Inception Report. Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Conventions in Jordan. PIMS no.

Transcription

1 Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental PIMS no CB-2 Project Inception Report Inception Phase (November November 2010) D R A F T July 2010 Inception Report Page 1

2 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Table of Contents List of Abbreviations... 4 Executive Summary Introduction Project Logic Model Review of Project Outputs Main project activities Project Oversight and Coordination Mechanisms Project Organizational Structure Participation of stakeholders: Adaptive Management Schedule of Project Reviews Review of Project Performance Measurement Review of Indicators Review of Baseline and Targets Values Capacity Development Monitoring Scorecard Review of Risk Management Review of Risks and Assumptions Management Responses Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Progress to Date Work Plan Project Multi- year work plan Work Plan for Work Plan for ( ) Targets for the Period July 2010 December Annexes Annex 1: Agenda, Minutes and List of Participants of Inception Workshop Annex 2: Mission Agenda Annex 3: Terms of Reference for Key Positions Inception Report Page 2

3 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Annex 4. Capacity Development Monitoring Scorecard Annex 5: Revised Log-Frame Annex 6: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Annex 7:Terms of Reference- Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Inception Report Page 3

4 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental List of Abbreviations CB2 FP GE GEF GoJ HCST JCIAR JCPP MoA MoEnv MoEMR MoHESR MoPIC NCARE NEAP NGOs NPM PB WG RSS NCER JCI PIR PAC ToRs TPR UNCBD UNCCD UNDP UNDPCO UNFCCC NEX Cross-Cutting Capacity Building Focal Point Global Environment Global Environment Facility Government of Jordan Higher Council for Science and Technology Jordan Centre for Innovation and Applied Research Jordan Cleaner Production Programme Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Environment Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation National Centre for Agricultural Research & Extinction National Environmental Action Plan Non-Governmental Organizations National Project Manager Project Board Working Group Royal Scientific Society National Centre for Energy Research Jordan Chamber of Industry Project Implementation Review Project Advisory Committee Terms of Reference Tripartite Review UN Convention for Biodiversity UN Convention to Combat Desertification United Nations Development Programme United Nations Development Programme-Country Office UN Framework Convention on Climat Change National Execution Modality Inception Report Page 4

5 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Executive Summary The UNDP/GEF project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental was approved on 3 rd February 2006 (GEF CEO Approval). It is a project with 36 months duration and its official starting date was August The changes in GEF Management resulted in the delay of CB2 Projects start up. As a result, the project document was signed by the Government of Jordan on the 20 th of January, 2009 after GEF approved continuing the work on the CB2 projects. The Project Manager was recruited on 22 nd November 2009; therefore, the actual date of the commencement of the project implementation is 22 nd November The project team will try to make up for some delays, but in order to successfully undertake project activities and deliver outputs at a required quality level, the project will need an extension of project duration for 11 months after the original expected date of completion of December The justification of the extension to the 21 st of November 2012 is to maintain the original duration of the project period (36 months) to fully implement the outputs of the project. The request for the no-cost extension of the project will be discussed at the next Project Board meeting. The implementing partner is the Ministry of Environment (MoEnv). The project has a GEF funded budget of USD 475,000, UNDP funded budget of USD 100,000 and Government of Jordan Commitment of USD 25,000. The main stakeholders are MoEnv, other line ministries involved in the implementation of the three Rio Conventions on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Desertification, in addition to, research institutions and centers. The project s long-term goal is Developing the policy and legal frameworks in Jordan to strengthen compliance with Global Environmental GE Conventions through optimizing the involvement of all concerned institutions. The project objective is to Develop policy-relevant capacities for the implementation of the global environmental conventions by enhancing connectivity between the research and policy making for global environmental management. This objective will be reached through the following three outcomes: Outcome 1: Sustainable and effective collaboration mechanisms between policy making and research related to the GE conventions are established. Outcome 2: Global environmental issues and provisions of the three Conventions are integrated in policies and laws based on research Outcome 3: The capacity of the research institutions and policy-makers to support and undertake policy-oriented research related to the global environmental conventions is developed An inception phase of the Project started in November 22, 2010, including an Inception Workshop held on April 13, 2010 (see minutes of the meeting in Annex 1). This Inception Report is the summary of this inception phase. It documents the review of the project strategy and changes made during this inception phase. Once approved by the Project Board, this Inception Report will become part of the project document. Following the review of the project strategy in consultations with relevant stakeholders, the project team proposes to maintain the set of outputs, but modify Output 2.2 and Output 2.3. Theses output will be modified as follows: Inception Report Page 5

