2006 Resident Coordinator Annual Report

Summary on progress towards UNDAF outcomes


Lesotho's UNDAF cycle is ending, and the new UNDAF will be in place in 2008. No text on this section

Summary on progress in UN Reform


Delivering as One

The Country Team initiated the Common Country Programming Process (CCPP), engaging the UN Heads of Agencies, Representatives of the Non-Resident Agencies (NRAs), key Development Partners in Lesotho and the Government in strategic discussions to plan and prioritise the UN Lesotho’s support to the national development aspirations within the next UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Lesotho for the 2008-2012 programme cycle. The preparation of the draft UNDAF coincided with the country strategy planning periods for Lesotho’s other major Development Partners. Like the UN System, the country cooperation programming cycles for DfID, European Commission, GTZ, Irish Aid and the World Bank also commence in 2008. Their participation at the November 2006 Strategic Planning Retreat provided a unique opportunity for exploring prospects for joint and/or collaborative programming, within the context of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the November 2006 Report of the High Level Panel on System-wide Coherence, entitled “Delivering as One”.

Throughout the year, the Country Team made efforts to instill the notion of “One UN” in the programme and operational activities of the UN system. Several joint programmes and projects have been developed between and among the various Agencies. These include:

A Joint FAO-UNICEF-WFP Programme on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children; A Joint UNDP-ILO Programme on Youth Employment; A Joint FAO-WFP Programme to Implement the Food Security Policy and Action Plan; and, A Joint UN Programme on Greater Involvement and Empowerment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIEPA); A Joint UNDP-GEF-World Bank-Government of Lesotho Renewable Energy Programme.

The UN System has, over the years, implemented the Common Service/Common Premise function under the leadership of the interagency Operations Management Team (OMT). At present, the UN House accommodates seven out of eight resident UN agencies, namely: UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, FAO, UNFPA, UNAIDS and the World Bank. WFP is housed in a precinct adjoining the UN House. However, discussions are underway to accommodate WFP in the UN House.

All the Agencies except FAO and WFP contribute to the Common Service/Common Premise Budget, including the UN Dispensary and the V-Sat Connectivity Budgets. Other shared services include cleaning, electricity, security, electrical and plumbing services, lifts and the back-up generator.

The Common Service/Common Premise function has contributed immensely to reducing the cost of ‘doing business’. There is potential, still, to further streamline the function and make it more effective if all the Agencies could merge certain aspects of their operational activities, and pool their resources for services such as transport, procurement and financial management systems. It is in this connection that the Common Service/Common Premise function was brought under expert review in November 2006. A UNDG Common Service Adviser undertook a review mission and prepared a Report. The recommendations will be reviewed by the UNCT and implemented as part of the joint Common Service Work Plan in 2007.

These steps have put the Lesotho team in a favourable position for the implementation of the now-imminent Joint Office Initiative, which the Country Team recommended should be introduced in Lesotho as part of the roll-out programme.

Support to National Development Plans and Strategies

The UN System has played a significant role in enhancing the policy, legislative and strategic planning environment to level the ground for greater progress in implementing the MDGs. During the year under review, the UN System supported formulation and implementation of key policies, plans and laws. These include: the National AIDS Policy, the National AIDS Strategic Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) Framework; the Know Your Status Action Plan; the Food Security Action Plan; the Legal Capacity of Married Persons Act; the Child Protection and Welfare Bill; the Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Policy; the National Action Plan on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS; the Roadmap to Reduce Maternal and Neo-Natal Morbidity and Mortality; the HIV Testing and Counselling Policy Guidelines; and, the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Guidelines. The National AIDS Policy, Strategic Plan and M & E Framework were launched by His Majesty the King, as part of the commemoration of the World AIDS Day 2006.

Improved Country Level Coordination

Consistent with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the 2004 Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR 2004), the Office of the Resident Coordinator spearheaded the Country Team’s efforts to engage with Lesotho’s other Development Partners in strategic dialogue to strengthen the Government’s institutional capacity for aid coordination, resource mobilisation and harmonisation of development assistance. The RC acted as the Chairperson for the Development Partners’ Consultative Forum (DPCF) since its establishment in 2005, and coordinated the Forum’s participation and/or support to a number of processes and events. These include:

Support to the processes leading to the Population and Household Census 2006; Support to the processes leading to the Ninth Donor Round Table Conference; Support to the preliminary processes leading to the general elections 2007; and Resource mobilisation for the First Lady’s Community-Based Workers Symposium and its related activities; The DPCF even commissioned UNDP to play a leading role to support capacity development for the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and to provide support towards the preparations for the Round Table Conference, which was held from 20th to 24th November this year. The UN supported a special project to enhance effective civil society participation in local governance through advocacy and civic education programmes. This Project will be fundamental in supporting the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in the preparatory activities leading to the general elections in February 2007, as well as in the prior and post-election conflict resolution and transformation activities. The Irish Aid provided counterpart financial support to the Project.

Increased Efforts against HIV/AIDS

Throughout the year, the UN System participated in the national efforts to turn the tide against the pandemic through resource mobilisation, technical assistance and specific individual and joint projects. One of our most important milestones has been accelerated implementation of the UNAIDS’ “Three Ones”. The UN provided technical and financial support towards the establishment of the National AIDS Commission (NAC) and the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), a joint review of the national response to HIV/AIDS, the development of the National AIDS Policy and Strategic Plan (2006-2010), and the establishment of a unified HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation System.

