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Dear Mr. Secretary General,
The year 2008 witnessed a lax in terms of the regional and global outlook towards Syria, with the Arab Summit being held in Damascus in March 2008, as well as the active role in which the Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad, took in reinvigorating both political and economic relations with Russia, France, India, Turkey, Iran, Kuwait and Qatar, among others. After being sidelined by the West for several years, the second half of 2008 saw a flurry of European officials visit Damascus, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy and British Foreign Minister David Miliband.
On December 14, the long-delayed Association Agreement (AA) on political and economic cooperation with the European Union was initialed, concluding seven years of negotiations. Its ratification will lock Syrian-EU relations into a strong regional framework and greatly increase the amount of EU funding to Syria.
Moves by Damascus to help pass the Doha Agreement on Lebanon, stimulate the peace process with Israel, establish an embassy in Beirut and broker a ceasefire in Gaza all won Damascus much praise from European capitals. A change in the U.S. Administration has also generated much hope for a more constructive Syrian-US relationship. Economically, the implementation of the socioeconomic policy strategies, as described in the national 10th Five Year Plan (2006-2010), continued, albeit not as rapidly as envisaged. Syria’s shift to a people-centered social market economy comes with special attention to regional disparities, rural areas and vulnerable groups. Economic reform is taking place gradually and on a piecemeal basis, but is effectively transforming the Syrian economy from a centrally planned into a market one. Syria's reform strategy is to create an active and socially responsible private sector before confronting the serious problems of the public sector. In the case of the latter the official line is to reform it through capacity development. The issue of privatization continues to be handled cautiously with policies to attract private capital to Syria, coupled with legislative reforms to allow the sector to function with greater freedom.
On the other hand, Syria has continued to witness challenges related to the Iraqi refugees’ mass presence in the country, coupled with serious repercussions of a drought that hit the country in 2007, as well as the implementation of a set of economic reforms, including the lifting of subsidies. The United Nations in Syria, with its eight resident agencies, in addition to a number of UN organizations operating from their regional offices, has been instrumental in the response towards the challenges facing the country. Continuing to command the trust and confidence of the Government, as well as the civil society, the UN has been able to advance its interventions to include new development and humanitarian assistance concepts that were absent in the past. Summary on progress towards UNDAF outcomes
The UN programmes in Syria, whether ongoing or initiated in 2008, have been directly contributing to achieving the UNDAF outcomes, which mirror Syria’s development priorities.
Under the first UNDAF outcome on socio-economic development and sustainable livelihoods, UNDP has been working closely with the Government in assessing the impact of economic reforms in the different sectors through the elaboration of different policy scenarios, the publication of the National Competitiveness Report, and replicating the microfinance support in poor rural and urban areas, with special attention to poor women entrepreneurs. In this context, UNDP and UNFPA also supported the establishment of the National Social Aid Fund, to mitigate potential negative social impact of economic reform and ensure pro-poor growth. UNRWA strengthened its microfinance initiatives in 2008, distributing a total of 7,178 loans, worth SYP 231.19 million, up from 398 loans worth SYP 12 million in 2007; providing vocational training and employment opportunities; establishing five employment centres, where over 1,500 job-seeking Palestinians were registered, out of which 35% were offered employment. On its part, UNICEF supported the Government in developing a knowledge base on children and women in Syria. Multiple Cluster Indicator Survey Reports for Syrians and Palestinian refugees were published and disseminated; other studies included a survey on causes of child mortality, situation analysis of early childhood development and several assessments on health and nutrition situation of Iraqi refugee children and mothers. Under the second UNDAF outcome on increasing the efficiency and accountability of governance structures; UNDP continues to support institutional capacity development in the parliament, decision making support in the office of the Prime Minister, local governance reform, judiciary reform and public sector reform. The overarching role is to increase local government and judicial transparency, responsiveness, service delivery and citizen accountability through re-engineering selected key municipal and court services. UNDP also contributed towards enhancing the civil society and private sector roles in the development process through the establishment of the NGO-Platform and the Global Compact. UNRWA, on the other hand, undertook its first human development needs assessment of registered Palestinian refugees, identifying programming gaps across health, education, relief and social services to improve programme quality. In close cooperation with UNICEF, UNRWA also worked on child protection, training 200 teachers on child rights; launching the “Violence Free School” programme in 119 UNRWA schools; and establishing a legal advice bureau to provide refugees with counselling services and information on legal rights. UNFPA undertook numerous studies and surveys, including the Syria State of Population, Quality of Life among Iraqi refugees, and youth survey, as well as provided input to developing the M&E framework of population issues in the National Developing Plan and first national health MDG costing report. Finally, UNICEF has been instrumental in providing technical support to both Governmental and civil society partners on monitoring and reporting on the Child Rights Convention, as well as taking measures to advocate for joint planning among decision makers in support of youth and adolescents.
Regarding outcome 3 on the delivery of basic social services, UNFPA, UNRWA, WFP, UNDP, and UNICEF have been actively working on identifying and bridging gaps in social service provision. UNFPA worked on securing access to and utilization of quality maternal health services through capacity development of health providers; including nursing and midwifery education programmes; upgrading reproductive health equipment and supplies, especially in the poorer areas in the north eastern region, and raising community awareness on reproductive health and family planning issues. UNRWA, jointly with UNHCR and other UN agencies, also targeted the refugee community in Syria in terms of provision of educational, health, and relief and social services. Through its Food-Based Education project, WFP contributed to improving effectiveness of basic education, reducing absenteeism and drop-out rates in primary schools and illiteracy classes in food insecure areas. Throughout 2008, UNICEF continued its cooperation programme with the Ministry of Education for improving the quality of education; almost 1,600 education officials in 475 schools across the country received training on different quality education components through the Child Friendly School initiative, directly benefiting 250,000 children, 30,000 of whom are Iraqi refugee children. UNICEF also supported improved quality of health and nutrition services through a nutrition surveillance system which was set in motion to monitor the nutrition status of children based on WHO new growth chart standards. UNICEF and the Ministry of Health worked on the development of new prevention protocol and guidelines related to HIV/AIDS Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission and Avian Influenza as well as training of health workers on their implementation. In 2008, 14,000 children benefited from UNICEF-Syrian Arab Red Crescent Child Friendly Spaces, and over 900 children and family members received professional follow-up from multidisciplinary child protection and psychosocial support units. Finally, UNDP supported the upgrading of the health system, concerned with the reduction of the spread of tuberculosis and enhancing the detection rate, with support from the Global Fund for Aids, TB and Malaria (GFATM).
Under outcome 4 on the protection and management of environmental resources, UNICEF worked with the Government on the implementation of a large scale training programme aiming at an improved knowledge base for children regarding hygiene, sanitation and water use, and covering over 300 schools. UNDP worked on capacity development for national and local teams on biodiversity, conserving and managing protected areas, finalizing the baseline ecological and socio economic monitoring systems for protected areas, initiating site-based ecological and socio economic monitoring and data management programmes. In the area of climate change, UNDP worked on awareness-raising among national stakeholders on climate change and its impact on development, and combating desertification, through implementing community activities aiming at reducing pressure on natural resources needed for livelihood.