6 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Output 2.2: The three Rio conventions policies reviewed and developed based on policy oriented research (old text of the output stated Systemic procedures and commitments are defined to mainstream global environmental themes into the research programmes of the key research institutions. ) Output 2.3 Funding mechanisms to promote policy oriented research related to GE Conventions (three Rio) developed (See Section 3).(old text of the output stated Targeted policy reforms related to GE issues are undertaken through policy-oriented research at JCPP and JCIAR ) Key recommendations proposed in Inception Workshop Policy development on land use should be based on scientific research; There is a 10 year research strategy in Jordan; the project needs to be linked up with this framework; The issue of research management remains critical in the context of relevance of research for policy decisions; Currently, there is no institutional mechanism or platform that brings research and policy making community closer towards country s strategic objectives; these objectives relate to the priority areas of water, agriculture and energy; There is a need to support both applied and basic research; Funding issues to promote research on Rio Conventions; More innovative means need to be sought to finance applied research. Millions are being spent on infrastructure and sectorial investments that never use research findings. Each strategic project should have a research component, as a rule; There is Research Support Fund that financed over 800 proposals in the last 2 years. However, not necessarily steered towards priority policy areas; some criteria elements might be brought in by the project to influence future research finance decisions in relation to the Rio Conventions; In line with recommendations received during the consultations at the Inception Workshop and focus group meeting, it is proposed to upgrade part of the original text in the logical framework matrix to better reflect current realities. The capacity development monitoring scorecard was completed with a total score of 6 out of 24, indicating a low capacity currently in place for an effective environmental management (see Section 5.3 and Annex 4). Finally, risks identified during the design phase were reviewed and updated. A total of 4 risks are now up-to-date with management responses as from the beginning of the project (see Section 6). The project management approach includes a project management team composed of one Project Manager (NPM), and a Project Assistant (see TORs in Annex 3). The Project Board (PB) will provide strategic guidance. In addition to the PB, there is the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) that will oversee the implementation of the project, within the PAC two thematic Working Groups (WG) are set up to guide the project implementation, build consensus, share decisions and validate process/results, including (i) a WG on Technical Expertise, Collaborative Management, IT, Legal and Institutional; (ii) a WG on Research Institutions, Awareness, Training and Technical Advice. Inception Report Page 6

7 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental The implementation of the project will be done in close cooperation with MoEnv, the United Nations Development Program in Jordan (UNDP), the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) and other key stakeholders. The project s work plan for the entire duration of the project and a more detailed one for 2010 are presented in Section 8 including a budget for 2010 of USD 108,350. As a result of the delay of the start up of the project and the delay of establishment of Jordan Centre for Innovation and Applied Research (JCIAR) and Jordan Cleaner Production Programme (JCPP), the original cofinancing of the project from EU, JCIAR and JCPP is no longer available. Other co-financing sources need to be approached. Inception Report Page 7

8 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 1. Introduction Context and Purpose of this Inception Report The UNDP/GEF project Developing Policy-relevant Capacities for Implementation of the Global Environmental Conventions was approved on 3 rd February 2006 (GEF CEO Approval). It is a project with 36 months duration and its official starting date was October The project document was signed in January However, the project start date was November 22, The Project Manager Ms. Rania Abdel Khaleq was recruited as of 22 nd November The recruitment of the Project Manager took longer than planned due to difficulties in finding suitable candidate. As of January 3 rd 2011, a new project manager was hired-dr. Ahmad Nafiz Abdel-Fattah. A seven months inception phase was then conducted to kick-start the project including an Inception Workshop held on April 13 th, The main focus of the inception phase was to: Review the project strategy; Review the role of main partners in project implementation; Review the project logical framework matrix; Draft the M&E Framework for the project to be submitted to the Project Board (PB) for approval; Identify key methodological elements for the implementation of the project; Identify the work plan of the project, including a more detailed work plan for the first year; Organize an Inception Workshop involving all key stakeholders. This phase is summarized in this Inception Report and lays a new basis for the implementation of the project, reflecting changes in circumstances and/or practical implementation issues. It is based on the findings gathered during this phase; including the results from meetings held in this period: first advisory committee meeting (6 th of April 2010), the inception workshop (13 th of April 2010), focus working group meeting (18 th of May 2010). It is an update of the project document and, once approved by PB, is considered as the new project strategy; particularly regarding the project activities, revised set of expected results and performance indicators. This Inception Report is to ensure that all relevant parties have the same baseline information, the same understanding and are committed to the implementation of the project; particularly for its first year of implementation. A draft of this report was circulated to all project implementation parties involved and revised on the basis of comments received. It includes specific roles and responsibilities of key implementing partners. Inception Workshop An Inception Workshop was held in Amman on April 13 th 2010 and was attended by approximately 60 persons from a wide range of stakeholder groups including main government Inception Report Page 8