The Government has demonstrated determination to make HIV testing and counselling a national campaign, and to increase access to the testing centres throughout the country. The desire, which has sprung from a series of major social mobilisation events that continued throughout 2006, has energised the momentum for change. The Operational Plan of the “Know Your Status” Campaign, launched by His Majesty the King in 2005, was a culmination of this commitment to bring about a profound and significant transformation against HIV/AIDS. The UN rallied behind this call, and supported the launch of the Campaign and its Implementation Plan in 2006. With UN’s advocacy and financial and technical support, the country has been able to place approximately 10,000 people on Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART). There is greater national and district ownership, following the launch of HIV treatment centres in 6 districts during 2006. At present, there are 55 ART health centres in the country, and up to 15,000 people have benefited from the Ministry of Health counselling services. A formative search has shown that more than 92% of the population are aware of HIV/AIDS and are willing to be tested for HIV.

Partnerships on HIV/AIDS

The UN led the development partners’ collective support to scale-up the response to HIV/AIDS. The Resident Coordinator, in consultation with the Country Team and other development partners, expanded the co-chairmanship of the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS to the European Commission and the Embassy of the United States of America. The Theme Group comprises UN Heads of Agencies, the Government (through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare), Development Partners, the National AIDS Secretariat, NGOs and Faith-Based Organisations. On the Government side, the UN’s “voice” was added to the key decisions of the national “Know Your Status” Campaign’s Steering Committee and the Global Fund’s Country Coordination Mechanism.

These steps epitomise the Government’s desire to execute an urgent and effective response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. There is no doubt, nevertheless, that even more concerted effort is required if Lesotho is to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS, and for this to happen, all role players should join the national efforts to dramatically accelerate the response and promptly scale-up their individual and collective actions.

HIV and AIDS in the Workplace

As part of the efforts to lead by example, the Country Team continued to support the implementation of the UN HIV/AIDS Learning Strategy through selected HIV/AIDS activities in the UN workplace. The interagency HIV/AIDS Learning Team was reconstituted under the leadership of UNAIDS. Information, education and communication materials were prepared and shared with staff. HIV/AIDS sessions held for all staff culminated in an HIV/AIDS family session in November 2006. A total of 181 participants drawn from staff members, their spouses and children participated in this important activity.

Support to the Strengthening of the National Systems

The UN System continued its search for ways to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the vulnerable, as well as those affected by HIV/AIDS. As you well know, in Lesotho, like anywhere else in the developing world, HIV/AIDS places the heaviest toll on women and children, especially Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVCs). During the year under review, the UN System supported the establishment of a multi-sector committee for OVCs under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The committee is composed of Government sectors, NGOs, CSOs, the National AIDS Commission and the Development Partners. To date, the committee has established linkages at district level through a similarly constituted multi-sector District Child Protection Team in all the 10 districts of Lesotho. The committee will be responsible for ensuring a more effective implementation of the national OVC Policy and Action Plan. To this end, the UN has supported the strengthening of the capacity of district and community institutions, and volunteer groups to support the OVCs and their care-givers in the areas of food security, social welfare, health, education and income generation.

In a bid to accelerate the country’s efforts at attaining the MDGs, the UN System provided support for the development of a comprehensive basic education policy. Funding was provided for the installation of water and sanitation facilities in 16 schools in two districts. At the higher level, the UN supported the Education Sector Review as part of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) process, as well as the National Education Dialogue held during November 2006. UNICEF represents the UN in co-chairing the Education Partners Forum, and has helped the Government mobilise $7.2 million from the Fast Track Initiative.

As part of the strategy to ensure that children and OVCs remain in school, the UN System has supported implementation of the school feeding programme under WFP’s leadership and in close collaboration with the Government. Take-home rations were provided for the OVCs in a bid to keep their enrolment in school at a reasonably high level. Other areas supported during 2006 include: the development of the life skills framework and sensitization sessions for principals on the latest policies and legislative frameworks on child protection and OVCs.

Furthermore, the Government of Lesotho completed its first national “Roadmap to Reduce Maternal and Neo-natal Morbidity and Mortality”, with technical and financial support from UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. The road map was launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in November 2006. Lesotho data were used for the Roadmap Plan. Training is currently being provided on safe delivery and child health.

Strengthening of the Coordination Capacity of the UNCT

In keeping with the Reform agenda, and to ensure coordination and collaboration in system-wide planning and programming, the Office of the Resident Coordinator played a key oversight role to facilitate synergy and cooperation among agency programmes.

Some strategic interagency teams were established in order to support the implementation of the Country Team Work Plan 2006, as well as other priority activities. These include; the Joint UN Team on AIDS (JUNTA), the expanded DevInfo Team, the Avian and Human Influenza Task Force, the Operations Management Team, the Communications Group and the Common Country Programme Strategy Team. Through the expanded Theme Groups on HIV/AIDS, and on Gender and Reproductive Health, the UN continued to engage with the Government and civil society partners to scale-up the national response to HIV and AIDS, and to advocate for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women respectively. A number of other teams were also set up to support Government Thematic Working Groups and Task Forces in the areas of: HIV and AIDS, Health, Agriculture and Food Security, and Environmental Management.