Response to humanitarian crises (UNDAF outcome 5) took precedence over all other outcomes throughout 2008. As Syria continues to be the primary recipient of Iraqi refugee population, with estimates ranging between 1.2 – 1.5 million refugees, the UNCT in Syria had a major role in drafting the Pillar II of the Iraq CAP 2009. UNHCR, during 2008, reinforced coordination mechanisms for the humanitarian response to the Iraqi refugees, with the support of other UN agencies. Eight inter-agency thematic working groups were actively engaged in coordinating the UN’s humanitarian action, including Gender-Based Violence, Food, Education, Health and Nutrition, Psychosocial and Mental Health and Palestinian Refugees from Iraq; these groups are under the overall leadership and coordination of an overarching Iraqi Refugees Working Group, which provided the UN and NGOs with a platform for joint sectoral planning and coordinated implementation. As UN agencies increased their operational capacities in 2008, several joint formal agreements were formulated: a tripartite agreement between UNHCR, WFP and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) on relief assistance distribution to refugees; a Memorandum of Understanding between UNHCR and UNRWA signed a on providing equal standards of treatments for Palestinians living in Syria and those arriving from Iraq; coordination plans between UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR, ensuring a balanced support to both Iraqi refugees and national institutions; a signed agreement between UNICEF and SARC as well as relevant line ministries regarding Iraqi refugee children and women. These coordination mechanisms ensured that the design and implementation of short term, immediate interventions feed into the longer term transition from relief to development.
WFP continues to provide basic food rations to registered and targeted Iraqis, with a reach of 185,556 refugees by the end of 2008 and 19,000 metric tons of food distributed. UNHCR, by the end of 2008, had 220,000 registered Iraqi refugees. UNRWA continued to provide essential humanitarian assistance and food aid to over 10,000 families. The Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) took the better part of 2008. Existing coordination structures formed the base for the drafting process, focusing on reinforcing common identification of the key priorities and existing strategies. The drafting process was inclusive of all stakeholders; donors, international and local NGOs, UN agencies and government counterparts. Prior to the global and regional launch of the CAP a donor briefing devoted to the main outcome of the exercise in Syria was organized to mobilize support. However, the response from donors to the CAP has been very disappointing (contributions so far are 3% only). On another front, Syria has been experiencing a drought that is by far the worst over the past four decades. The Syrian Government estimated that 200,000 families (up to one million people) have suffered direct severe impact of the drought; predominantly herders and subsistence farmers, who are at the risk of rapid loss of livelihood and increased malnutrition. The impact has been felt so dramatically throughout the country that the Syrian Government approached the UN Resident Coordinator requesting mobilization of emergency funds from UN agencies and the donor community.
The UNCT responded by conducting a joint rapid drought impact assessment to verify the impact of rain shortfall on crop production and range vegetation, livestock, vulnerable groups, herders, and household income. The results confirmed that the situation was considerably worse than initially estimated. Based on the findings of the assessment, a Drought Flash Appeal was prepared by participating agencies and national partners, with the support of UN OCHA. The appeal was launched in Geneva, and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) provided 10% of the total amount of projects reflected in the Appeal.
Ten different CERF applications were submitted by the UNCT in Syria in 2008 under both the underfunded window to assist Iraqi refugees and the rapid response window to assist the drought affected people. The total funding received from CERF in 2008 was USD 7,590,900. Summary on progress in UN Reform
The first Common Country Assessment (CCA) and UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for 2007-2011 adopted by the Syrian Government have served as blueprints for increased cooperation between agencies and an expansion of joint programming and activities. The UNDAF, along with the fully endorsed UNDAF-based UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP Country Program Action Plans (CPAP), marked a landmark in coordinated planning for Syria, mapping out all UN activities for the next five-year period on a grid of common objectives linked to Government priorities and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Government endorsed UNDP’s CPAP in June 2008 (UNFPA’s and UNICEF’s were endorsed in 2007). The UN in Syria is preparing for its UNDAF’s midterm review, which will take place in 2009. In line with UN reform, and in an effort to support the Government in acquiring a comprehensive database on MDGs, the UN collectively launched the Syria DevInfo in February 2008, in the presence of the international community and in collaboration with national entities. A training plan for governorates around Syria was also initiated, and a number of training sessions have already been held, targeting the planning and statistics departments in selected governorates. A network of young journalists has been established; these journalists provide the UN in Syria with a supply of stories, reports and pictures regarding MDG progress in the country from a national perspective. A joint MDGs project database was also developed by the UNCT and published on the UN Syria website.
Following Syria’s endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness in July 2007, the UN has been committed to deepening the understanding of its national counterparts on integrating indicators and concepts of the Paris Declaration into national planning and monitoring. A strategic action plan has been submitted by the State Planning Commission for implementation. The UN also provided substantive technical and logistical support on institutionalizing mechanisms for aid coordination and management. On joint programming, the UNCT submitted 3 proposals to the Spanish MDG-Fund this year, with contributions from non-resident agencies. UNDP and UNFPA continue to execute their National Social Aid Fund (established in 2007) project, using a pool funding mechanism. In addition to jointly launching Syria DevInfo, collective UNCT initiatives were enhanced, including sponsoring a UN Webmaster, launching the UN Syria website in May 2008 and holding the UN Day celebrations with high-level participation from the Government and marking a number of UN Days.
The working group on HIV/AIDS, which includes members of UN agencies as well as Government and non-Governmental representation, deployed four HIV/AIDS technical missions on epidemiology, treatment, care and support, as well as surveillance systems. These missions provided comprehensive input into the Situation Analysis and Risk Assessment (SARA) as well as the national HIV/AIDS strategic plan. The group also submitted a proposal to the UNAIDS Programme Accelerating Fund (PAF), in cooperation with the National AIDS Programme; the rewarded fund was used to support the development of the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan. Other initiatives included applying to the Global Fund for TB, AIDS and Malaria, as well as UNCT advocacy for World AIDS Day. The Avian/Human Influenza working group has been active on preparedness planning on both the UN and national levels. A simulation on preparedness was held in February for the UN and national counterparts. This served as the baseline for revamping the UN Contingency Plan for Avian and Human Influenza. WHO and FAO have been working closely with the Ministries of Health and Agriculture to support the completion of a national preparedness plan. Key aspects of the proposed 2009 workplan
In 2009, the UNCT will continue its work with activities addressing the major areas of concern, including response to the Iraqi refugee presence in Syria and assistance to the drought affected Syrian population, as well as more targeted joint programming. In terms of progress towards MDGs, the UNCT will develop a joint project on scaling up the achievement of MDGs in the eastern region, where disparities are greatest. The UNCT will also support the Government in drafting and issuing the 3rd National MDG Report.
On common programming, the UNCT is preparing to conduct the UNDAF Mid-Term Review in 2009 in close collaboration with national partners. As a baseline to this process, the UNCT is planning to hold work planning and team building retreats to develop a common vision and maximize coordination. Based on the UNDAF mid-term review, the UNCT will identify potential joint programmes that will ensure maximum impact.
With regards to HACT, the UN will build upon UNDP’s Aid Coordination project to reach a memorandum of understanding for the roll-out of HACT. The UNCT will also launch the process of designing an HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan on the basis of the recommendations and findings of the situation analysis conducted in 2008. On human rights, trainings on Human Rights-based planning will be held with national partners and UN staff according to their needs.