9 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental counterparts and representatives from the specialized institutions and NGO sector. The workshop was under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Hazem Malhas, the Minister of Environment and Mr. Luc Stevens, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative. The overall objective of this inception workshop was to: 1. Launch the project; 2. Re-build commitment and momentum, especially that a substantial time has elapsed since the project design phase; 3. Establish the project team and support structures (e.g. Advisory Committee) with authority; 4. Ensure that the project team and other stakeholders have a clear understanding of what the project seeks to achieve and their own roles in achieving objectives; 5. Establish procedures for oversight as well as changes in project activities and outputs; 6. Review the project logical framework matrix; 7. Review the M&E Framework for the project to be submitted to the Project Board (PB) for approval; 8. Identify the work plan of the project, including a more detailed work plan for the first year; Discussions provided valuable comments which were incorporated into the present Inception Report. The agenda and the minutes of the inception workshop are presented in Annex 1. The inception workshop was followed by a focus working groups meeting on 18 th of May 2010 to reach consensus on the project logical framework matrix and activities. Inception Report Page 9

10 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 2. Project Logic Model Key Facts GEF Implementing Agency: UNDP Implementing Partner: Ministry of Environment Government Focal Point: Director of Nature Protection, Eng. Hussein Shahin Project Manager: Eng. Rania Abdel Khaleq (as of January 3 rd 2011, a new project manager was hired-dr. Ahmad Abdel-Fattah) Starting Date: November 2009 Ending Date: November 2012 Project Duration 36 month Budget: GEF: USD 475,000 Co-financing: USD 125,000 (UNDP USD 100, Government USD 25,000) Main Stakeholders: 1. Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) 2. Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) 3. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) 4. National Centre for Agricultural Research & Extinction (NCARE) 5. Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MoHESR) 6. Higher Council for Science & Technology (HCST) 7. Royal Scientific Society (RSS) 8. National Committee for NGOs 9. National Center for Energy Research (NCER) 10. Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) 11. Jordan University (JU) 12. Al albayt University (AU) 13. Jordan University for Science & Technology (JUST) 14. Princess Summaya for Technology University (PSTU) 15. Hashemite University (HU) 16. Mu tah University (MU) 17. The Yarmouk University (YU) 18. Scientific Research Support Fund/ (MoHESR) 19. Jordan Badia Research and Development Center (JBRDC) Logic Model The table below summarizes the set of results expected from the project. The outcomes presented below are identical to the original ones presented in the project documentexcept for output 2.2 and 2.3. The review conducted during the inception phase indicated that there is a need to introduce changes to the original set of outputs contained in the Project Document. Inception Report Page 10

11 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Set of Expected Results Long-term Goal Developing the policy and legal frameworks in Jordan to strengthen compliance with GE conventions through optimizing the involvement of all concerned institutions Project Objective Develop policy-relevant capacities for the implementation of the global environmental conventions by enhancing connectivity between the research and policy making for global environmental management Outcome 1: Sustainable and effective collaboration mechanisms between policy making and research related to the GE conventions are established Output 1.1: Institutional. mechanisms introduced to streamline the roles and responsibilities of MoEnv and other concerned line Ministries under the global environment conventions. Output 1.2: Institutional mechanisms for coordination between policy and research institutions are established through formal and non-formal systems. Outcome 2: Global environmental issues and provisions of the three Conventions are integrated in policies and laws based on research Output 2.1: Guidance and procedures are developed and adopted to promote policy-oriented research Output 2.2: The three Rio Conventions policies reviewed /and developed based on policy oriented research Output 2.3: Funding mechanisms to promote policy oriented research developed Outcome 3: The capacity of the research institutions and policymakers to support and undertake policy-oriented research related to the global environmental conventions is developed Output 3.1: Capacity of research institutions to develop and promote applied research for GE issues is strengthened Output 3.2: Targeted outreach campaigns on GE issues designed and carried out at the level of all concerned stakeholders Output 1.3. A virtual platform for information collection, processing, analysis and dissemination is established through web-based tools and e-networks 3. Review of Project Outputs The detailed project review conducted during the inception phase indicated that there is a need to modify outputs originally contained in the Project Document. Some comments relating to changed circumstances are considered in the amendment here. All these are presented in the table below: Inception Report Page 11