Owing to the increasing need to further strengthen the human resource aspect of the Office of the Resident Coordinator, the Resident Coordinator has solicited the deployment of a Human Rights Advisor from the Action 2 Global Programme. Once deployed, the Adviser will be responsible for the UN Country Team’s support to governance, elections in particular, and human rights. The Adviser will be a long-awaited addition to my Office which has, to date, been stretched very thin with only one national professional officer. With the possibility of the “Joint Office Initiative” coming our way soon, I anticipate a complete expansion of the Office in order to facilitate better support to the new RC System needs.

Headquarter and Regional Support to the Country Team

The Country Team received a high level of cooperation and technical support from colleagues at the UNDGO, the UN Staff College, the RDT and the Non-Resident Agencies throughout the year. The Country Team acknowledges OCHA’s support towards the preparation of the “UN Lesotho Contingency Plan on Avian Flu” and the “Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan”. On this, Lesotho was cited as an example of "good practice". The UNDGO, the Staff College and the RDT, on the other hand, helped the Country Team to facilitate the Common Country Programming Process, as well as the activities leading to the formulation of the draft UNDAF 2008-2012.

Throughout 2006, the Country Team liaised with the Non-Resident Agencies, namely: ILO, UNESCO, UNODC and UNOHCHR, to identify strategic areas for joint programming and project support, and to explore opportunities for resource mobilisation. Such strategic partnerships were established with the relevant resident Agencies, and joint projects in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Youth and Employment, Education, Gender and Human Rights were formulated and implemented. Through this support, the Country Team has been able to raise the UN’s profile in areas that had otherwise not received sufficient attention previously.

UN Lesotho’s Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters

At the beginning of 2006, the UN Country Team established an interagency team responsible for emergencies and disasters. Through the team, and with support from OCHA, the UN Lesotho Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was prepared and disseminated. The Teams were supervised by the WHO and the FAO Representatives under the overall coordination of the Resident Coordinator.

A separate UN Lesotho Avian Flu Task Force prepared two Avian Flu Contingency Plans, one covering Phase III to Phase VI, and the other focusing on the worst-case scenario. The latter plan will be simulated in January 2007, with support from OCHA and the WHO Regional Office. Sensitisation sessions on Avian Flu were held for staff and stakeholders. In addition, the UN, under the leadership of WHO, provided technical assistance to the preparation of the National Avian Flu Plan 2006.

Furthermore FAO trained the Veterinary Officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in sero-diagnosis of the H5N1 virus. The Department of Livestock Services of the same Ministry was provided with essential field and laboratory equipment, supplies and materials for the surveillance, diagnosis and handling of infected birds.

Security of Staff and Property

While the security situation has been relatively calm for the most part of the year, the Country Team has been profoundly bothered by the number of security incidents affecting the UN and other international staff. The criminal activities that were reported to the Department of Safety and Security (DSS), as part of the System’s security reporting requirements, included murder, armed robberies, rape, livestock theft, smuggling of drugs and firearms, vehicle theft, and burglaries to homes and businesses. Some staff members have been victims of street robberies, while an international staff member of one international Organisation working in Lesotho has been killed in several rounds of gunfire recently.

As the country prepares for the next general elections on 17th February 2007, there is a much more heightened political activity, marked by political party campaigns in several parts of the country. While we do not anticipate any obvious security problems related to the election process, the RC has advised the entire UN System to exercise caution and vigilance at all times. The nationally-recruited staff members have, accordingly, been urged to exercise their democratic right to vote, but to stay clear of any potential trouble spots. The RC has considered the security of staff paramount above all else in her responsibilities as the Designated Official for Security, and as part of the UN Lesotho’s Security Plan 2006, a number of important security reinforcements were made. The overall security management system has also been strengthened. The Security Management Team (SMT) met regularly to plan and oversee the implementation of the Security Plan; a 24-hour closed circuit surveillance system has been installed, and window shatterproof film and a mail-scanning x-ray machine have been ordered.

Staff training was conducted, including the following: Certificated Basic and Advanced “Security in the Field” training for all staff; Fire-preparedness training; Training for Wardens; and Training on Defensive Driving for UN drivers. The Country Team further established a system of weekly security incident reporting, with a view to ensuring that the UN was up to speed on all security issues and security-related developments in the country. These activities will go a long way to ensuring that Lesotho is MOSS compliant.