Joint communication and common services will be maintained and strengthened in 2009, with the launching of the Arabic UN website and the continued search for more common services opportunities. Due to the financial setback that many UN agencies are facing, joint resource mobilization will also be a priority. Recommendations
Harmonization of UN programmes and operations is a persistent demand of the Syrian Government, as well as the donor community. This accentuates the importance of the RC system and UN reform in the Syria context. In fact, the Syrian government insists on approaching the UNCT through the function of the RC as representative of the UN system and responsible for ensuring a coordinated UN role on various levels. However, UN staff would benefit further from more training and capacity building on the different concepts and tools of joint programming, common services, and harmonized approach. Furthermore, while the RC’s role is substantive and imperative for the advancement of the UN reform agenda, the tools available, both financially and staff wise, remain insufficient for the task. Finally, more active field involvement from DOCO is necessary for the reform experience to mature further on both sides of the spectrum.
Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed UN Resident Coordinator
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2008 Results and Use of Funds
| 2008 Results and Use of Funds |
| Part One: Progress towards UNDAF outcomes (Results 2008) |
| Key Result Area |
Outcome |
Name |
Indicate Total Budget Per Outcome |
Provide an indicative budget delivery amount per outcome in 2008. |
Comments |
| UNDAF | Outcome 1 | Faster economic growth, with social protection and sustainable livelihoods | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| UNDAF | Outcome 2 | Improved efficiency and accountability of governance structures | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| UNDAF | Outcome 3 | Reduced disparities in basic social services | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| UNDAF | Outcome 4 | Sustainable environmental management | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| UNDAF | Outcome 5 | Disaster management (increased national and local capacities to reduce risks and prevent disasters, and adequate response in the event of a disaster) | $0.00 | $0.00 | | |
| PART 1 TOTAL |
$0.00 |
$0.00 | |
| Part Two: Coordination Results |
| Key Results Area |
Expected Outputs1 |
Performance Indicators2 |
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 |
Transition |
Un Agencies3 |
Other |
| Required |
Spent |
Required |
Spent |
Required |
Spent |
Required |
Spent |
Required |
Spent |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
| Result Area 1: Coordination for Results |
| UNCT Contribution to the National Development Plan/Poverty Reduction Strategy |
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UN support to formulation/implementation of relevant national strategies or plans e.g. JAS/NDP/PRSP
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UN plan to support the implementation of the Millennium Declaration and/or the UNDG Action Plan on the Development Outcome of the World Summit (MDG Action Plan) *
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MDG’s implementation enhanced:
a- Training workshop for launching Syria DevInfo
b- Developing a UN joint project for establishing a network of young journalists to report on MDG progress in Syria
c- A UN joint programme on localizing MDGs in the North-East region formulated
d- Joint UN-National review of MDGs implementation development in Syria held in preparation for the MDGs Mid-review in September 2008
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a- Training workshop held
b-Young journalist network established
c- Joint programme drafted
d- Review held |
• Training workshop for launching Syria DevInfo was held: o DevInfo Launch held February 2008: UNDP, UNICEF and UNFPA, in collaboration with State Planning Commission (SPC) and the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), finalized the database for Syria DevInfo. The launch took place February 2008, with orientation on use of the database. o A number of training sessions on DevInfo were organized at the local level by UNFPA targeting the planning and statistics departments in selected governorates.
• UN joint support to a network of young journalists was provided on reporting on MDG progress in Syria: o UNDP has been working on two main components in the area of media development; capacity development for media institutions and establishment of a network of young journalist for development. In 2008, the project expanded its activities with the addition of two new components; a formulation mission to design of a media reform strategy for the Syrian Government and sensitization and promotion of development themes and social cohesion using media. o UNFPA contributed to building capacity of young journalists, as well as TV reporters and producers and Government staff to report on reproductive health and women and family issues, using the same network of journalists as UNDP o UNICEF contributed with two presentations on health and education dimensions of the MDG, current status in Syria, implications and on-going initiatives o Available network has been involved in writing articles and providing pictures to UN website.
• A UN joint programme on localizing MDGs in the North-East region was formulated: o Project proposal discussed at UNCT level – no decision made o UNDP initiated local development planning process in six selected governorates o UNFPA contributed to the integration of population variables into the process of development planning in the six governorates.
• Joint UN-National review of MDGs implementation development in Syria was conducted in preparation for the MDGs Mid-review in September 2008: A brief proposal on scaling up of the MDGs in Deir Ezzor (one of the governorates of the Eastern Region) was prepared by UNDP in consultation with UN agencies and submitted to UNDP HQs for funding from UNDP’s Poverty Trust Fund
• Other: o A joint MDG database was developed by UN agencies and published on the UN website – this database is a comprehensive compilation of UN projects in Syria, with both humanitarian and long term development projects that are ongoing in the country. o Writers were recruited to report on MDG related projects in the country; human interest stories were published on the UN website and other local media outlets in Syria. |
$16,000.00 |
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$4,162.00 |
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UN support to capacity development strategies
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UN assistance to national authorities for the preparation of the national report on the implementation of the Brussels Programme of Action of LDCs 4 *
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N/A |
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Formulation/implementation of a transition plan or strategy 5
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Other
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| Aid Coordination / Management / Paris Declaration |
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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
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UN support to aid coordination/management
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• National government and donor community were informed about the implications of the Paris Declaration, through consultancy and an orientation workshop: o In coordination with UNDP Bureau for Development Policy in New York, UNDP Syria organized a two-day workshop for the State Planning Commission on the Paris Declaration and how to implement indicators and concepts into national planning and monitoring (October 2008). A strategic action plan was submitted by the State Planning Commission for implementation. o An international consultant was recruited for a period of a month to provide substantial technical and logistical guidance on institutionalizing mechanisms for aid coordination and management. Final report was submitted by the consultant with concluding recommendations |
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Other
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| UNDAF/Common Programming |
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Efforts to align UN programme cycle with national development cycle *
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UNDP CPAPD endorsed, and FAO’s National Medium-Term Priorities Framework (NMTPF) in collaboration with MAAR is formulated |
UNDP CPAPD endorsed, and FAO’s National Medium-Term Priorities Framework (NMTPF) in collaboration with MAAR is formulated |
o UNDP CPAP endorsed o FAO’s National Medium-Term Priorities Framework (NMTPF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform is being formulated in alignment with national plans and priorities. FAO is also working with National counterpart Ministries on the Development of a National Food Security Programme |
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Preparation of CCA/UNDAF
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Implementation of UNDAF M&E Framework *
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Refer to previous |
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UNDAF Annual Review/ UNDAF Evaluation
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UNDAF M&E Framework reviewed for implementation:
a- Scoping mission for evaluating M&E UN and partners’ capacity, identifying gaps and making recommendations for capacity building and implementation
b- Training workshop for UNCT and government partners on monitoring and evaluation of development programs
c- UNDAF M&E plan reviewed
d- UNDAF M&E theme group activated
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a- Scoping carried out with concluding recommendations
b- Workshop held c- UNDAF M&E calendar implementation commenced d- Theme group activated
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o Scoping mission conducted February 2008: The regional UNDP M&E Specialist carried out a 10-Day mission for evaluating M&E capacity of UN and the main national counterpart; the State Planning Commission (SPC), identifying gaps and making recommendations for capacity building and an implementation calendar for reaching the UNDAF Annual Review. The consultant also provided support to a number of UN agencies for reviewing their CPAPs/annual programs, before official endorsement.