12 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Set of Expected Outputs Outcome Output Comments Outcome 1: Sustainable and effective collaboration mechanisms between policy making and research related to the GE conventions are established Outcome 2: Global environmental issues and provisions of the three Conventions are integrated in policies and laws based on research Outcome 3: The capacity of the research institutions and policy-makers to support and undertake policy-oriented research related to the global environmental conventions is developed Output 1.1: Institutional mechanisms introduced to streamline the roles and responsibilities of MoEnv and other concerned line Ministries under the global environment conventions. Output 1.2: Institutional mechanisms for coordination between policy and research institutions are established through formal and non-formal systems. Output 1.3: A virtual platform for information collection, processing, analysis and dissemination is established through web-based tools and e-networks. Output 2.1: Guidance and procedures are developed and adopted to promote policyoriented research. Output 3.1: Capacity of research institutions to develop and promote applied research for GE issues is strengthened Output 3.2: Targeted awareness campaigns on GE issues designed and carried out at the level of all concerned stakeholders Output 1.1: no comment Output 1.2: no comment Output 1.3: no comment Output 2.1: no comment Output 2.2: The original output was Systemic procedures and commitments are defined to mainstream global environmental themes into the research programmes of the key research institutions. The group suggested a clearer output emphasizing on the three Rio Conventions Output 2.3: The original output was Targeted policy reforms related to GE issues are undertaken through policyoriented research at JCPP and JCIAR. Since the JCPP and the JCIAR are not active, the group suggested to substitute this output with having a funding mechanism as a vital output of the project Output 3.1: no comment Output 3.2: no comment Inception Report Page 12

13 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Main project activities Based on the above set of expected outputs, the following main project activities have been developed during the Inception phase: Output 1.1 Institutional mechanisms introduced to streamline the roles and responsibilities of MoEnv and other concerned line Ministries under the global environment conventions. 1. Review organizational structure of MoEnv to identify related directorates/divisions to the Project and identify key 3 Rio Conventions -related organizational entities at the ministry, who is currently (or potential to) coordinating between policy makers and research institutions and review mandates of such concerned units. 2. Follow up on the establishment of Task Forces from the three Rio focal Points at MoEnv and prepare ToR for the Task Forces. 3. Develop internal coordination mechanisms between the three Rio Conventions focal Points and related units at MoEnv and Task Forces. 4. Identify a list of other line ministries and agencies with a mandate related to three Rio Conventions, who is currently (or potential to) coordinating between policy makers and research institutions. Identify the gaps at sectoral strategies addressing sustainable development and global environmental (GE) issues based on the results of, such as, NCSA study of 2005 (Report of 2007), which were identified at the level of line ministries (MOA, MWI, Poverty, and Energy) and recommend mandate changes and actions required. 5. Clarify the project-related mandates and responsibilities of appointed three Rio Conventions focal points and related entities at line ministries. Support the institutional changes required at the level of the mandates and responsibilities of the official focal points of MoEnv and the line ministries especially those involved in the 3 Rios. Recommend needed amendments on the mandates. 6. Support the re-establishment of the National Committee on Climate Change, organize a kick-off meeting, and assist in: drafting the committee's Mandate/TOR drafting action plan(s) defining priorities and training needs launching possible top priority activities based on, such as, the Report "National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) - Jordan" and/or NEEDS Project and/or presenting an initiative to mainstream intentions, discussions, and efforts to explore the possibility of drafting a national climate change adaptation strategy for Jordan. 7. Support the re-establishment of the National Committee on Combating Desertification, organize a kick-off meeting, and assist in: drafting the committee's Mandate/TOR drafting action plan(s) defining priorities and training needs launching possible top priority activities based on, such as, the Report "National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) - Jordan" and/or Updating Inception Report Page 13

14 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental and/or Follow-up the implementation of the 2006 National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Funding Opportunities: such as Global Mechanism GM; Integrated Financing Strategy IFS; and GEF's (3 projects; integrated land management in southern Jordan; Pasture and Forests; Climate Change Adaptation through conservative water consumption), and NATO/University of Guelph Project: Desertification Indicators 8. Support the re-establishment of the National Committee on Biodiversity, organize a kickoff meeting, and assist in: drafting the committee's Mandate/TOR drafting action plan(s) defining priorities and training needs launching possible top priority activities based on, such as, the Report "National Capacity Self Assessment for Global Environmental Management (NCSA) - Jordan" and/or Up-dating the 2003 National Biodiversity and Action Plan upon requirements of COP-10 Nagoya, Japan 2010 and follow-up Nagoya Protocol, and/or Re-Drafting the "Draft Order/System for the Protection of Nature" مراجعة/تعديل مسودة نظام حماية الطبيعة and/or Drafting New Biodiversity Guidelines for National EIA Studies. 9. Organize an internal meeting at MoEnv with focal points to draft training needs proposed for each National Committee based on focal points visions and experience as well as outcomes from discussion took place during the first meeting of each committee Organize a Board Meeting for approving 2011 Workplan and budget and getting feedback on conducted activities so far and obtain steering on planned activities to come. 11. Organize a meeting for PAC for presenting the 2011 workplan, and updating them on the progress of Project, establishment of National Committees, and dividing PAC into thematic group to oversee and participate in the implementation of the Project's activities. Within the PAC two thematic Working Groups (WG) are set up to guide the project implementation, build consensus, share decisions and validate process/results, including: (i) WG on Technical Expertise, Collaborative Management, IT, Legal and Institutional; (ii) WG on Research Institutions, Awareness, Training and Technical Advice. 12. Organize a joint meeting of all three national committees to present focal points suggested training needs as well as member of committees suggested needs (with emphasis on core themes of this project of strategic planning of managing GE issues, strategic guidance for the identification of priority research needs related to GE issues, and mechanisms for integrating the three Rio Conventions into policies and laws) and to divide them into three discussion groups to finalize training need and re-join them to show results and identifying, synergies, cross cutting and overlapping capacity-building needs. Output 1.2: Institutional mechanisms for coordination between policy and research institutions are established through formal and non formal systems 1. Identify a list of the research institutions that are/were involved in the three Rio Conventions Inception Report Page 14