Key aspects of the proposed 2007 workplan


Result Area 1: Coordination for Results

1.1 Contribution to national development plans and strategies 1.1.1 Poverty Reduction Strategy reviewed, costed, MDG-ised and rolled over into the next phase; PRS will be revised; 1.1.2 Country MDG Progress Report will be updated. 1.1.3 Country human rights obligations met in accordance with the ratified human rights conventions. 1.1.4 National statistical system strengthened and used to evaluate progress towards achieving the MDGs. 1.1.5 Capacity of key ministries and partners on the use of DevInfo developed 1.1.6 Post census analysis, reports and dissemination

1.2. Aid Coordination and Management /Paris Declaration 1.2.1 Capacity of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning strengthened for enhanced aid coordination and management

1.3 Enhanced aid coordination systems within the Ministry 1.3.1 UNDAF/Common Country Programming Common Country Programming Process completed through a consultative process and submitted to the Executive Boards. 1.3.2 Country Programme Documents and Annual Work Plans prepared

1.4. Coordination Support to UNCT in Implementing and Monitoring the 2002-2007 UNDAF 1.4.1 Working Groups (MDG, Food Security and Nutrition, OVC) are operational 1.5 Joint programmes 1.5.1 Joint Programmes developed, implemented and evaluated

1.6 Harmonised Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). 1.6.1 Advocacy, training and roll-out of HACT for UN, government and other implementing partners

1.7 Gender Equality 1.7.1 Mechanisms for women’s empowerment and protection of the rights of women and girls established. 1.7.2 Advocacy activities to popularise the law on the equality of married persons implemented. 1.7.3 National Action Plan on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS implemented

1.8 Road Map to Accelerate Reduction of Maternal & Newborn Mortality 1.8.1 Maternal & Newborn morbidity & Mortality reduced at all levels.

1.9 HIV and AIDS. 1.9.1 Joint UN Programme on AIDS prepared and implemented 1.9.2 Technical and financial support provided to the implementation of the National AIDS Policy and Plan 1.9.3 Scaled-up resonse to HIV and AIDS accelerated through implementation of the "Know Your Status Campaign".

1.10 Coordination of Humanitarian and Natural Disaster Operations 1.10.1 Capacity developed for disaster management and response 1.10.2 Joint UNCT Plans on (1) Emergency Preparedness and (2) Avian and Human Influenza implemented 1.10.3 Alternatives for implementing the Joint Office Initiative for Lesotho explored, and recommendations made

1.11 Human Rights and Good Governance 1.11.1 Mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights established and/or strengthened 1.11.2 Partnerships for the deepening of democracy, elections, civic education and conflict resolution, involving Government, IEC, political parties and development partners strengthened

1.12 Food security and Nutrition 1.12.1 National Nutrition Policy prepared 1.12.2 National Food Security Action Plan implemented

1.13 Common Services/Premises 1.13.1 Joint UNCT Plan to simplify, harmonise and streamline operational processes, standards and disbursement of funds to government and partners prepared

Result Area 2: UN Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation

2.1 Joint UNCT Advocacy and Communications 2.1.1 Joint UNCT Communications and Advocacy Strategy prepared and implemented in line with the 2002 Reform Proposals

2.2 Joint UNCT Resource Mobilisation Strategy 2.2.1 Joint UNCT Resource Mobilisation Strategy developed and implemented

Result Area 3: Non-Resident UN Agencies

3.1 Special measures to integrate non-resident UN agencies in UNCT processes 3.1.1 Greater involvement of the Non-Resident Agencies in the national strategic planning processes and Common Country Programming Process

Result Area 4: Coordination Capacity of the UNCT

4.1 Strengthening UNCT Coordination Capacity 4.1.1 Human, technical and material resources provided

4.2 Training 4.2.1 HIV/AIDS Learning Strategy implemented 4.2.2 Security in the field training conducted

Recommendations


No recommendations from the Country Team




   2006 Results and Use of Funds

2006 Results and Use of Funds
Key Results Area Expected Outputs Performance Indicators Actual Outputs at Year End Funds required/spent at Year End
SRC Trans Fund UN Agencies Other
Req Spt Req Spt Req Spt Req Spt
Progress towards UNDAF Outcomes
UNDAF Outcome 1

UNDAF Outcome 2

UNDAF Outcome 3

UNDAF Outcome 4

UNDAF Outcome 5

Alignment with national development processes
Planned efforts to align UN programme cycle with national development cycle * CCA reviewed and updated as a starting point for the UNCT's joint programming process activities.

UNDAF Prioritisation Workshop for the UNCT held.

UNDAF Prioritisation Retreat held for Government and Partners.

UNCT UNDAF Orientation workshop and Strategic Prioritisation Retreat, involving the Government, Non-Resident Agencies and resident development parties held.

The UNDAF Results Matrix was prepared using CCA, PRS and MDGs.

$20,000.00 $8,798.00
Planned efforts to align UN programme cycle with national development cycle * Strategic partnerships for development built with international and civil society organisations

Strengthened relationship with Partners in the context of the Development Partners' Consultative Forum

The Country Team created platform for dialogue with Government Development Partners through joint projects, Development Partners' Consultative Forum and the Donor Round Table Conference.

$2,000.00 $636.00
Initiatives planned for the development and/or implementation of joint programmes *

Joint FAO-UNICEF-WFP Programme on Orphans and other Vulnerable Children;

Joint UNDP-ILO Programme on Youth Employment;

Joint UNDP-GEF-World Bank-Government of Lesotho Renewable Energy Programme; Joint FAO-WFP Programme to Implement the Food Security Policy and Action Plan;

Joint UN Programme on Greater Involvement and Empowerment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GIEPA);

Support to national development plans & strategies
Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Nutrition Policy developed and presented to Cabinet

Proposal for the Policy submitted to UN agencies for technical support and funding. Policy to be formulated in 2007.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Resources mobilised for integrated watershed management

Sources of funding identified

Resources were identified for the project. GTZ has nominated a programme coordinator to work with the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation in two districts

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Action Plan for the integrated watershed management project finalised and implemented

Work Plans developed

Project document and Work Plan developed. Implementation will start in 2007.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies National Action Plan on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS implemented

Indicators as per the Action Plan

The Plan was prepared, and is now being implemented. It was formally launched end of August 2006.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Action Plan for the implementation of the Food Security Policy developed.