o RBM & M&E Training workshop was held, April 2008: the 4-day workshop included participation from UNCT and government partners, and concluded with evaluation report. A CD with all material has been distributed. |
$10,000.00 |
$10,373.00 |
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$10,000.00 |
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Other
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| Joint Programmes6 |
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Preparation/ implementation of new Joint Programmes *
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Joint programming enhanced |
Joint programming initiatives developed
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o Youth proposal was resubmitted to the Spanish MDG fund, and 2 new proposals were also submitted; private sector development and food security and children. For the first UNDP took the lead, with FAO, UNIDO, and ILO. For the latter, UNICEF took the lead, recruited a consultant, and jointly with WFP, UNDP and WHO submitted a proposal focusing on Syria North-Eastern Governorates
o The National Social Aid Fund project, with funding from UNDP and UNFPA continued to progress: UNDP and UNFPA signed a joint programme document with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and the State Planning Commission to establish the National Social Aid Fund, with agreement on sing pool funding for the implementation of the project. The project aims at distributing cash to the vulnerable groups that are living below the lower poverty line and meet other defined criteria. It works on developing targeting mechanisms using proxy means testing to identify poverty at the household level, and accordingly reduce inclusion and exclusion errors. Moreover, the project works on building capacities of social workers to enhance the performance of the fund which comprises an integral part of the national social safety net |
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$6,730.00 |
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M&E of Joint Programmes
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Other
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FAO and UNDP formulating a Project Document for the establishment of an agricultural economic zone in Al-Ghab area |
Project signed |
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| HACT |
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Plan for the roll-out/implementation 7 of HACT in the country *
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HACT advocated with Government partners |
MoU reached with Government on HACT |
• HACT advocated with Government partners o HACT working group formed o HACT presented to the technical focal points in the government |
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Strengthening national systems/capacities through HACT
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Other
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| Gender Equality |
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UN support to incorporation of gender equality in national planning processes (such as National Development Strategies; PRSPs; SWAPs; Joint Assistance Strategies, etc.)
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Capacity development for gender theme groups to support UNCT to respond to national priorities for gender equality
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Other
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| HIV/AIDS |
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Establishment of Joint UN Team on AIDS and implementation of joint programme of support on AIDS *
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a- preparing SARA (situation response and analysis) for HIV/AIDS in Syria
b-apply for Global Fund for TB AIDS Malaria
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a- SARA completed and results reported
b-proposal completed and submitted |
• Preparing SARA (situation response and analysis) for HIV/AIDS in Syria: o UNFPA and WHO co-chair the HIV/AIDS Theme Group, working closely with UNDP, UNICEF, as well as the other UN agencies in supporting the national AIDS programme within the Ministry of Health according to the division of roles and responsibilities identified by UNAIDS. In 2009, UNFPA in close consultations with the HIV/AIDS Theme Group, deployed four HIV/AIDS SARA related technical missions on epidemiology, treatment care and support, and surveillance system, which came up with area specific substantive reports as inputs to the comprehensive SARA report. The SARA findings and recommendations are being utilized in support of the formulation of national HIV/AIDS strategic plan, in partnership with the UN agencies and other stakeholders, as well as for the preparation of a project submission to the Global Fund
o The Theme Group prepared a proposal for UNAIDS Programme Accelerating Fund (PAF), in cooperation with the National AIDS Programme, the fund was awarded and managed by WHO to support the National AIDS Programme in developing the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Plan, as well as a monitoring and evaluation system
• Apply for Global Fund for AIDS TB Malaria:
o UNFPA in consultations with the HIV/AIDS Theme Group supported the national initiative with respect to the preparation of HIV/AIDS proposals for GFATM Round 9, and took this opportunity to enhance knowledge and understanding of the HIV/AIDS Theme Group members as well as key members of the Country Coordination Mechanism on the GFATM requirements through deployment of UNAIDS regional consultant. UNFPA fielded two consultants to meet the technical assistance needs of the Country Coordination Mechanism with the financial support from UNICEF Regional Office. The technical backstopping missions came up with GFATM proposal related logical framework and identified major gaps and key priority areas o WHO supported the participation of national focal points in a training workshop on Global Fund proposal writing in Egypt |
$3,000.00 |
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UN support to the national response to AIDS through strengthening the Three Ones *
|
a- national advocacy campaign for World AIDS Day
b- work on national strategic plan continued |
a- advocacy campaign held
b- National Strategic Plan endorsed by UN and Syrian Government |
o Work on national strategic plan continued
o UNFPA provided support to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and National AIDS Programme to conduct awareness- raising/advocacy campaign on HIV/AIDS prevention among young on the occasion of World AIDS Day
o UNICEF contributed to HIV/AIDS prevention to most at risk adolescent through training courses and peer-education activities conducted in collaboration with MoH and the Syrian Family Planning Association
o Due to UNFPA efforts HIV/AIDS Situation Assessment & Response Analysis was completed and it is expected to inform the national strategic plan’s priorities o Since the ‘Three Ones’ also embraces one coordinating authority and strengthening one M&E system, over the reporting year, UNFPA in close coordination with the HIV/AIDS Theme Group also provided capacity building support and technical inputs to the work of the Country Coordination Mechanism and secured technical mission and consultations around the existing surveillance system, including exploring opportunities of introducing the second generation surveillance system
o UNICEF supported MoH in developing a protocol on Prevention of Mother To Child Transimission (PMTCT). Training of health workers (mid-wives, doctors and nurses) was conducted with MoH related to protocol implementation in hospitals
o National advocacy campaign for World AIDS Day - local newspaper, radio and TV coverage; as well as religious sermons in cooperation with the UN RC’s Office |
$2,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace
|
training for UN staff about HIV/AIDS in the workplace |
training held |
|
$3,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Human Rights |
|
Application of Human Right Based Approach
|
UNCT Human Rights based activities are matrixed to reach joint initiatives |
|
o First mission of the Regional Representative for the Middle East of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was facilitated with the government and the UNCT, initiating cooperation. The mission was received by a high level official in the Syrian Government and collaboration potentials were discussed
o Visit of the Field Mission of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of Palestinian People and Arabs of the Occupied Territories was facilitated and organized by the RCU |
$2,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strengthening the capacity of UNCTs to support national human rights protection systems
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Coordination of Humanitarian/Natural Disaster Operations |
|
Coordination of humanitarian operations
|
Coordination of Humanitarian Operations enhanced: a- Preparing a program framework for UN agencies’ humanitarian response to the Iraqi refugees in Syria |
a- Framework prepared
b- Briefing for donors conducted |
• A program framework was prepared for UN agencies’ humanitarian response to the Iraqi refugees in Syria: o Support provided to UNDP for assessment study (study on hold upon request from national partners)
o Recruitment process for OCHA funded NO position completed
o UN Strategic Framework for the response to Iraqi refugees was drafted with facilitation from UNHCR recruited consultant; RC Unit extended support to this process including TOR drafting, info gathering, review of draft, and proposing programming matrix format. This draft framework was further used as a base document for the CAP 2009