15 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 2. Map the current research related to the three Rio Conventions (on a broad level, not in specific detail) carried out by each research institution 3. Identify and list research institutions and centres (in the form of a mapping matrix ) that had coordination and collaboration with any line ministry and describe and list the main content of this collaboration i.e., joint research, provider of technical data, consultancy, etc., related to the three Rio Conventions 4. Identify and map which research institutions and centers were involved in the development of the Initial, Second, and Third National Communications to the UNFCCC ; Biodiversity; and Desertification National Strategies, including any initiatives or attempts to develop national climate change adaptation strategy (if any) and list their roles. 5. Identify if any institution is currently or have been involved in the implementation of these strategies 6. Use the information collected to develop a research map of all research institutions involved in the three Rio Conventions including researchers, listed publications, research projects carried out by institutions and link to output 1.3; 7. Identify opportunities within the current biodiversity strategy for collaboration in implementation with research institution and line ministries; 8. Identify opportunities within the current desertification strategy for collaboration in implementation with research institutions and line ministries; 9. Identify opportunities within the UN Framework for Climate Change Convention for collaboration in implementation with research institutions and line ministries; 10. Organizes meetings with related focal points and involved entities in line ministries to explore the opportunities of collaboration mechanisms with research institutions. 11. Support the line ministries to hold a workshop to explore these opportunities in activity 8 and 9 and 10 and get feedback; 12. Based on the above, identify potential effective, regular, and sustainable institutional future collaboration mechanism or framework and develop required institutional arrangements at MoEnv and line ministries for such collaboration mechanisms/frameworks Identify possible mechanisms for collaboration between research institutions and line ministries to ensure that the development of action plans of, such as, the National Agenda and sectoral strategies and implementation plans incorporate the mechanisms for the systematic inputs by research into the policy planning. 15. Link to HCST project Setting Research Priorities in Jordan for the Coming 10 Years. And other initiaves in this regard. Output 1.3: A virtual platform for information collection, processing, analysis and dissemination is established through web-based tools and e-networks. 1. Review outputs of MoEnv and UNEP project titled Piloting Environmental Networks" to build on; 2. Using information gathered in output 2 above, develop a data base of research institution involved in this regard under the supervision of IT Unit at MoEnv. Inception Report Page 15

16 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 3. Agree with institutions on a suitable web-based and e-networks system for sharing information on GE issues with emphasis on three Rio Conventions; 4. Define system requirements, database structure and hardware requirements; and 5. Support line ministries and research institutions to establish a system including details on updating and maintenance. Output 2.1: Guidance and procedures are developed and adopted to promote policyoriented research 1. Review the past and latest national environmental strategies, policies, and plans, such as the National Environmental Action Plan NEAP 1996; National Strategy for Sustainable Development: Agenda ; Report on Review of Environmental and Sectoral Strategies-2005; NCSA study of 2005 (Report of 2007); Environmental Strategy Implementation Plan (ESIP) ; the Updated ESIP ; and the latest Executive Development Program administered by MoPIC (equivalent to the old NEAP) and national communications to the three Rio Conventions, as well as any newly updated versions of such legal documents which capture the latest national and international guidance for environmental management and sustainable development in Jordan and build upon these efforts to ensure that GE issues are properly captured in such polices/strategies/plans with emphasis on research related issues. Also review the HCST Project Setting Research Priorities in Jordan for the Coming 10 Years to build on as well. 2. Review the training and capacity building needs of focal points and national committees identified by the Project in output 1.1 (namely output ) especially related to strategic planning of managing GE issues, strategic guidance for the identification of priority research needs related to GE issues, and mechanisms for integrating the three Rio Conventions into policies and laws and other needs identified by the Project in Output 1.1 and prepare a work plan for fulfilling such needs. 3. Assist the focal points, line ministries and research institutions responsible for Biodiversity Convention to develop a strategic guidance for the identification of priority research needs related to GE issues based on a continuous and joint prioritization process in order to establish a system for policy analysis and reform and establish procedures and systems for guiding research on GE topics. This will be done through: Supporting thematic and expert group meetings lead by highly expert national and/or international experts. Establishing procedures and systems for guiding research on (Biodiversity Convention) 4. Assist the focal points, line ministries and research institutions responsible for Desertification Convention to develop a strategic guidance for the identification of priority research needs related to GE issues based on a continuous and joint prioritization process in order to establish a system for policy analysis and reform and establish procedures and systems for guiding research on GE topics. This will be done through: Supporting thematic and expert group meetings lead by highly expert national and/or international experts. Establishing procedures and systems for guiding research on (Desertification Convention) 5. Assist the focal points, line ministries and research institutions responsible for Climate Change Convention to develop a strategic guidance for the identification of priority Inception Report Page 16