Resources for developing and implementing the action plan mobilised.

Food Security Action Plan completed and endorsed by Cabinet as a working document. Next step is to solicit support from Development Partners to fund implementation of the Plan.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Action Plan for improved nutrition for all intervention areas (MCH, OVC etc) prepared

The Nutrition Policy has not yet been developed. The Policy will be developed in 2007 with technical assistance and funding from the UN and development partners

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Married Persons' Equality Bill approved and implemented.

Information shared on the contents of the Bill

The Bill was presented to Parliament in November 2006. It was passed as a Law/Act of Parliament in December 2006.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Reproductive Health Policy formulated

Issues surrounding the preparation of the policy are being discussed by the Minister with Cabinet. Policy not formulated

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Activities and programmes on sustainable land use and management linked and harmonised.

Resources identified for the project. GTZ has nominated a programme coordinator to work with the Ministry of Forestry and Land Reclamation in two districts.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Costed national work plan on OVCs operationalised.

Improved food and nutrition security for the OVCs. Access to income generating activities and vocational training for OVCs

National Work Plan on OVCs costed and operational

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Recommendations of the UN Electoral Needs Assessment Mission Report implemented.

Indicators as per the report recommendations

A project document was prepared and implementation is underway.

$2,000.00 $0.00
Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Ensure that more children are in school

Increased enrollment and decrease in dropouts. Increased relevant quality education. Number of child-friendly schools.

Training on the sensitisation of 900 principals of primary and secondary schools in 6 out of 10 districts.

Support for the development of a comprehensive basic education policy. Funding provided for installation of water and sanitation facilities in 16 schools in 2 districts.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Gender Commission in place.

Activities leading to the establishment of the Commission were undertaken. The establishment of the Commission is planned for 2007

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Roadmap to reduce maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality implemented

Reduced neo-natal and child mortality Improved maternal mortality ratio Training of health professionals and provision of mandatory equipment.

The Road Map was completed with technical and financial support from UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. It was launched in November 2006.

Planned efforts to jointly support national government in the preparation, implementation, and/or revision of MDG-based national development strategies Health system strengthened through improved service delivery and trained health workers for better quality.

A consultancy to conduct a Health System Review on the Attainment of Health MDGs supported.

Initiatives planned for the support of the national development plan, e.g. PRS in the areas of Advocacy

Initiatives planned for the support of the national development plan, e.g. PRS in the areas of Dialogue/Participation

Initiatives planned for the support of the national development plan, e.g. PRS in the areas of Coordination

Initiatives planned for the support of the national development plan, e.g. PRS in the areas of Technical assistance

Planned efforts to develop national capacities for management of the development process, e.g. SWAps, national systems, capacity assessments and measurement of results *

UN assistance to national authorities for the preparation of the national report on the implementation of the Brussels Programme of Action of LDCs *

Country Report on the Brussels Programme of Action of LDCs prepared.

Planned initiatives for the implementation of "quick impact" interventions

UN plan to support the implementation of the UNDG Action Plan on the Development Outcome of the World Summit (MDG Action Plan) *

Planned efforts to elaborate and/or implement a post-crisis UN transition plan or strategy

Increasingly using and strengthening national systems
Planned efforts to making use of national systems by your agencies in order to reduce transaction costs of our programme countries in the areas of: Programme/project reporting

Planned efforts to making use of national systems by your agencies in order to reduce transaction costs of our programme countries in the areas of: PRS/sectoral monitoring and evaluation systems Bureau of Statistics' capacity to produce data and develop a database for monitoring poverty and the MDGs strengthened.

DevInfo introduced and implemented.

Comprehensive Monitoring Master Plan prepared.

Plan for DevInfo prepared, funds mobilised from UNCT. Data entered into the database by key stakeholders in Govt and NGOs. Launch is planned for 2007

$20,000.00 $20,000.00
Planned efforts to making use of national systems by your agencies in order to reduce transaction costs of our programme countries in the areas of: Annual PRS/sectoral performance reviews

Planned efforts to making use of national systems by your agencies in order to reduce transaction costs of our programme countries in the areas of: PRS/sectoral progress reports

Planned efforts to making use of national systems by your agencies in order to reduce transaction costs of our programme countries in the areas of: National procurement systems

Increased efforts on HIV/AIDS
Planned activities to operationalise the GTT Recommendations relating to the joint UN Team on AIDS and the UN Programme of Support including ISP HIV Testing and Counselling Policy developed.

HIV/AIDS Prevention scaled-up.

Counselling and Testing scaled-up.

Support provided to People Living with HIV/AIDS.

Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission scaled-up.

Universal access to treatment and care scaled-up.

National OVC coordinating body established.