o UNHCR reinforced coordination mechanisms for the humanitarian response to the Iraqi Refugees in Syria with support from the RC Unit. Eight inter-agency thematic working groups were actively engaged in coordinating this humanitarian action: Gender-Based Violence, Food, Education, Health & Nutrition, Psychosocial and Mental Health, Palestinian refugees from Iraq under the overall leadership and coordination of the Iraqi Refugees working group
o In the absence of a consolidated planning process, the Iraqi Refugees Working Group provided the UN and NGO agencies with platform for joint sectoral planning and coordinated implementation. As UN agencies increased their operational capacities in 2008, it led to joint formal agreements between agencies: a tripartite agreement between UNHCR, WFP and Syrian Arab Red Crescent was concluded on relief assistance distribution plans to Iraqi refugees; MoU between UNHCR and UNRWA was concluded that provided equal standards of treatments for Palestinians living in Syria and those arriving from Iraq; coordinated actions between UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR that ensured a balance between support to Iraqi refugees and support to national institutions and that interventions complement the prevention strategies, particularly in the health sector and education sectors. To formalize its support to Iraq refugee children and women, UNICEF signed agreements with MoH, MoE and SARC
o The coordination mechanism ensured that the design and implementation of short term, immediate relief interventions feeds into the longer term transition from relief to development and that the interventions relay the process to development o A CAP for the inter-agency response to the needs of the Iraqi refugees in Syria for 2009 took place as a part of the CAP 2009 for Iraq and the Region. UNHCR was the lead agency for this process in close coordination with RC Unit and support from OCHA. Existing coordination structure and mechanisms formed the base for this process aiming at further reinforcing the common identification of the key priorities and existing strategies. During the CAP preparation phase a new working group emerged: Livelihoods and Skills Development. The CAP process for Syria was facilitated by the CAP support team comprised of OCHA deployed expert, RCU and UNHCR staff
o The CAP process included a regional workshop with participation of the agencies working in Iraq and Iraqi refugee hosting countries, including UNCT of Syria; local workshop for Syria; regional meeting to take stock of the progress for refugee hosting countries and mainly a substantial work of the working groups in elaborating the CAP
o Prior to the global and regional launch of the CAP a donor briefing devoted to the main outcome of the CAP exercise in Syria was organized with facilitation from the CAP support team (UNHCR-OCHA)
o As of February 2009, UNRWA and UNHCR have engaged in a closer cooperation regarding the Palestinian Iraqi caseload situated in the Damascus area, in order to make this group known to UNHCR and ensuring coordination between projects in the camps of al-Tanf and al-Hol, and the Damascus area. This effort entails exchanges of data registered on the Palestinian Iraqi refugees
o UNFPA succeeded in expanding its humanitarian component to address the needs of Iraqis residing in Syria, while maintaining its linkage with the development component. UNFPA launched and implemented a joint framework with UNHCR on RH/GBV and also a humanitarian project constituting the contribution of the Government of Norway towards the UNFPA component of the Health Sector Appeal. The aim of the project was addressing RH needs & GBV related concerns of Iraqis in Syria with the main strategies being to demonstrate improved access of Iraqis to RH & GBV related information and services as a model, while continuing to approach the main stakeholders and donors with advocacy in support of scaled up response in the context of 2009 CAP |
$7,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preparation of crisis prevention/natural disaster operations/plans
|
UN contingency plan draft reviewed |
Plan reviewed |
Plan still under review |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contingency Plan initiatives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
a-Capacity building for AI theme group for preparedness planning enhanced
b- National Preparedness Plan for Avian Influenza prepared
c- AI preparedness plan simulation conducted |
a- Capacity building workshop held
b- Plan completed and endorsed by UNCT and Syrian Government
c- Simulation performed |
• Capacity of AI theme group for preparedness planning enhanced:
o Simulation training workshop on preparedness planning was held for AI Theme Group and national partners by UNSIC, 26-27 Feb o Sub groups for finalizing the CP were set up
o The AI Epidemic Contingency Plan drafting is in process
• National Preparedness Plan for Avian Influenza prepared:
o WHO with FAO worked together with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture to assist in preparing the national preparedness plan for Avian and Human Influenza. WHO and FAO agreed to integrate both ministries plan into one national plan
o UNICEF supported MoH to produce a National Guideline for Health Workers on Prevention of Avian and Human Influenza. Training of health workers was conducted in all Governorates on applying these guidelines
o UNICEF with MoH developped Information Education and Communication (IEC) material for prevention of AI and supported training of health educators in all Governorates
o In collaboration with MoH and Ministry of Information, UNICEF supported a two days workshop to inform journalists aiming at associating media with the AI prevention effort
• Other:
o WFP CERF Application was submitted on Jan 23rd under RR Window to assist Iraqi Refugees. The disbursement date was on 11 Feb 2008. The amount is 4,999,654 US $
o UNFPA CERF Application was submitted on 23 Sep under UFE Window to assist Iraqi Refugees. The disbursement date was on 3 Oct. The amount is 124,741 US $
o UNICEF CERF Application was submitted on 26 Sep under RR Window to assist Drought affected people. The disbursement date was on 3 Oct. the amount is 251,450
o WFP Cerf Application was submitted on 26 Sep under RR Window to assist Drought Affected people. The disbursement date was on 7 Oct. the amount is 965,001 US $
o FAO CERF Application was submitted on 26 Sep under RR Window to assist Drought affected people. The disbursement was on 8 Oct. The amount is 750,070 US $
o WHO CERF Application was submitted on 17 Oct under UFE Window to assist Iraqi Refugees. The disbursement was on 30 Oct. the amount is 500,000 US $ o UNICEF-FAO-WHO-WFP second CERF applications were submitted on 31 Jan 2008 under RR Window
o Drought Flash Appeal:
? Joint UNCT Assessment Mission was conducted in August; lead by FAO and in cooperation with national partners
? Based on the findings of the Assessment, a Syria Drought Flash Appeal was prepared by participated agencies, national partners and supported by UN OCHA
? A donor meeting was organized by the RCU; where the UNCT and national partners presented findings of the assessment mission
? The Syria Drought Flash Appeal was launched in Geneva
? CERF participated in Funding 9.3% of the total amount of projects reflected in the Drought Flash Appeal
? Non-Cost Extension was prepared for WFP and FAO’s projects that were funded by CERF
|
$5,000.00 |
$4,497.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Security |
|
Security Management Team
|
b- Regular SMT meetings held
d- USG DSS informed on all important security issues
|
a- Regular SMT meetings held
b- Regular reports drafted and submitted to USG DSS |
• Regular SMT meetings held to review the security situations:
o Decisions were taken in SMT meeting to augment security of staff and offices o Reviewed the Security Risk Assessments and endorsed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNCT Security Plan
|
a- Security Plan updated
b- Rehearsal the Plan
c- Keeping informed all staff on security issues and measures |
a- Security plan updated
b- Rehearsal is conducted
c- Regular security information is conveyed |
• Security Plan updated regularly and posted on the website:
o Plan was rehearsed in November 2007
o Regular Security Advisories were issued
o Keeping informed all Focal Points and Wardens on security issues and measures
o SMT Training by DSS HQ for UNCT members |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
a- Supervising the security staff
b- Liaising with the Govt on security
c- Supervise the UN Radio Room activities and ensure emergency communication equipment are ready to use |
a- Security staff provided due assessment and advice b- Received Host Govt's support
c- Regular radio checks d- Equipments are functional |
o Supervising the security staff o Submitted mandatory returns to DSS HQ meeting deadlines
o DSS has been kept informed on all important security issues o Liaising with the Govt on security
o Supervise the UN Radio Room activities and ensure emergency communication equipment are ready to use |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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)
|
Joint outsourcing enhanced, and search for joint premises:
a-preparing for Joint UN Graphic Design and Print workshop
b-at least two new joint service contracts are signed
|
a- Workshop held
b- Two new joint service contracts are signed |
• Joint outsourcing enhanced, and search for joint premises:
o New procurement/bidding procedure was initiated for a new travel agreement between all UN agencies o Renewal of 3 UN agreements with vendors: pouch, supplies and customs o Annual DSA revision completed
o ICSC report for the reclassification of duty station was submitted.
