of the Fund and other relevant funding mechanisms and institutions in the country Write up of the coordination process, and convening schedule Meeting minutes and participant lists documenting engagement of at least 4 groups Electronic copy of the annual report, and details of public dissemination channels A coordination process exists for climate smart interventions and policies however needs to be streamlined and strengthened Minutes of the meetings of the NSDC are usually distributed Comprehensive quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Fund in the Cook Islands are formatted with assistance from GCF. TARGETS/EXPECTED RESULTS The NDA has prepared a coordination process and developed a convening schedule that was followed. It has coordinated the submission of projects or concepts from the national stakeholders and has ensured broad consultations Minutes and participants lists of 2 GCF workshops and 2 meetings of the NSDC, have been distributed NDA Office has prepared and disseminated comprehensive quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the Fund in the Cook Islands with additional information on related activities of other international financing assistance to the Cooks. 1.3 Information materials on the operational procedures of the Fund in local languages (where relevant) and distribution lists of recipients Links to electronic copies of presentations, information materials, climate change and development information disseminated to distribution lists where relevant Monthly Newsletters, and the Cooks Climate Change face book page are regular communication tools used by the NDA, uploading information on relevant information on DRM and climate change Monthly Newsletters, and the Cooks Climate Change face book page are regularly updated on NDA activities with GCF financing. A NDA Office webpage has been constructed and links to electronic copies of presentations, information materials, climate change and development information disseminated.

24 PAGE 16 OF Capacity building & information sharing for NDA and relevant stakeholders At least 5 information materials on the fund developed and disseminated to at least 50people No information materials on the Fund have been developed so far At least 10 information materials on GCF have been developed in English and local Maori and distributed to government entities, 10 civil society organizations and interest groups, and through the websites for the public domain Capacity has been developed through various capacity building and information sharing activities Some capacity has been built in NDA staff attending two regional workshops however no in country capacity building activities have been carried out in relation to GCF yet During the project, dedicated capacity building activities have been undertaken to make sure the NDA and national stakeholders have all necessary knowledge to engage with the Fund.

25 PAGE 17 OF 21 Annex II: Implementation schedule IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE OUTCOMES OUTPUTS INDICATORS ACTIVITIES NDA capacity to undertake Fundrelated responsibilities and engage national stakeholders strengthened 1.1 A process for supporting coordination across stakeholders and facilitating engagement (including periodic meetings / workshops) Write up of the coordination process, and convening schedule Recruit national consultants to support NDA and DCD strengthening Design and lead the strategic planning & coordination process, including liaise with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders as needed Carry out an assessment on the country s top readiness priority investment needs and convene key stakeholders' meeting to identify priority sectors to be financed by the fund Develop online material on nominations/no objection of entities seeking accreditation to the fund under the direct access track Organizing and moderating 1 YEAR 1 YEAR 2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Start date End date X X X X X X X X X X X

26 PAGE 18 OF Annual report on activities of the Meeting minutes and participant lists documenting engagement of at least xx groups Electronic copy of the annual report, stakeholders information/consultation workshop to facilitate a shared understanding of the fund Conducting an inter-ministerial meeting as a follow-up to the aforementioned stakeholder s workshop in order to inform about the results of the readiness phase and the strategy beyond the readiness support Facilitate the communication of nominations of prospective public and private sector entities seeking accreditation with the Fund Engage with the private sector and Civil Society to ensure they are included in the decision-making aspects of developing pipeline projects Disseminate meeting minutes and participant lists documenting engagement with national stakeholders Preparation of quarterly and annual X X X X X X X X X X x x

27 PAGE 19 OF 21 Fund and other relevant funding mechanisms and institutions in the country 1. 3 Information materials on the operational procedures of the Fund in local languages (where relevant) and distribution lists of recipients 1.4 Capacity building & information sharing for NDA and relevant stakeholders and details of public dissemination channels Links to electronic copies of presentations, information materials, climate and development information disseminated to distribution lists where relevant At least xx information materials on the fund developed and disseminated to at least xx people Capacity has been developed through various capacity building and information sharing activities reports on readiness activities with the Fund, and dissemination through various communication channels Provide links to electronic copies of presentations, information materials, and climate and development information disseminated to distribution lists where relevant Develop offline and online resource materials for GCF awareness and procedural matters Develop and circulate information in Maori and English about the GCF to stakeholders through workshops, social media, print media, TV and radio Institutionalize and implement the noobjection procedure as per the Fund s Initial noobjection procedure Strengthen NDA capacity to act as the primary communication channel with the Fund as X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

28 PAGE 20 OF 21 well as stakeholders at national and subnational levels Facilitate the process to assist MFEM to meet the accreditation standards of the GCF Strengthen capacity building and professional development of key staff involved in Climate Change and associated financing arrangements Provide training on GCF reporting requirements Provide technical advice to programs regarding GCF policies and procedures. X X X X X X X X X X X X X

29 PAGE 21 OF 21 Annex III: Procurement Plan