Increased advocacy on VCT services.

Increased number of people knowing their status and preventive methods.

Increased number of health facilities offering Counselling & Testing for HIV/AIDS.

LENEPWHA operational and represented at national discussions.

Increased number/proportion of HIV positive women who have access to PMTCT.

Decrease in the number of infected infants.

Increase in the follow-up of women and babies on PMTCT until the baby is tested.

% increase in the number of people on ARVs.

Number of people enrolled in home-based care and support.

Guidelines on HIV Testing and Counselling were prepared, printed and disseminated.

10,000 people are on ARVs. There is greater district ownership. VCT was launched in 6 districts. 15,000 people have to date benefitted from Counselling services.

Formative search showed >92% of population aware and willing to be tested for HIV.

GIEPA Project prepared and funded. Strategic Plan for PLWA finalised, and representative of PLWA is a member of the Global Fund's CCM.

PMTCT Guidelines and training package for health workers completed. Funding of $400,000 mobilised.

There are now 55 ART health centres in the country and the number is increasing.

A multi-sector OVC Committee established in July under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. Committee establishing linkages at the district level through the District Child Protection Tea in all 10 districts.

Planned activities to operationalise the GTT Recommendations relating to the joint UN Team on AIDS and the UN Programme of Support including ISP Advocacy and information sharing to stimulate policy dialogue on HIV/AIDS.

Technical and financial support provided to the National AIDS Secretariat.

Joint UN Team on AIDS established in June. Work Plan prepared, and Technical Working Groups established in October. Joint Programme on AIDS will be prepared in February/March 2007 as part of the UN Lesotho UNDAF and in line with the National AIDS Policy and Plan.

$1,000.00 $0.00
Planned activities to operationalise the GTT Recommendations relating to the joint UN Team on AIDS and the UN Programme of Support including ISP Curriculum on life skills developed

As per UNAIDS indicators

The curriculum was developed and tested.

Planned efforts to support the national response to AIDS through strengthening the Three Ones National AIDS Policy prepared.

Costed National AIDS Strategic Plan (2006-2010) developed.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan prepared.

Work Plans developed.

National AIDS Policy, Strategic Plan and M & E Framework prepared. Funds mobilised and provided by the Country Team to the strengthening of the National AIDS Secretariat.

$7,500.00 $0.00
Increased efficient and cost-effective operational coordination
Planned initiatives to move forward on common premises & services and cost sharing (including Joint Office initiative) UN Lesotho common service function reviewed and recommendations for improvement of the service implemented.

Improved functioning of the common service function.

The Common Service function was reviewed by the UNDG Common Service Adviser in November 2006. Recommendations will be implemented in 2007.

UN Lesotho runs a UN House and joint common service and premise activities.

Planned efforts to support implementation of the harmonized approach to cash transfers * Recommendations of the "Harmonised Approach to Cash Transfers" implemented within the national context.

UN Lesotho participated in the HACT Orientation sessions. A work plan was developed and will be rolled-out in 2007, prioritising the advocacy aspects of the initiative with Govt and partners. Two training sessions were also held for the UN Lesotho key operational staff in November 2006.

$2,000.00 $83.00
Strengthened coordination capacity of the UNCT
Considered staffing of RCS support UN Country Team prepared to respond urgently and effectively to emergencies.

Emergency and Avian Flu Preparedness and Response Plans prepared.

A joint team responsible for emergencies and disasters was established. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, and 2 Avian Flu Plans were prepared with support from OCHA. The Country Team provided funding for the implementation of the second (worst case scenario plan) Avian Flu Plan.

Support provided for preparation of the National Avian Flu Plan, including support to the government's diagnosis of infected birds.

$1,000.00 $0.00
Considered staffing of RCS support Human and technical resources provided

One additional staff member in the RCO.

Improved logistical support to the UNCT.

Coordination Officer re-engaged.

$45,000.00 $34,538.00
Considered staffing of RCS support Interaction between UNCT, UN Secretariat, UNDG, RDT and local and external donors on UN coordination activities and joint programming

The RC had a series of strategic partnership and resource mobilisation meetings with New York and a number of international organisations, including DfID, Irish Aid and the IMF.

$15,000.00 $43,529.00
Considered training and other measures including knowledge networking, and involvement of non-resident agencies in national strategic planning processes UNCT website finalised and launched.

The prototype website has been developed through support from SAHIMS. The website will be finalised and launched in 2007.

$6,500.00 $0.00
Considered training and other measures including knowledge networking, and involvement of non-resident agencies in national strategic planning processes HIV/AIDS Learning Strategy implemented.

Interagency HIV and AIDS Learning Team was re-constituted and a work plan was prepared and implemented. Information, education and communication materials were prepared and shared with all staff. Sessions on HIV/AIDS were held with staff and dependents (spouses and children), culminating in a family session in November 2006. 181 out of 215 members of staff attended.

$500.00 $0.00
Considered training and other measures including knowledge networking, and involvement of non-resident agencies in national strategic planning processes All staff trained on security in the field

International Security Adviser was recruited in March 2006, Security Plan 2006 was updated, including lists of staff and their locations, VHF radio users, wardens, zone maps and UN vehicles. A contingency plan for Avian Flu was incorporated into the Security Plan.