o The search for common premises in ongoing, however high costs of real estate have made this difficult
• Joint UN Graphic Design and Print workshop:
o Print/Design workshop on introduction to Long Term Agreements held with external consultant. Workshop supported financially by UNICEF which has been successfully operating under this modality for production of publications since 2007 o UNICEF funded a workshop for 12 UN staff on management of professional design and printing. Focus was set on the possibilities offered by Long Term Agreements to streamline the UN printing and design operations in Syria. UNICEF offered other agencies to benefit from the system it successfully runs since 2007. Process incomplete, not yet endorses by UNCT Follow-up should be envisaged in 2009, as gains in terms of staff time, price and quality should be clear. UNICEF will come back to UNCT on this
o Terms of reference for a second mission (by same consultant) to draft LTA for all agencies submitted to UNCT (no feedback) o UNCT did not endorse second mission. |
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planned initiatives on common premises
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other (specify) |
|
Other (specify)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Result Area 2: UN Advocacy and Resource Mobilization |
| Joint UNCT Advocacy and Communications |
|
Development/implementation of the UNCT communications/advocacy strategy & plan
|
set joint UN Media and Communications/Advocacy agenda |
|
• Set joint UN Media and Communications/Advocacy agenda
o Media UNCT consultancy, advocacy and coverage for UNCT activities, events, and UN Days provided and organized by the RCU and in cooperation with the UN Media and Communications Group o Planting the UN Forest in February 2008
o Finalizing the communications agenda and identifying actions for the next quarter
o UN Day celebrated in cooperation with the Government of Syria, as well as extensive local coverage about the role of the UN in Syria, and Syria’s role in the UN o UN active participation in annual International Charity Bazaar; funds from the Bazaar were donated to the Diplomatic Club in Syria o Local and regional media coverage of over 60 of the UN’s projects and activities in 2008, through the UN RC’s Office
• Development of Syria UN website:
o Webmaster recruited in April 2008
o Website design developed
o UN Communications Group meeting held for finalizing design and collecting content for the website o Website (English version) launched by May 25
o Website traffic: 56,300 visitors to date, daily average of 480 visits; 60% of visitors are from Syria
o Recruitment of 3 UN writers, managed by UNV/UNDP/RCU
• International Volunteer Day 2008: Volunteer for the Environment (focus on MDG 7) (2008):
In corporation with the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment (MoLAE), a number of UN agencies and NGOs in Syria organized and implemented an Environmental Campaign: “Volunteer for the Environment: Enough with the Plastic, Use Canvas Bags”. The Campaign took place in Damascus, Lattakia and UNRWA Yarmouk Camp, and volunteers for the Campaign were mobilized from Universities, NGOs, UN staff, government employees and staff from donor and sponsoring organizations. 1200 volunteers and 1000 children participated in the various activities. 4000 canvas bags were distributed along with 5000 flyers, 1550 environmental booklets for adults and 1550 environmental booklets for children. Min. 10 articles were published and 3 TV shows broadcasted in national and local news media. The Campaign will lead to the establishment of an Environmental Volunteer Network hosted by an NGO that will develop activities and projects for sustainable development and environment within a long term development perspective. (Among others, RC donated funds for the IVD) |
$7,000.00 |
$13,705.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
development of Syria UN website |
website launched |
Refer to previous |
$8,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Joint UNCT Resource Mobilization Strategy |
|
Development/implementation of RM strategy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Result Area 3: 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
|
enhancing participation of non-resident UN agencies in joint programming |
|
• Participation of non-resident UN agencies in joint programming enhanced:
o Involve non-resident agencies in joint-programming opportunities
o Support from the UN RC Office for media coverage of nonresident agencies’ visits to Syria o More than 3 UN missions, including Regional Directors, Non-resident Agencies Representatives and SRSGs were coordinated, facilitated and co-planned by the RC/UNCT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Result Area 4: Coordination Capacity of the UNCT |
| Strengthening UNCT Coordination Capacity |
|
RCO Staffing
|
Enhance the capacity of the RCO |
4 staff members, coordination analyst, coordination associate, webmaster, and an administrative assistant |
o 5 staff members, coordination analyst, media consultant (UNCT), coordination associate, webmaster, and an administrative assistant
o Webmaster cost shared by UNCT
o NOA position (funded by OCHA) recruited for coordinating emergency response/contingency planning |
$60,000.00 |
$82,847.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$17,196.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Materials/Equipment
|
|
|
o 5 notebooks, one color printer for external use, and one digital recorder |
|
$9,451.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Training of UN staff
|
Capacity development for staff |
Staff participated in capacity building workshops |
o Training plan for each staff member completed o Staff participated in capacity building workshops
o Staff participation in Pandemic Contingency Planning and Results Based Planning workshops
o Coordination Officer’s participation in International Executive Media and Television Workshop; Bangkok, Thailand
o Coordination Analyst participation in CERF workshop; Cairo, Egypt
o Producing Humanitarian Reports Work Shop in Cairo, Egypt |
$6,000.00 |
$14,333.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
• Communication between UN HQ and GoS facilitated
• UNHQ evaluation and requests (UNCT/RC Appraisal)submitted
• ICSC Hardship Classification reviewed and resubmitted. Damascus was down-graded from A to B Duty station
• Place-to-Place Survey completed
• UN missions, and visa issuance facilitated
• Support and facilitation for UNCT and Government participation in conferences:
o 2nd Middle East and North Africa Regional Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen, 19-21 May 2008: Regional Office for West Asia and North Africa (WANA), United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Cairo Branch of the Arab Academy informed RCU of this conference
• UNCT meetings
o UNCT monthly regular meetings: Jan 29 at UNRWA, Mar 26 at UNRWA
o Other UNCT meetings on occasion of UN missions • Kalamoon University project “Volunteer for Development club’ (focus on MDG 4, 5 and 6) (2008-2009): In partnership with Ministry of Health and WHO (healthy villages), students from the health and nutrition faculty at Kalamoon University are trained on development, activity planning and community service. A volunteer mechanism will be set-up in selected Healthy Villages through which student members of the Volunteer Club will volunteer to share their knowledge on health and nutrition with the community members, women and children included. |
|
$5,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TOTAL |
|
|
|
$139,000.00 |
$140,206.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$54,358.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
$6,730.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joint Programmes
*** no joint programmes reported ***
Coordination Procedures and Practices
| Coordination practices and procedures |
| CP |
Results |
Recommendations to DGO |
| UN Website:
A UN Webmaster was recruited on a cost sharing basis between the resident UN agencies in Syria. The UN Syria website was launched shortly afterwards.