17 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental research needs related to GE issues based on a continuous and joint prioritization process in order to establish a system for policy analysis and reform and establish procedures and systems for guiding research on GE topics. This will be done through: Supporting thematic and expert group meetings lead by highly expert national and/or international experts. Establishing procedures and systems for guiding research on (Climate Change Convention) 6. Coordinate with the Consultant of RFP1 (Outputs 1.2 "Collaboration Mechanisms" and 1.3 "Virtual platform for information collection") and obtain results and based on that and findings of to prepare a strategic mechanism for promoting and supporting policy-oriented research related to GE issues and integrating global environmental issues and provisions of the 3Rios into laws and policies based on research. 7. Introduce a mechanism for line ministries and research institutions to be called on an annual basis for a workshop to emphasize on (1) the prioritized research areas that need to be conducted and (2) resources mobilization needed for these areas as set in Output below. Output 2.2: The three Rio conventions policies reviewed/and developed based on policy oriented research 1. Review and develop selected Three Rio Conventions- related national strategies/policies/laws based on research: Select the national strategy on biodiversity or any biodiversity-related local policy or law and up-date it or revise it based on outcomes from research utilizing poilicy-oriented research procedures developed in Outcome 2.1 Select the National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat Desertification of 2006 or any desertification-related local policy or law and up-date it or revise it based on outcomes from research utilizing poilicy-oriented research procedures developed in Outcome 2.1 Support efforts of drafting a National Climate Change (Adaptation) Strategy (initiated due to activities of this Project) or any climate change-related local policy or law and up-date it or revise it based on outcomes from research utilizing poilicy-oriented research procedures developed in Outcome Develop mechanism or guidelines for developing national policies and laws related to the three Rio Conventions based on policy-oriented research procedures developed in Outcome 2.1. Output 2.3: Funding mechanisms to promote policy oriented research developed 1. Coordinate with Consultant of RFP1 (for findings of Output who should have already identified key funding sources) to develop funding mechanisms based on that to promote the provisions of the three Rio Conventions and policy-oriented research. 2. Identify key funding sources nationally and internationally for the three Rio Conventions research in Jordan Line ministries and research institutions called on annual resources mobilization Workshop Inception Report Page 17

18 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Output 3.1: Capacity of research institutions to develop and promote applied research for GE issues is strengthened 1. Carry out a capacity survey at the Ministry of Environment and research institutions to identify gaps in knowledge in conducting applied research related to GE that could assist policy makers to: Review findings of the National Capacity Self Assessment Identify key knowledge gaps that need to be filled to propel implementation of the conventions Identify the current strengths and weaknesses of research in Jordan in relation to the three Rio conventions and areas where the country can create excellence. Identify critical skills and knowledge gaps for advanced studies and research tools and methods that directly contribute to the conventions implementations Identify global networks that Jordan research community needs to join in order to improve the knowledge base in advanced methods and approaches 2. Develop and implement a capacity development plan based on training, on-the-job training, and training modules. 3. Prepare training models on TEEB (The economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) for research institutions 4. Deliver training modules 5. Prepare training modules on methods and tools for socio-economic impact assessment for climate change relevant sectors of water, agriculture and energy (STERN) method 6. Deliver training modules 7. Based on the findings of the capacity assessment, select one of the centers of excellence to connect research centers in Jordan with. Output 3.2: Target outreach campaigns on GE issues designed and carried out at the level of all concerned stakeholders. Support the design of an outreach plan at the level of policy makers and research institutions 1. Conduct a situation analysis of the past and existing outreach program and awareness campaigns related to GE Conventions (with emphasis on Three Rio Conventions) and policy-oriented research; 2. Support the design and implementation of an outreach plan(s) and awareness campaign(s) at the level of policy makers and research institutions about the importance of GE issues and the collaboration of research and policy making in the framework of GE issues and the Three Rio Conventions. Set the outreach program goals and objectives with emphasis on (i) the concept of GE issues and GE conventions (Three Rios); (ii) the value of pilot applied research and its applications to the national context and the commitments to the GE conventions; (iii) the development and implementation of collaboration and coordination between research and policy makers to implement the Three Rio Conventions. 3. Identify the target audience of outreach program and key message. Select the most effective communication tools. financial resources of the selected programs. Assist in the development of awareness modules and tools for various targeted groups. Prepare and implement the outreach plan and awareness campaign. Assist in arrangements for printing materials. Determine the human and Inception Report Page 18