Staff underwent security in the field training and CD-ROM Advanced Security in the Field courses. 8 UN Drivers attended Defensive Driving Course.

UN House fire equipment was apparised, and fire preparedness training and drills were conducted.

As per MOSS, physical security was strengthened through installation of a 24 hour closed-circuit surveillance system. Radio checks were made twice weekly and SMT had regular meetings

Considered training and other measures including knowledge networking, and involvement of non-resident agencies in national strategic planning processes Senior UN Staff trained in a seminar on HIV/AIDS in the workplace (organised by UNAIDS, UNDP and ILO regional offices).

Activity was removed from the Plan because it was no longer necessary.

Considered training and other measures including knowledge networking, and involvement of non-resident agencies in national strategic planning processes Training on MDG Learning Activities

Activity was removed from the Plan because it was no longer necessary.

$7,500.00 $0.00

TOTAL $85,000.00 $91,702.00 $16,000.00 $15,882.00



   Joint Programmes

Joint Programmes
Title Theme Linkages to MDGs and UNDAF outcomes Duration (from/to) Fund management Modality Manag. agent Admin. agent National or local partners and donors Total budget Financial contribution
Promotion of youth employment towards poverty reduction in Lesotho Employment MDG 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger

2006 - 2008 Pass-through
 UNDP UNDP Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation; Ministry of Employment and Labour; the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing; Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and the Youth Chamber of Business and Links Association; Business and Trade Unions

$400,000.00
UNICEF$30,000.00
UNDPTRAC$370,000.00
Greater Involvement and Empowerment of People Living with HIV & AIDS (GIEPA) in Lesotho HIV/AIDS MDG 6: Combat HIV and AIDS

2006 - 2008 Parallel
 UNDP UNDP LENEPWHA, Parliament of Lesotho, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Justice & Human Rights, Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, private sector, ActionAid, National AIDS Commission & UN

$517,500.00
UNDP$357,500.00
UNAIDS$100,000.00
FAO$60,000.00
Strengthened advocacy and organisational development of Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV & AIDS (LENEPWHA) HIV/AIDS MDG 6: Combat HIV and AIDS

2006 - 2007 Pass-through
 UNDP UNDP Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV & AIDS (LENEPWHA)

$99,900.00
UNDP$50,000.00
FAO$49,900.00
Joint Support Towards the Enhancement of the Statistical System in Lesotho Poverty reduction MDG 1: Eradicate Extree Poverty and Hunger

2005 - 2007 Pass-through
 UNDP UNDP Bureau of Statistics UNDP, UNICEF WFP, FAO, WHO UNFPA, DfID, DCI

$528,932.00
UNDP $370,250.00
UNICEF$158,682.00
Scaling up of the national response to HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS MDG6: Combat HIV and AIDS

2005 - 2007 Pass-through
 UNDP UNDP DfID, Ministry of Local Government

$700,000.00
DfID$700,000.00
(no title)




   Coordination Procedures and Practices

Coordination practices and procedures
CP Results Recommendations to DGO
(no name) Transaction costs:
Achievements:
Lessons learned:



   2007 Workplan

2007 Workplan
KEY RESULTS AREA Expected Outputs Perf. Indicators Actual Outputs at Year End Funds required/spent at Year End Additional support needed from HQ or Regional Director's Team Target Date
SRC UNCCF UN Agencies Other
Req Spt Req Spt Req Spt Req Spt Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Coordination for Results
UNCT Contribution to the National Development Plan/Poverty Reduction Strategy UN support to formulation/implementation of relevant national strategies or plans e.g. JAS/NDP/PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy reviewed, costed, MDG-ised and rolled over into the next phase.

Country MDG Progress Report updated.

Country human rights reporting obligations met in accordance with the ratified human rights conventions.

Revised PRS.

MDG Progress Report 2007.

Country Human Rights Report.

30/09/2007
UN plan to support the implementation of the UNDG Action Plan on the Development Outcome of the World Summit (MDG Action Plan) *

UN support to capacity development strategies National statistical system strengthened and used to evaluate progress towards achieving the MDGs.

Capacity of key ministries and partners on the use of DevInfo developed

Road Map to Accelerate Reduction of Maternal & Newborn Mortality

Mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights established and/or strengthened.

Partnerships for the deepening of democracy, elections, civic education and conflict resolution, involving Government, IEC, political parties and development partners strengthened.

National Nutrition Policy prepared.

National Food Security Action Plan implemented.

DevInfo launched and used

DevInfo advocacy, training clinics equipment countrywide

Post census analysis, reports and dissemination

Maternal & Newborn morbidity & Mortality reduced at all levels

Human Rights Commission

Technical and financial support to the national security services

Number of sessions with facilitated in partnership with the development partners

Number of civic education forums.