The website design and content was agreed upon with the UN Communications Group in Syria and portrays the work of the UN in Syria as one. Material for the website is received on a daily basis from Communication focal points in UN agencies; the website also includes advocacy for non resident agencies and programmes.
Material for the website includes human interest stories on UN projects in the country, researched and written by journalist recruited on a voluntary basis. The website increased awareness of the UN's activities in Syria and proved to be an excellent advocacy tool. |
Transaction costs: | Recruiting a UN webmaster and designing the UN Syria website on a cost sharing basis, as well as the inclusiveness of the process of launching the website, proved to be cost effective and efficient. |
Advocacy for the UN is imperative, and more funds should be assigned specifically for enhancing communication activities for the UN. |
| Achievements: | The UN Syria Website is a one stop shop for decision makers, donors, media and the public. It includes information and statistics about Syria, a UN project database as well as snapshots of UN agencies operating in the country and the breadth of their work. Since the launch, the website receives about 500 hits per day, with 60% of the visitors from Syria.
|
| Lessons learned: | - Funds for the website should be specifically allocated by headquarters, as the UNCT might not have sufficient funds to continue to finance a webmaster.
- The process of launching a website for the UN must be an inclusive one, and input from all agencies is important.
- To keep the website up to date and interesting, writers for the website should be recruited separately to ensure a continuous flow of news and stories.
|
| Pandemic Contingency Planning Simulation:
A simulation training workshop on pandemic preparedness was held for UN staff and national counterparts with the full support of UNSIC. This majorly enhanced the understanding of pandemic contingency planning.
As a result of this training, sub groups were established to finalize the UN Avian Influenza Contingency Plan, with enhanced participation from all UN agencies. |
Transaction costs: | The training on pandemic contingency planning was held with no extra cost for the UN in Syria, as the full expertise and support of UNSIC was utilized. |
|
| Achievements: | As a result of the simulation, the drafting of the UN Avian Influenza Contingency Plan is in progress |
| Lessons learned: | - The participation of national counterparts made the process of contingency planning much more substantive, and involving the Government at an early stage in the process is important.
- Utilizing the expertise of UNSIC in the process was effective in terms of cost saving and setting the team working on the plan on the right track.
|
2009 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 (WORKPLAN09) |
| UNCT Contribution to the National Development Plan/Poverty Reduction Strategy/MD and MDGs plan |
UN support to formulation/implementation of relevant national strategies or plans e.g. JAS/NDP/PRSP |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
UN plan to support the implementation of the Millennium Declaration, including scaling up MDG initiatives * |
• A joint UN project on scaling up the achievement of the MDGs in the North-East Region, with UNDP as a lead agency, is developed, including review of the possibility of establishing a joint UN field sub-office
• Joint UN support is provided for the drafting and issuance of the 3rd National MDG Report (previous were 2003, 2005), with UNDP as a lead agency |
• Project document finalized
• The 3rd National MDG Report is drafted with technical support and input from the UNCT, and a launching workshp is held |
|
$15,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/11/2009 |
UN support to capacity development strategies |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
UN assistance to national authorities for the preparation of the national report on the implementation of the Brussels Programme of Action of LDCs 4 * |
N/A |
|
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Formulation/implementation of a transition plan or strategy 5 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 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 |
• Within the framework of UNDP’s project on Aid coordination: o Provide technical and logistical support to the State Planning Commission (SPC) in organizing Donor Coordination meetings in 2009 o Finalize database on aid coordination, housed within SPC o Conduct capacity assessment and implement capacity development for SPC and relevant national stakeholders on donor coordination and aid effectiveness |
o Donor Coordination meetings are held o Database on aid coordination is finalized o Capacity assessment and and development are conducted |
|
$10,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
30/06/2009 |
|
UN support to aid coordination/management |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| UNDAF/Common Programming |
Efforts to align UN programme cycle with national development cycle * |
• UNCT Work-Planning retreat held to review UNCT working plans/programmes for 2009 in view of developing a common vision, prepare for the UNDAF MTR, and optimize potential aspects of “Delivering as One” in the case of UNCT Syria
• UNCT team-building retreat held, in view of maximizing coordination and common programming
• UNDAF Midterm Review conducted, with the close involvement of Government partners, and in parallel with the review of the National 10th Year Plan, to ensure alignment and complementarily |
• UNCT Work-Planning retreat held
• UNCT team-building retreat held
• UNDAF Midterm Review conducted |
|
$30,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
18/03/2009 |
30/05/2009 |
|
15/11/2009 |
Preparation of CCA/UNDAF |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation of UNDAF M&E framework * |
• An interagency monitoring and evaluation working group is established and trained, and M&E calendar reviewed, based on the UNDAF midterm Review |
• Group is established and trained, and M&E calendar reviewed |
|
$5,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/11/2009 |
UNDAF Annual Review/ UNDAF Evaluation |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Progress towards UNDAF outcomes (drawing from your UNDAF Annual Review) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Joint Programmes6 |
Preparation/ implementation of new Joint Programmes * |
• Potential joint programs with maximum impact are identified, based on the UNDAF Midterm Review |
• Potential joint programs with maximum impact are identified |
|
$5,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
15/12/2009 |
M&E of Joint Programmes |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| HACT |
Plan for the roll-out/implementation 7 of HACT in the country * |
• A draft MoU is reached with the national government for HACT implementation, Based on the UNDP project on Aid Coordination • Macro-assessment is conducted, based on a desk review of available assessments |
• A draft MoU is reached
• Macro-assessment is conducted |
|
$3,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
30/08/2009 |
|
Strengthening national systems/capacities through HACT |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Gender Equality |
UN support to incorporation of gender equality in national planning processes (such as National Development Strategies; PRSPs; SWAPs; Joint Assistance Strategies, etc.) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Capacity development for Gender theme groups to support UNCT to respond to national priorities for gender equality. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| HIV/AIDS |
Establishment of Joint UN Team on AIDS and implementation of joint programme of support on AIDS * |
Already exists |
|
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
UN support to the national response to AIDS through strengthening the Three Ones * |
• The process of designing the HIV/AIDS NSP is launched, on the basis of the findings and recommendations of the SARA
• HIV/AIDS proposals for GFATM Round 9 are finalize and submitted
• National M&E system is strengthened |
• The process of designing the HIV/AIDS NSP is launched
• HIV/AIDS proposals for GFATM Round 9 are finalize and submitted
• National M&E system is strengthened |
|
$6,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
HIV/AIDS in the Workplace * |
Awareness campaign for UN staff on HIV/AIDS held, including all UN agencies in the country |
Awareness campaign for UN staff held |
|
$1,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Human Rights |
Application of Human Right Based Approach |
• UNCT is trained on Human-Rights-based planning
• National counterparts are trained of Human Rights Based Approach according to their needs
• Visit is organized and facilitated for the Field Mission of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of Palestinian People and Arabs of the Occupied Territories. |
• UNCT is trained on Human-Rights-based planning
• National counterparts are trained on Human Rights Based Approach
• Visit is organized and facilitated for the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of Palestinian People and Arabs of the Occupied Territories |
|
$10,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
30/08/2009 |
|
Strengthening the capacity of UNCTs to support national human rights protection systems |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 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) |
