HUMAN AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Economic Growth
Start date: September 2005
End date: May 2011
Project budget: $ 3,428,632 (Economic Growth 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 Economic Growth Sector institutions)
Public Procurement Bureau (PPB) – A Public Procurement Training Center was established, which has produced the first generation of 43 certified public procurement specialists from both the public and the private sector who then trained 350 representatives of both sectors. To further assist PPB clients, a call center was established to respond to clients’ questions on a daily basis. The Public Procurement Strategic Plan 2010-2012 was developed. A PPB personnel development plan was created and, as a result, PPB staff improved their EU negotiation skills.
ICT Chamber of Commerce (MASIT) – A 2009-2012 Strategic Plan was developed, followed by design of action plans for each MASIT committee and introduction of two new member services. A governance policy, a human resources management policy and manual, and an advocacy and lobbying policy were developed to regulate and improve the work of MASIT executive office and bodies. One immediate result was the establishment of the Advocacy and Lobbying Task Force, which developed public procurement of ICT and broadband position papers, supported by background studies, and continued lobbying on these issues with relevant institutions.
Ministry of Economy – The management of both external public relations and internal communications has been strengthened, resulting in the improved overall performance and public image of the Ministry. Strategic Plans for external and internal communication were developed. A Sector for Coordination of the Activities of the Minister was established and roles and responsibilities within the Sector were defined.
Macedonian Human Resources Association (MHRA) – Standard operating procedures and processes for the MHRA Executive Office were designed. MHRA started offering the most requested services, such as Experience Exchange Groups and international HR conferences. In order to better leverage MHRA manpower, volunteer committees were established and training and coaching for their members were provided. HIDP has been supporting the HR Certification Committee to develop HR professional standards, a code of conduct and an HR certification program.
Sustainability/Legacy
By improving the performance of targeted entities and their staff, particularly with respect to effectiveness and efficiency, those entities will become more supportive of national economic growth. More specifically, government institutions are now required to have a certified procurement officer serve on each procurement committee. Also, now there is an official mechanism for communication between MASIT and the government on how to address ICT industry issues.
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