Nutrition Policy

Food Security Plan activities

$10,000.00 $191,000.00 Technical Assistance from WHO Regional Office Technical Assistance from RDT

31/12/2007
UN assistance to national authorities for the preparation of the national report on the implementation of the Brussels Programme of Action of LDCs *

Formulation/implementation of a transition plan or strategy

Aid Coordination/Management/Paris Declaration Planned efforts to making use of national systems in the areas such as programme/project reporting, PRS/sectoral monitoring and evaluation systems, annual PRS/sectoral performance reviews, national procurement systems, etc

UN support to aid coordination/management Capacity of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning strengthened for enhanced aid coordination and management

Enhanced aid coordination systems within the Ministry

$10,000.00 $140,000.00

30/06/2007
UNDAF/Common Programming Efforts to align UN programme cycle with national development cycle *

Progress towards UNDAF outcomes (inputs provided by theme group chairs) Country Programme Documents and Annual Work Plans prepared

Common Country Programming Process completed through a consultative process and submitted to the Executive Boards.

New UNDAF

Joint Strategy Meetings

CPDs, CPAPs and AWPs

$4,500.00

31/12/2007
UNDAF Annual Review/ UNDAF Evaluation * Working Groups (MDGs, Food Security and Nutrition, OVC) are operational

Working Group meetings, follow-up of meetings

31/12/2007
Joint Programmes Preparation/implementation of new Joint Programmes * Joint programmes developed, implemented and evaluated

Minimum of three Joint Programmes

31/12/2007
M&E of Joint Programmes

HACT Plan for the roll-out/implementation of HACT in the country Advocacy, training and roll-out of HACT for UN, government and implementing partners

Advocacy and training sessions

HACT system operational

31/12/2007
Strethening national systems/capacities through HACT *

Gender Equality UN support to incorporation of gender equality in national planning processes (such as National Development Strategies; PRSPs; SWAPs; Joint Assistance Strategies, etc.) Mechanisms for women’s empowerment and protection of the rights of women and girls established.

Advocacy activities to popularise the law on the equality of married persons implemented.

National Action Plan on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS implemented.

Centres for victims of domestic violence

Gender Commission established

National Action Plan developed and implemented

Number of advocacy sessions conducted

Joint Programme on Women, Girls and AIDS

31/12/2007
Gender theme groups able to support enhanced effectiveness of UNCT to respond to national priorities for gender equality

HIV/AIDS Operationalization of the joint UN Team on AIDS and the UN programme of Support Joint UN Programme on AIDS prepared and implemented.

Technical and financial support provided to the implementation of the National AIDS Policy and Plan.

Scaled-up response to HIV and AIDS accelerated through implementation of the “Know Your Status Campaign”.

Joint Programme

National partnership forum established & min. 6 meetings held

One coordination mechanism

Strategy developed and progress on implementation measured

Capacity building plan developed

Ethnographic research on sexual behavior and violence, and its determinants

31/12/2007
UN support to the national response to AIDS through strengthening the Three Ones *

Coordination of Humanitarian/Natural Disaster Operations Coordination of humanitarian operations * Capacity developed for disaster management and response.

Joint UNCT Plans on 1) Emergency Preparedness and (2) Avian and Human Influenza implemented.

Capacity Needs Assessment for DRR

National DRR Action Plan prepared and implemented

Report on fully-implemented Plans

$195,000.00 OCHA Technical Support

31/12/2007
Preparation of crisis prevention/natural disaster operations/plans

Contingency Plan initiatives

Common Services and Premises Planned initiatives to increase cost-effectiveness of UN operations, incl. common administrative services and common arrangements in support of programme delivery (including Joint Office initiative) Alternatives for implementing the Joint Office Initiative for Lesotho explored, and recommendations made.

Joint UNCT Plan to simplify, harmonise and streamline operational processes, standards and disbursement of funds to government and partners prepared.

Joint Office Report

Joint strategic UNCT Planning Retreat and Plan

Revised OMT Work Plan 2007

$4,800.00 UNDG/RDT Technical Support

UNDG Working Group on Common Services Support

30/06/2007
Planned inititatives on common premises

UN Advocacy and Resource Mobilization
Joint UNCT Advocacy and Communications Development/implementation of the UNCT communications/advocacy strategy & plan Joint UNCT Communications and Advocacy Strategy prepared and implemented inline with the 2002 Reform Proposals.

UN Website

Joint e- Newsletter

Joint Calendar of Media and Public Events

Joint Press Releases

$6,000.00

31/12/2007
Joint UNCT Resource Mobilization Strategy Development/implementation of RM strategy Joint UNCT Resource Mobilisation Strategy developed and implemented.

Resource Mobilisation Strategy

$10,000.00 UNDG/RDT Technical Support

30/03/2007
Non-Resident UN Agencies
Special measures to integrate non-resident UN agencies in UNCT processes Supporting the Involvement of non-resident UN agencies in the national strategic planning processes/ UN programming Greater involvement of the Non-Resident Agencies in the national strategic planning processes and Common Country Programming Process.

NRA Plan prepared and implemented

31/12/2007
Coordination Capacity of the UNCT
Strengthening UNCT Coordination Capacity RCO Staffing Human, technical and material resources provided

Coordination Officer

Coordination Assistant

Human Rights Adviser

$47,700.00 $50,000.00 Funding support from Action 2 Global Programme.

31/12/2007
Materials/Equipment

Training of UN staff HIV/AIDS Learning Strategy implemented

Security in the field training conducted

Sessions

Sessions

$1,000.00 $14,000.00


TOTAL $94,000.00 $0.00 $540,000.00 $50,000.00

 
 
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