KFair Vienna 28-30 Sept 2010 Defining the role of the UN in policy advice and implementation

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KFair Vienna 28-30 Sept 2010 Defining the role of the UN in policy advice and implementation by Mind Map: KFair Vienna 28-30 Sept 2010 Defining the role of the UN in policy advice and implementation

1. Focused on strengthening local competitive advantage of the UN to guide policy / implementation work

1.1. Issues

1.1.1. Need to balance acknowledging local capacities and interests with UN mandate and advocacy role

1.1.2. Role of the UN in Middle Income Countries

1.1.2.1. Policy advice is a much more important role than implementation

1.1.2.2. Highlight international agenda (MDGs, etc.) but aligned to the needs of the local population

1.2. Moving forward...

1.2.1. KM / We should build our capacity to present our knowledge to national counterparts

1.2.2. Consultation with local and government stakeholders to identify competitive advantages. UNDAF processes are a good means where available

1.2.3. Act as a convener and act as a collector

1.2.4. Have an open dialogue with stakeholders about impact/contribution of the UN to achieve country goals

2. Aligned with needs at country

2.1. Issues

2.1.1. Policy advice and implementation is about relationships and long term commitments with host government

2.1.2. Multi-lateral, multi-angle (bottom up and top down) approaches are required

2.1.3. National counterparts should be involved from the begining in implementation

2.1.4. Align planning and policy to local needs

2.2. Moving forward...

2.2.1. Assessments are key and must be performed jointly: make CCA as participatory and inclusive as possible

2.2.1.1. Look into priorities, national and international

2.2.1.2. Look into capacities

2.2.2. Interventions must be agreed as one

2.2.3. Coordination is essential, keeping one voice

3. Summary of commonly agreed recommendations to enhance positioning of the UN in policy advice and implementation at the country level

3.1. Involve stakeholders throughout all stages

3.2. Using existing processes (UNDAFs, CCAs, etc.) more effectively and widely. Should not reinvent the wheel.

3.3. Agree on targets and monitor them

3.4. Knowledge management at the regional level: Highlighting best practice

3.5. Strengthen the One UN approach, speaking with one common voice

4. Advocacy and coordination: Strengthen the RC system

4.1. Issues

4.1.1. Resident Coordinator has a key role to play to project One UN

4.1.2. Governments like to see the UN as a single entity

4.2. Moving forward...

4.2.1. Entry briefing on mandate of agencies, including non resident agencies

4.2.2. Mapping who's doing what to overcome partners/agencies not being aware of the competencies of other agencies

4.2.3. Since RC offices are weak in terms of staff, it is proposed promoting rotation/exchange of staff technical/RC office for a few days per month

4.2.4. Advocacy on IADG and conventions agreed by national authorities while raising to donors national capacities to favour local implementation

4.2.5. Promoting K Fairs and knowledge sharing on the results and lessons learned from projects

5. Increase effectiveness of the UN system

5.1. Issues

5.1.1. Effectiveness requires stable and predictable procedures

5.1.2. Credibility

5.1.2.1. Reliance on consultants hinders credibility of the UN's capacity

5.1.2.1.1. In some cases, reliance on consultants is beneficial to ensure fast turnover response to country requests

5.1.2.2. Increasing and improving in-house capacity to build up reputation

5.2. Moving forward...

5.2.1. UN needs to make clear what agency to approach for what

5.2.1.1. Example: CEB Thematic brochure on Trade capacity building

5.2.2. Internal business practices at country level must be harmonized, detached from HQ, through greater decentralization and empowerment at the country level

5.2.3. Aligning with global commisions

5.2.4. HQ should foster harmonization of all policies and make better use of technology to facilitate flow of information

5.2.5. Inclusion of non-resident agencies in all planning and consultation processes

6. UN system as a catalyzer

6.1. Moving forward...

6.1.1. Procedural aspects

6.1.1.1. Continuation of UNDAF and joint programmes, but enhancing inclusiveness of government counterparts in the process

6.1.2. Substantial aspects

6.1.2.1. Present or expose its neutral voice on the progress of policy implementation, providing judgement on progress against international benchmarks

6.1.2.2. On M&E, fostering and making public evaluation and assessment of the policies at the country level

6.1.2.3. Highlight good policies and practices elsewhere as models

7. Delivering as One (joint programming) in policy advice and implementation is about a mindset: what we do we must do together

7.1. Moving forward...

7.1.1. Relation building exercises (KFairs, retreats, brown-bag lunches...) at personal level

7.1.2. Empowering the RC Office to fund raise from agency budgets

7.1.3. Pragmatically increase collabroation at technical level

7.1.4. Holistic approach at programme level based on issues (fostering task forces, etc.)

7.1.5. Encouraging "transfer" of requests to relevant agencies, tracked by UNDG to reward compliance