HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Democracy and Local Governance
Start date: September 2005
End date: May 2011
Project budget: $ 2,766,902 (Democracy/Local Governance Sector only)
Implementer: World Learning/Macedonia
Objectives
Improve the performance of institutions considered key to the future of Macedonia within the context of the USAID strategy.
Components
Capacity Development Program: develop capacities at established and start-up institutions by conducting performance assessments and implementing a series of performance improvement solutions.
HIDP also provides training to USAID’s local partners, academic programs to strengthen emerging leaders, interventions addressing specific technical areas at local partner organizations, and small grants to ensure that project alumni succeed in carrying out action plans developed during their training.
Achievements/Impact (among Democracy/Local Governance Sector institutions)
Ministry of Justice (MOJ) - The leadership and strategic planning skills of the MOJ’s top management team have been enhanced, enabling them to align MOJ strategic objectives with those of the Government of Macedonia. In order to monitor and measure the execution of the MOJ strategy, Balanced Scorecards were introduced as a performance management system. In addition, MOJ information technology (IT) integration has been achieved by implementing anti-virus and firewall security measures on the servers in the IT Center and the MOJ workstations. Note: this program was completed in December 2008.
State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) - A State Program for Prevention and Repression of Corruption and an Action Plan were developed. Assets Declaration software was developed and installed at the SCPC, resulting in a more efficient exchange of information between the SCPC and the Public Revenue Office. In addition, a State Program for Prevention and Reduction of Conflict of Interest was developed and members of the judiciary and the prosecution were trained in recognizing and solving such cases. To further promote the SCPC’s role and mandate, strengthen its internal communications and improve its public image, an anti-corruption public awareness campaign was designed and implemented. Note: this program was completed in December 2009.
Association of Local Self-Government Units (ZELS) – ZELS’ strategic planning process has become more inclusive through active involvement of all stakeholders in local governance, including all mayors, council presidents, administrative municipal staff, and ZELS executive office staff. In line with ZELS’ efforts to achieve greater self-sustainability, HIDP supported ZELS in designing the structure and improving the management of training delivery. In order to sustain ZELS knowledge management, a system for HR management and staff development of ZELS executive office was developed.
Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) – AJM Statute was revised and books of rules were drafted in order to reconcile differing viewpoints on how to govern the association and better represent its members. This initiative resulted in better defined goals, inclusion of member services and membership criteria, a clear description of assembly structure and institution of an Executive Director position, all leading to improved governance and management of the AJM. A PR campaign for stimulating and reactivating the existing AJM members and attracting new members to join was conducted. Following the campaign, AJM conducted an assembly and elected new governing bodies.
Sustainability/Legacy
Increased capacity of targeted state institutions and their staff will lead to increased effectiveness and efficiency in combating corruption, enhancing the democratic processes and decentralization, and promoting the rule of law.
Contact Information
Contact at USAID: Ivica Vasev, COTR: ivasev@usaid.gov
Chief of Party: Valbona Morina Maksut: Valbona.Morina-Maksut@worldlearning.org
Information Officer: Maja Petkovska: Maja.Petkovska@worldlearning.org
Website: www.worldlearning.org.mk