19 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 4. Project Oversight and Coordination Mechanisms 4.1 Project Organizational Structure 1. The project is following the modality of National execution and the Executing Agency is the Ministry of Environment (MoEnv). MoEnv has the necessary experience, it is adequately staffed and has sound financial status; the partnership with the research institutions was justified because of the technical nature of the project. MoEnv has experience working with donors and has the necessary experience to work with the research institutions and centres in Jordan. The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) in its role as government coordinating authority is responsible for the supervision of the Executing Agency s performance, assessment of progress, technical quality and achievement of objectives. While the day to day responsibility for the project lies with the executing agency, the government coordinating authority retains ultimate responsibility on behalf of the government. 2. MoEnv is responsible for the planning and overall management of project activities, reporting, accounting, monitoring and evaluation of the project. It is accountable to the government coordinating authority (Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation) and to UNDP for the production of outputs, the achievement of project objectives and the use of project resources. It facilitates dialogue and networking between the partners and utilize relevant expertise to support the project. UNDP is also responsible for the recruitment, contracting and supervision of Project Staff in coordination with MoEnv and following competitive recruitment processes. The recruitment took place in the first month of project implementation. The project team consists of the following: Project Manager Project Assistant 3. A Project Board (PB) is established to oversee the implementation of the project. It is the group responsible for making on a consensus basis management decisions for the project when guidance is required by the Project Manager. The Project Board consists of representatives from MoPIC, MoEnv, and UNDP. The Project Board should meet once every four months or as necessary when raised by the Project Manager. The Project board is consulted by the Project Manager for decision when Project Manager Tolerances (normally in terms of time and budget) have been exceeded. 4. A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) is established to oversee the implementation of the project, and comprises the National Project Manager, MoEnv, UNDP, MoPIC, and the project s stakeholders. The Project Advisory Committee members should meet once every four months or as per needs of the project. The PAC will consist two working group (i) a WG on Technical Expertise, Collaborative Management, IT, Legal and Institutional; (ii) a WG on Research Institutions, Awareness, Training and Technical Advice (for PAC s ToR, Please see Annex 7) 5. The Project Assurance role supports the Project Board by carrying out objective and independent project oversight and monitoring functions. This role ensures that appropriate project management milestones are managed and completed, the respective UNDP Programme Officer holds the Project Assurance role for the UNDP Board member. Inception Report Page 19

20 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 6. The Project Manager has the responsibility to manage the project on a day-to-day basis on behalf of the Project Board within the constraints laid down by the Project Board. The Project Manager is responsible for day-to-day management and decision-making for the project. His/her prime responsibility is to ensure that the project produces the results specified in the project document, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost (for full ToR, please see Annex 3). The project manager will be supported by a project assistant (for full ToR please see Annex 3). MoEnv will provide the following areas of support to the project: Funding for the project (US $ 25,000) in order to support the successful implementation. Exposure for the project-supporting event, advocating for the projects, and creating linkages with partners, donors, and other initiatives. Promoting and facilitating linkages with relevant governmental and nongovernmental initiatives. Facilitating partnerships, coordinating roles, and mobilizing resources. 7. The above project management structure can be illustrated as follows: Project Organization Structure Ministry of Environment Project Board Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation United Nations Development Programme Project Assurance UNDP Programme Officer Project Manager Project Support Working Group 1 Technical Expertise: Collaborative management, IT, legal, institutional Project Advisory Committee (WG1&WG2) Working Group 2 Research Institutions: Awareness, Training, TA 8. The project is implemented over 36 months with a total budget of US $ (600,000) UNDP will provide $ US 100,000 from its own TRAC resources, Government of Jordan will provide US $ 25,000 and GEF will provide US $ 475,000. Inception Report Page 20

