Promoting TALD through the Thematic Program CSO-LA

The rules of the Game

Marina JUAN OLIVA – DevCO B2

Contents of the session

• I- Thematic program CSO-LA vs bi-lateral

• II- Grants vs other types of financing

• III- Smart guidelines key to successful promotion of TALD

• IV- Smart Support Measures beyond the portfolio

I- Thematic program CSO-LA vs bi-lateral

1. Specificities and interests of the TP CSO-LA

• Support CSOs/LAs' role in governance and development

• Actor-led initiative

• Actor-based initiative

• Strong focus on local capacity development (local empowerment?)

• 2. Aid and implementation modalities

• Project approach

• Centralised management

• Call for proposals - Direct awards

• Procurement of services

II- Grants vs other types of financing

1. A broader tool?

• Competitive procedures

• Intervention logic drafted only by CSOs-LAs

• Co-financing rule

• 2. A tool to use wisely

• Mitigate the risks

Smart guidelines

Smart support measures

III- Drafting smart guidelines: a strategic and political tool

• 1. Beforehand

• Read CSO-LA Action Documents carefully

• Good knowledge of country context and agenda

• Comprehensive vision at EUD level (bi-lateral, dialogue)

• 2. Drafting guidelines step by step

2.1 Background

• Standard info on CSO-LA

• Past & current vision for CSO-LA in the country

• Complementarity with other programmes

2.2 Objectives and priorities

• Based on problem analysis, stakeholder analysis, risk analysis, lessons learnt (like bilateral Action Document)

• Narrow down the scope by geographical area, type of LAs, sector, scope of partnerships…

• Coherent portfolios: more impact, synergies, exchanges of best practices, lessons learnt

2.3 Financial allocation

• Lots compulsory for CSOs and LAs ( budget lines)

• Lots: can establish different rules for local actors vs. European, separate levels, types of actions…

• Ring-fencing: same rules for all but % set aside (locals, territories…)

• Sub-granting/support to third parties: handle with care…

Focus on sub-granting

• "Learning by doing" approach

• Risks & workload with main applicants

• Ownership & sustainability essential

2.4 Eligibility criteria

• Offer the possibility to ensure smart combination of stakeholders

• Partnerships based on status and capacities

• Associate status to involve private sector

IV- Smart support measures

1. Before launching Call for Proposals

• Support studies on TALD related issues

• Consultations to identify entry points for TALD

• Provide training for LAs

2. During and after the call

During the evaluation of proposals

• Information sessions• Helpdesk for short-listed applicants (equal treatment !)

After contracting selected projects

• Training, coaching, networking, exchanges of experience, study visits, system audits…

• Exchanges with government and other stakeholders