• New bidding processes for three joint UN agreements (pouch, supplies and customs) are drafted
• Travel agreement extension upon satisfactory performance is conducted
• DSA survey completed for 2009
• Housing Survey completed for 2009
|
• New bidding processes for three joint UN agreements is conducted
• Travel agreement extension upon satisfactory performance is conducted
• DSA survey completed for 2009
• Housing Survey completed for 2009
|
|
$2,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/01/2009 |
Planned initiatives on common premises |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Other (specify) |
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Coordination of Emergency Preparedness and Relief (WORKPLAN09) |
| Preparedness |
Coordination of emergency preparedness efforts of UNCT members and relevant humanitarian actors |
• AI Pandemic Contingency Plan is reviewed, finalized, and simulation workshop conducted
• Working Group’s TORs defined, and knowledge gaps identified for training
• A comprehensive programme for disaster risk reduction, under UNDP lead, is enhanced
• UN Contingency Plan is reviewed, finalized, and simulation workshop conducted
• Coordination Mechanism on contingency planning is developed with national counterparts |
• Pandemic Contingency Plan is reviewed, finalized, and simulation workshop conducted
• Working Group’s TORs defined, and knowledge gaps identified
• A comprehensive programme for disaster risk reduction is enhanced
• UN Contingency Plan is reviewed, finalized, and simulation workshop conducted
• Coordination Mechanism on contingency planning is developed with national counterparts |
|
$10,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/11/2009 |
| Relief |
Coordination of humanitarian operations |
• Coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance to the refugee population in Syria is resumed; refugees from Iraq and other countries; with UNHCR leadership
• Coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance to drought affected population in Syria is resumed; with FAO leadership
• Midterm Review of the IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is conducted
• IRAQ CAP 2009 is regionally assessed in view of launching IRAQ CAP 2010 • Midterm Review of the Syria Drought Appeal is conducted |
• Coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance to the refugee population in Syria is resumed
• Coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance to drought affected population in Syria is resumed
• Midterm Review of the IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is conducted
• IRAQ CAP 2009 is regionally assessed • Midterm Review of the Syria Drought Appeal is conducted |
|
$4,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/11/2009 |
Establishment of Humanitarian Country Team |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Development of a response plan |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Advocy |
• National involvement is enhanced in the Humanitarian sphere through membership in the UNDAC (UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team) • Capacity building of UN Staff on Humanitarian Reporting is conducted
• Capacity building for young journalist on humanitarian reporting is conducted
• Capacity building for national partners on UN humanitarian role is conducted |
• National involvement is enhanced in the Humanitarian sphere • Capacity building of UN Staff on Humanitarian Reporting is conducted
• Capacity building for young journalist on humanitarian reporting is conducted
• Capacity building for national partners on UN humanitarian role is conducted |
|
$15,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/12/2009 |
Resource mobilization |
• Donor meeting for IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is held
• Donor meeting for the Syria Drought Appeal is held |
• Donor meeting for IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is held
• Donor meeting for the Syria Drought Appeal is held |
|
$4,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/10/2009 |
Resource mobilization |
• Donor meeting for IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is held
• Donor meeting for the Syria Drought Appeal is held |
• Donor meeting for IRAQ CAP 2009, Syria part, is held
• Donor meeting for the Syria Drought Appeal is held |
|
$4,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/10/2009 |
| UN Advocacy and Resource Mobilization (WORKPLAN09) |
| Joint UNCT Advocacy and Communications |
Development/implementation of the UNCT communications/advocacy strategy & plan |
• 2009 Work plan and activities of the UN Communication Group is developed |
• 2009 Work plan of the UN Communication Group is developed |
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
30/03/2009 |
|
|
|
Other (specify) |
• Regular and wide scope media coverage of UN activities is maintained
• UN website in Arabic is launched
• UN Day celebration is held
• Different UN Days are advocated and celebrated as fit • UN participation in International Charity Bazaar
• UN Forest is maintained, and eco-friendly activities developed
|
• Regular and wide scope media coverage of UN activities is maintained
• UN website in Arabic is launched
• UN Day celebration is held
• Different UN Days are advocated and celebrated as fit • UN participation in International Charity Bazaar
• UN Forest is maintained, and eco-friendly activities developed
|
|
$12,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Joint UNCT Resource Mobilization Strategy |
Development/implementation of RM strategy |
• Database of UN projects is developed into a publication/RM brochure
• Quarterly donor briefing is held with UNCT participation
• Quarterly press briefing is held for informed media coverage of UN work in Syria |
• Database of UN projects is developed into a publication/RM brochure
• Quarterly donor briefing is held with UNCT participation
• Quarterly press briefing is held for informed media coverage of UN work in Syria |
|
$10,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Security Management (WORKPLAN09) |
| Security |
Duty station specific security risk assessment (SRA) for all locations in the country where UN staff are present |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation of mitigating measures as identified in SRA |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
• An alternate UN Radio Room is set up
• VHF radio communication in the city is improved, through coordination with relevant UN technicians and government authorities |
• An alternate UN Radio Room is set up
• VHF radio communication in the city is improved |
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Up to date security plan |
• SP is reviewed on regular basis and security environment monitored
• Reconnaissance of all alternate Concentration Points and evacuation routes is conducted
• Liaison and coordination with concerned authorities to implement the security plan at any time is maintained
• Evacuation plan is rehearsed |
• SP is reviewed on regular basis and security environment monitored
• Reconnaissance of all alternate Concentration Points and evacuation routes is conducted
• Liaison with concerned authorities is maintained • Evacuation plan is rehearsed |
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Security Management Team |
• SMT meetings are held monthly and emergency meetings as and when required
• SMT members’ training is conducted in consultation with DSS HQs
• Three Alternate DOs has are appointed, SMT to monitor that at least one of the alternates (FC UNDOF, Rep. UNICEF and WHO) is present at the duty station at all time |
• SMT meetings are held, and emergency meetings as and when required
• SMT members’ training is conducted
• Three Alternate DOs are appointed |
|
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Implementation of security training for staff |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Non-Resident UN Agencies (WORKPLAN09) |
| 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 |
• Cooperation with non-resident agencies is enhanced through: o Regular involvement in UNCT meetings o Media coverage of their activities o Facilitation of cooperation with governmental counterpart o Involvement in UNCT retreats o Involvement in UNDAF midterm review o Involvement in joint programs as applicable |
• Cooperation with non-resident agencies is enhanced: o Involvement in UNCT meetings regularized o Media coverage provided o Cooperation with governmental counterpart facilitated o Involvement in UNCT retreats o Involvement in UNDAF midterm review o Involvement in joint programs as applicable |
|
$4,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Coordination Capacity of the UNCT (WORKPLAN09) |
| Strengthening UNCT Coordination Capacity |
RCO Staffing |
• Fixed term contract for UNCT Media Consultant
• Renewal of webmaster contract
• UN Coordination Analyst, UN Coordination Officer, UN Administrative Assistant |
• Contracts of UN Webmaster and UNCT Media Consultant renewed |
|
$80,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Materials/Equipment |
Printer for the RCU |
Printer purchased |
|
$500.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Training of UN staff |
Training of RCU staff on required skills, as per management decsion |
RCU staff trained on required skills |
|
$10,000.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
30/12/2009 |
Other (specify) |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
$240,500.00 |
|
$0.00 |
|
$0.00 |
|
$0.00 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