21 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental 9. UNDP assist in its ability to build partnerships, especially with the GEF, coordinate between the various parties involved, and obtain knowledge from global sources and experiences. UNDP is the budget holder under the National Execution modality and provides training to the Project Staff if needed on the execution modality. UNDP charges 5% on the management of the government cost share contribution. The project follows the request for direct payment modality. 4.2 Participation of stakeholders: Regarding the implementation of the project, an initial list of Stakeholders to be engaged was identified during the project design and later at the project s inception phase and it is presented in the table below: Stakeholder Possible Role in Project Government Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) National Executing Agency Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Partner Agency, Project Board (MoPIC) Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Partner Agency, Advisor Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MoEMR) Partner Agency, Advisor Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research Partner Agency, Advisor (MoHESR) Higher Council of Science & Technology (HCST) Partner Agency, Advisor Scientific Research Support Fund/ Ministry of Higher Partner Agency, Advisor Education & Scientific Research (MoHESR) Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Partner Agency, Advisor Jordan Badia Research and Development Center (JBRDC) Partner Agency, Advisor Academic institutions, NGOs National Centre for Science & Technology (NCST) Partner Agency, Advisor National Centre for Agricultural Research & Extinction Partner Agency, Advisor (NCARE) Royal Scientific Society (RSS) Partner Agency, Advisor National Committee for NGOs Partner Agency, Advisor National Center for Energy Research (NCER) Partner Agency, Advisor Jordan University (JU) Partner Agency, Advisor Al albayt University (AU) Partner Agency, Advisor Jordan University for Science & Technology (JUST) Partner Agency, Advisor Princess Summaya for Technology University (PSTU) Partner Agency, Advisor Hashemite University (HU) Partner Agency, Advisor Mu tah University (MU) Partner Agency, Advisor Yarmouk University (YU) Partner Agency, Advisor In order to facilitate the engagement of these stakeholders, the project will use the following participatory mechanisms: Inception Report Page 21

22 UNDP/ GEF Project Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Thematic Working Groups (WG): These WGs will help guide the implementation, build consensus, share decisions and validate process/results. Each WG should include key representatives from the PAC and from related organizations, chaired by the key organization and coordinated by the PM and they should meet on as-needed basis to validate findings and activities to be implemented. Two WGs are proposed: (i) a WG on Technical Expertise, Collaborative Management, IT, Legal and Institutional; (ii) a WG on Research Institutions, Awareness, Training and Technical Advice 4.3 Adaptive Management Adaptive management is the ability of the project management team to anticipate challenges through well-established risk monitoring system and respond to challenges and opportunities in a flexible, positive and optimizing manner. This is a project management approach promoted by UNDP for the implementation of UNDP funded projects. It includes a set of characteristics such as: Rigidity should never be an issue; The Government of Jordan and UNDP/GEF approved the project document, which included the Goal, Objective and three substantial Outcomes. Any change of this set of expected results would necessitate their formal re-approval, including the endorsement of these changes by the GEF CEO. However, the project in consultation with the PB and UNDP/GEF can make minor amendments to the planned activities and outputs; Project inputs and outputs may be adapted in response to current reality (after approval by project decision-makers (PB) and UNDP/GEF; Interactive Decision-Making; Risk Monitoring > Feedback/Learning > Decision; Embrace Risks/Uncertainty = build Understanding. 4.4 Schedule of Project Reviews A detailed schedule of project review meetings is presented in the table below: Project Board Management Mechanism Project Advisory Committee Schedule Meets once every six months or as necessary when raised by the project manager. Once every four months or as per needs of the project. Inception Report Page 22

23 5. Review of Project Performance Measurement The indicators to be used to assess the performance of the project have been reviewed during the inception phase. The sections below include also the review of the baseline and targets of the revised set of indicators. This new set of indicators is presented in the revised log-frame in Annex 5 of this report. 5.1 Review of Indicators The table below presents the indicators to measure the progress of the project. The original set of indicators was presented in the project document. The review conducted during the inception phase led to the revision of this set of indicators and are presented in the right column in the table below: Results Original Indicator Proposed Indicator Project Objective: Develop policy-relevant capacities for the implementation of the global environmental conventions by enhancing connectivity between the research and policy making for global environmental management. OUTCOME 1. Sustainable and effective collaboration mechanisms established. OUTCOME 2. Global environmental issues and provisions of the three Conventions are integrated in 1. Research institutions are involved in the development of the action plans for the implementation of the global environmental conventions. 2. The action plans for the implementation the national agenda of Jordan cover GE issues at the level of at least 3 sectoral Ministries 3. The Environment Law of Jordan complies with GE conventions 4. Capacity development monitoring scorecard rating 1. MoEnv's Policy and Planning Unit and Enforcement Unit have revised their mandates to reflect GE issues 2. Acceptance of ministries staff to collaborate with research has increased as compared to the baseline 3. Formal mechanisms for cooperation between research and policy makers are established 4. Access to information is fully satisfactory to all involved stakeholders as compared to baseline of The national research priorities, including GE issues, are established on yearly basis. 2. All research institutions have responded to GE research 1. The expenditure on research, related to global environmental conventions has increased. 2. Environmental Strategy Implementation Plan has been prepared with direct participation of and contribution by Research Institutes; 3. Capacity development monitoring scorecard rating 1. Reactivation of national committees related to the three Rio Conventions 2. Formal mechanisms for cooperation between research institutions and ministries engaged in policy formulation are established 1. Policy frameworks revised based on direct contributions from the research institutes (at least two) 2. Funding Mechanisms for policy oriented research Inception Report Page 23